From its days in early 19th century, to its resurgence in the 60's and 70's, the new age movement has come a long way. While some traditionalists might frown at the new-fangled, untested ideas and philosophies of the "new agers," many new age beliefs and practices are actually derived from ancient sources and have stood the test of time.
New Age Beliefs
Some New Age beliefs include:
- Universal love and acceptance.
- Science and spirituality are in harmony with each other.
- We are all connected beings.
- Thoughts and emotions are powerful and life changing.
What Constitutes New Age
New age is really a newly packaged collection of ancient belief systems spanning several centuries and continents. Some of its chief influences are from:
- Hinduism and Buddhism - Bhagvad Gita, philosophies of Vedanta and Advaita have been instrumental in molding some of the very basic beliefs of the new age community. Principles of past life regression, reincarnation, a powerful female Goddess in addition to a male God, are embedded in these ancient cultures. Hinduism is considered the oldest known spiritual tradition in the world.
- Gnosticism - Gnosticism believes that humans are divine souls trapped in a material world. Gnostic sects are believed to have existed prior to the first century BCE.
- Mind Body Medicine - New age beliefs about medicine are that physical disease is a manifestation of physical, mental and emotional imbalances. The Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is believed to be 5000 years old, followed a holistic healing method, involving the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the person being treated and these principles are used in many disciplines of alternative medicine.
- Astrology - Predictions and explanations based on the relative positions of celestial bodies, astrology is believed to have its earliest recorded beginnings in 3rd century BC
- Energy Healing - "Reiki" or the ancient Japanese practice of channeling the universal spiritual energy for healing, is said to have been rediscovered by Dr.Mikao Usui in 1922. Now, Reiki has is popular all over the western and eastern world.
- Channeled Inspiration - Many new age books of our time are works of channeled material (of non-physical entities) that impart thought provoking words of wisdom. Some of them are Abraham channeled by Esther Hicks, Michael channeled by many around the world, Orin and Daben channeled by Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer.
- Meditation - The ancient practice of quieting the mind has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, relieve life style related disorders.
- Shamanism - Shamanism, considered 40,000 years old, is a range of beliefs that are concerned with communication between the physical and the spirit world.
- Wicca - This is a neopagan, duotheistic, nature based religion whose followers worship a God and a Goddess.
- Quantum Physics - According Dr.Amit Goswami (a theoretical quantum physicist), "Quantum physics is the physics of possibilities." Reality is identified with perception of the observer. Principles of new age believers such as, "Positive thinking attracts a positive, healthy and abundant life," find acceptance and support among the quantum physics community of scientists.
New Age beliefs can be thought of as the collage of the best aspects of the east and the west - the ancient and the modern. Its non-rigidity appeals to followers that prefer not to conform to strict standards of their ancestral religion.
New Age could be one of many answers to the inquiries of the global human, who is defined less by his/her region, religion, nationality or ethnicity, who speaks the universal language of love, compassion, respect and acceptance.
Suggested Reading
New Age Activities in Sedona, Arizona
Subha Ekambaram - I'm fascinated by the self healing processes of the human body and the alternative methods that accelerate it. I like to be present where ...
Join the Conversation