What will be the next big talking point in psychology and spirituality?
Radha and I were driving back from Yarrahappani, the retreat centre in the forest, near Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia in early December. I engaged in a little future speculation. What would be the next major talking point in the world of MBS (mind, body and spirit)? Currently, mindfulness seems to hold top spot.
I recalled one major US publisher telling me that the publishing house employed around 30 people who conducted surveys, met leading figures in spirituality and psychology, to endeavour to predict the next major trend. The publishing house wanted to catch the early curve of any trend and so publish books on the theme. Sometimes one book sparks huge interest and becomes a massive best seller triggering an entire spiritual industry.
Recently, I reflected on some of the trends since the mid 1980’s to the present – making allowances for much overlapping. In my perception, which others in the Sangha may share, I would suggest that the current major talking point is mindfulness that has attracted widespread interest and exploration for the past three years or more. Prior to mindfulness, I would suggest the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Go back further, the sangha witnessed the upsurge of numerous schools of yoga. Go further back in time, we find huge interest in Rumi, Advaita (Non-duality), Tsog Chen Tibetan meditation, Mother Meera, H.W.L. Poonja-ji, The Roadless Travelled by M.Scott Peck, engaged Buddhism, Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn and Sayadaw U Pandita. All subject to depend arising and passing in terms of priority of interest. There are other spiritual teachers and books influential in making a real impact on people’s lives.
It would be amazing if we could look into a crystal ball and predict the next big thing in the world of psychology and spirituality. We can’t. It is hard to know what theme, book, teacher or tradition will emerge out of the shadows and become a major area of interest for those engaged in inner work. I am not so bold as to engage in prediction. I would love the word “Dharma” to become a household word in the same way that “Feng Shui” hit the bookshops and found street credibility in the 1990’s that encouraged householders to look at the aesthetics of their room (s). The word “Dharma” still remains largely confined to those familiar with Eastern religions, practices and philosophy.
Global warming and the wars and campaigns against the people of Islam could trigger a major dialogue on religion, science, the ideology of liberal democracy and spirituality. We have been persuaded about belief in choice. That’s another issue deserving much attention. Love serves as the most important and profound experiences in sentient life. Love bridges all that matters. We need to dive collectively into the exploration of love personally, socially, politically and as global creatures. The arts are another important consideration. Despite the global recession, more people than ever before went to the theatre in London in 2009. We want the feeling of aliveness (rather than the screen) and community. Live performance arts have an important part to play for human consciousness offering the potential for both inspiration and insight.
Dharma, love, inter-connectedness, spirituality of politics, questioning of choice and creative and insightful arts may hold the key to the next important trend that becomes a talking point in the world wild Sangha. Something may emerge in one of these areas or an area of priority may arises totally out of the blue – that never even crossed our mind. More trends will arise for sure.
Do give some reflection. Look into your crystal ball. It may have all become clear by the end of 2010. You can send your response to me on Facebook.
PS. If an issue is important for you, then dedicate yourself to the issue. Be quietly persistant over months and years. Put the word out. Fruits will come.