Spiritual Survival
In the aftermath of World War II, humanity faced an unprecedented crisis. The devastation left in the war’s wake was not only physical but also spiritual. As the world struggled to rebuild and reconcile with the horrors they had witnessed, a new movement emerged: Spiritual Survival.
A New Era of Seekers
In the 1950s and 1960s, a generation of seekers arose, driven by a desire to understand the mysteries of existence and find meaning in the face of uncertainty. This was an era marked by great turmoil, but also by great transformation. As philosopher Alan Watts noted, “The universe is not something outside us that we have to explore; it’s something inside us that we have to discover.”
- Sufi Masters: Sufi mystics like Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and his wife, Pir Zohra Elahie, brought the ancient wisdom of Islamic mysticism to the West. They emphasized the importance of devotion, selfless love, and inner transformation.
- Hindu Renaissance: As Indian independence movement gained momentum, Hinduism experienced a renaissance. Swami Satchidananda’s Integral Yoga and Sri Aurobindo’s concept of Supermind became influential in Western spiritual circles.
- Gnostic Revival: The discovery of the Nag Hammadi library and other ancient texts sparked a renewed interest in Gnosticism, an esoteric Christian movement that emphasized individual gnosis (knowledge) and the importance of direct experience.
The Birth of Spiritual Survival
In 1965, spiritual leaders from around the world gathered at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. This historic gathering birthed the concept of Spiritual Survival: a comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis facing humanity. As described by Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy, “We realized that our individual survival depended on finding a deeper sense of meaning and connection with each other and the universe.”
“The spiritual dimension is not an afterthought; it’s the foundation upon which all else is built.” – Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
As the world continued to evolve, Spiritual Survival became a guiding principle for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe. This movement paved the way for future generations of seekers, who would go on to shape the course of human history.
Learn More:
* Esalen Institute
* Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
* Sri Aurobindo
