April 2018 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

As life blooms all around, singing the arrival of the Spring, the philosopher can’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty with which Nature adorns herself. It is as if She is celebrating the departure of the old, by rejuvenating, and colorfully extending her invitation to a renewed order. How delightful that around the globe, human civilizations were able to find ways to be able to participate in this moment of transition, through festivals such as holi or purim. Although different in the way they are celebrated, each of these holidays symbolize the chaotic scattering of the old, clearing the way for the arrival of the new.

It is an opportunity for us to deepen our investigation of life! Whether by traveling across continents to explore enchanting corners of the Amazon Rainforest, or even just the simple run to the convenience store around the corner, to pick up your favorite snack – each can be enriching, insightful, and transformative – if only we dare to live every moment with more meaning, depth, consciousness. In doing so, perhaps we might stumble upon our own potential for generosity, for compassion, for justice – virtues that formed the very spirit of chivalry that enabled man to govern himself, rather than be enslaved by erratic emotions and thoughts.

Let us use the blossoming of life as the impulse to nurture the blossoming of human virtue. Let us empower ourselves to pave the way for the onset of a new Golden Age. Let us dare to Discover, Awaken, and Transform.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Life Lessons from the Amazon

April 1, 2018

By Trishya Screwvala

The brief time that I recently spent in Peru’s southern Amazon Forest, really opened my heart to the beauty and infinite wisdom that nature has to offer. The potent combination of heat and humidity makes the Amazon the largest rainforest on Earth, with over four hundred billion trees, 16000 different species, growing in the region1. The unpredictable murky river, and the dense tree cover that envelopes the jungle renders the forest floor almost completely dark. It gave me the impression that beyond the obvious abundance of life, the unique biosphere contained deep mysteries, revealed only to the traveler willing to embark on an inward journey.

A Stoic Guide to Our Emotions

April 1, 2018

By Gilad Sommer

Human beings are often said to be rational creatures, but in reality we are very much emotional creatures as well. More often than not, history is a showcase of tragic actions taken by human beings overcome by their passions. And apart from these grand-scale dramas, our everyday life is full of instances where the right thing is sacrificed for the sake of the urge, the ego, the instinct.

In great theatrical tragedies, such as the Shakespearean King Lear or Romeo and Juliet, the passionate actions taken by the protagonists lead to an unfortunate chain of events of betrayal and death.

The Esoteric Aspect of Chivalry

April 1, 2018

By Julian Scott

The word ‘chivalry’ comes from the French ‘chevalier’, which means ‘knight’ or ‘horseman’. Symbolically, the horse represents the body and its associated energies and emotions, while the rider represents the higher self of the human being, the best and noblest part of ourselves. The knight is not perfect, but is on a path towards perfection. Hence the trials that all knights go through. They sometimes fail, especially in the phase of the Quest of the Holy Grail, and sometimes they get another opportunity and then partially or wholly succeed. In the view of esoteric philosophy, the human being is perfectible; indeed, our destiny as human beings is to develop the divine part of ourselves.

The Secret Truth of Ceremony

April 1, 2018

By Zarina Screwvala

Last year we had a very special gathering of philosophers in Mumbai, and I had the privilege of looking after the meals for this wonderful event. A volunteer was helping me and I remember, as we started our first tasting of the many meals to come, she said, “Let’s make this tasting a ceremony!” Suddenly the whole atmosphere changed. We took our spoons from the chef with attention and care, and slowly scooped up the dish at the same time. We smiled as we put it into our mouths, savoured the wonderful cooking and declared it excellent! The chef was delighted as indeed were all who watched. A mundane task was turned into a memorable and meaningful one. What a joy!

Driving Down the Foodmiles

April 1, 2018

By Ubai Husein

Every living being on this planet, from the mineral to plants, animals, and man, has a role to play in maintaining the fine balance of our ecosystem. If even one of these does not play its part, it will cause an imbalance that affects the whole. Today, when we look at our planet and the destruction we are causing to it, our response is usually emotional; evoking anger, frustration, despair and helplessness against some seemingly greater force that is beyond our control.

Onset of a New Golden Age – Q&A with Pierre Poulain

April 1, 2018

By Manjula Nanavati

At 61, Pierre Poulain exudes an integral energy. His stance is erect, as if poised for action, his eyes curious and attentive, and his speech swift and voluble.

He describes himself as a Philosopher – Photographer, combining these two apparently unrelated disciplines seamlessly. He founded New Acropolis in Israel in 1986, and has taught philosophy ever since. Today, as Regional Director he oversees New Acropolis work through the Asia-Africa-Oceania areas, while also finding the enthusiasm and passion to exhibit his photography work, and is invited to present lectures all over the world.