And the implications for ‘spiritual exploration’ as well as for philosophical metaphysics — Introduction: The purpose of this article is to sketch out a contrast between the kind of ‘philosophising’ practiced by the likes of Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) and those of a similar mindset; and ‘philosophising’ in the pursuit of an accurate understanding of one’s ordinary experiential existence, specifically with a view to achieving…

For an educated, sceptical and secularised world? Why not. — Is it possible to outline a new version of Buddhism convincing enough for an educated, sceptical, secularised culture in the 21st century? Why not. After all, the principles of Buddhism —as contained in a Buddhistic approach — are absurdly simple and straightforward. If they seem complicated and unreasonable, it’s because…

And honestly, there is no other way, sorry — (Disclaimer/trigger warning: if you’re big into New Age positivity, then please don’t read what follows: these short articles are for those who are sure there’s got to be more to spirituality than grooving over some idiotic guru or trendy teaching.) These days — in the 2020s — we’re still very…

Doing your spiritual homework #7 — (This is all about clearing a serviceable path through the jungle of confusion and spiritual misdirection. Not as easy and straightforward as one might think. It’s also about an exercise in elementary objective metaphysics.) Where on earth do we start? And how do we establish a ‘fact’ in the first…

Classics of Spiritual Misdirection #9 — Introductory remarks: If any of the books, videos or teachings in this series are essential to your life, and if you love them and depend on them, then please don’t read what follows. It’s not for you. Honestly — stay away ! My intention is not to hurt the feelings of devotees…

How to tell? — Is there ‘only one way’ to spiritual liberation, or are there many paths, all of the same value and efficacy? This is a massively interesting subject, and we can’t hope to do it justice in a short article like this. The best we can do right now is point out…

Why this absurdist fashion to pretend it is? — Who benefits from this nonsense? Well, I suppose we all do, by telling ourselves that, armed with new supposedly scientific and mindfully meditative facts, we are closer to God/enlightenment/liberation/salvation than we were before. We can walk the streets with a spring in our steps. …

Doing your spiritual homework #6 — What’s the point ? What’s life and experience all about ? What’s it all for ? These questions — or something like them — need to form the basis of any serious metaphysical inquiry. And if the metaphysical inquiry is to turn into a genuine metaphysical quest, you have to…

Doing your spiritual homework #5 — Let’s suppose you feel the full weight of life and existence and anything else out there that is capable of weighing you down, and you feel completely lost and adrift. Yet — despite all this, and probably because of it — you would secretly like to ‘have a go’ at…