Spirituality and religion
Transcendent experience
idea
Our days are both rough and slippery. Hope brings traction
I want to defend and buoy hope – it’s a fragile, quirky thing, but it has the power to help us act in the face of finitude
by John Lysaker
Spirituality and religion
idea
UFO belief is a modern outlet for ancient spiritual yearnings
Even when it’s not explicitly religious, belief in alien visitors resembles our oldest ways of making sense of the world
by Francesco Dimitri
Change and self-development
guide
How to thrive after leaving your religion
It can be distressing, but liberating too. Use these tips from clinical practice and personal experience to emerge stronger
by Micah Rees
Music
film
Six minutes with a pan-African gospel choir is a shot of joy for the weary soul
Directed by Samuel Bradley
Sacred places
idea
Why Indian Buddhism has gardens, not monasteries
Wishing trees, jewels, unfading flowers – what place do these sensual pleasures have in the ascetic life of Buddhist monks?
by Simran Agarwal
Mindfulness and meditation
idea
When mindfulness meets capitalism, it loses its way
The modern business of mindfulness strips the practice of both its spiritual meaning and much of its practical value
by Chris Wheatley
Sex and sexuality
film
Sarah recalls how sex, religion and shame have intertwined in her mind
Directed by Lori Malépart-Traversy
Self-harm and suicide
idea
Why religious belief provides a real buffer against suicide risk
Under-recognised as a protective force against suicide, religious faith has multiple features that help to save lives
by David H Rosmarin
Cultural diversity
idea
The Quechua idea ‘pacha’ urges us beyond narrow self-concern
The Quechua term ‘pacha’ embodies an Andean worldview that sees everything as related, transcending narrow self-interest
by Jorge Sanchez Perez
Spirituality and religion
film
An ancient ritual is a window to Mayan culture’s deep past and vibrant present
Directed by Ricky Lopez Bruni