Over recent decades new age philosophies have come to incorporate many distinct and different ideas. Many things which appear to have no connection are brought under this banner as increasing numbers of people become interested in the concepts. Why are they so broad?
Since the seventies the term new age has been applied to increasing numbers of schools of thought. From the time of flower power and the hippie movement of the seventies these ideas have gained more and more followers. The original meaning of new age referred to the age of Aquarius which people believed was beginning and would bring a new era of peace to the world. Now the term refers to many other aspects of esoteric thought.
Many disparate fields can be included within the term new age such as metaphysics, religion, mysticism, psychology, health and self-help. The majority of theories incorporate both western religions with eastern beliefs. It is common to find a people who believe in Christianity and Buddhism at the same time. Often the emphasis is on an individual deciding on their personal definition of God. A focus on meditation and metaphysical science is also popular as this links in with the central tenet of self improvement.
Disciplines such as Reiki and yoga are often associated with new age beliefs. These disciplines stem from the belief in the importance of energy and the possibility of working with energies to increase well being. Reiki is used to encourage the flow of energy through the body thus maintaining both physical and mental health.
This emphasis on mental, spiritual and physical health has played a significant role in moving people to embrace such varied philosophies. It is possible to take the parts of science and spirituality which are relevant as there is no central dogma in new age philosophies. If something is believed to contribute to self improvement, higher energetic vibrations or the improvement of the planet as a whole then it will be embraced by many new agers.
Environmentalism is often associated with this movement as a respect for nature is a central part of the new age philosophy. Living in harmony with the earth and not wasting natural resources is prevalent among people who consider themselves part of the new age spirituality. Vegetarianism is therefore sometimes considered to be part of this thinking.
This willingness to accept different ideologies means that many well known religions are also a part of the group of philosophies. Ideas from shamanism, Christianity, Buddhism, Chinese folk religions, Hinduism and Kabala are all utilized.
Although new age philosophies vary greatly it is possible to tease out some general themes. Pluralism and spirituality are highly important with a belief that everyone should find their own path and choose their own God. Self improvement is very important but there are no rules about how this is done so ideas are taken from science and religion. Living in harmony with other and the environment is also an important aspect of this way of living.
Since the seventies the term new age has been applied to increasing numbers of schools of thought. From the time of flower power and the hippie movement of the seventies these ideas have gained more and more followers. The original meaning of new age referred to the age of Aquarius which people believed was beginning and would bring a new era of peace to the world. Now the term refers to many other aspects of esoteric thought.
Many disparate fields can be included within the term new age such as metaphysics, religion, mysticism, psychology, health and self-help. The majority of theories incorporate both western religions with eastern beliefs. It is common to find a people who believe in Christianity and Buddhism at the same time. Often the emphasis is on an individual deciding on their personal definition of God. A focus on meditation and metaphysical science is also popular as this links in with the central tenet of self improvement.
Disciplines such as Reiki and yoga are often associated with new age beliefs. These disciplines stem from the belief in the importance of energy and the possibility of working with energies to increase well being. Reiki is used to encourage the flow of energy through the body thus maintaining both physical and mental health.
This emphasis on mental, spiritual and physical health has played a significant role in moving people to embrace such varied philosophies. It is possible to take the parts of science and spirituality which are relevant as there is no central dogma in new age philosophies. If something is believed to contribute to self improvement, higher energetic vibrations or the improvement of the planet as a whole then it will be embraced by many new agers.
Environmentalism is often associated with this movement as a respect for nature is a central part of the new age philosophy. Living in harmony with the earth and not wasting natural resources is prevalent among people who consider themselves part of the new age spirituality. Vegetarianism is therefore sometimes considered to be part of this thinking.
This willingness to accept different ideologies means that many well known religions are also a part of the group of philosophies. Ideas from shamanism, Christianity, Buddhism, Chinese folk religions, Hinduism and Kabala are all utilized.
Although new age philosophies vary greatly it is possible to tease out some general themes. Pluralism and spirituality are highly important with a belief that everyone should find their own path and choose their own God. Self improvement is very important but there are no rules about how this is done so ideas are taken from science and religion. Living in harmony with other and the environment is also an important aspect of this way of living.