New Age

Recently at a spiritual cinema we watched a film from one of the new age gurus. The film was ok and the message was that we do not need the same spiritual directions in later years as we do in our youth. No argument there. One person who I respect as a spiritual leader has problems with the “New Age” books, lectures, films etc. After the after film chat I thought about what he had to say trying to make what was said easier to understand and assimilate it. Essentially the problem with the new age stuff is it simplifies the complex too much. While there is truth at the core of the arguments the main flaw is that it tends to be formulistic. If you do this then you will be happy. While the various things the movement says you should do will make you happier, there is still the chaos that life can give you. One film I found sufficiently annoying to actually comment on much to the dismay of some of the films supporters said, if we eat healthy we will be healthy. Removing the toxins from our food would help us live longer more fulfilled lives. I agree removing toxins from the food we eat is important. I also think eating better reduces illness. Now there are diseases that are inherited, and eating well will not prevent them. Some diseases are more a result of the overall environment than what we eat. Does that mean the ill person did not eat well and should be blamed for the disease they ‘caught’. Some types of flu strike people who are very health conscious and who make a point of living well, eating wholesome foods, and exercise regularly. It is as if this disease targets the very people who are working hard to be healthy. The problem with the generalization of and formalistic approach of the new age is that life is chaotic, and bad stuff happens to good people without them looking for trouble. The formula of just do this and all will be well is nonsensical. The underlying truth in the New Age movement should not be ignored, but then neither should life.