People Around the World Share Stories of Their Spiritual Practices
What is culture? It's a broad and yet nuanced concept that encompasses many different manifestations. Certainly, no comprehensive definition of culture would be complete without including spiritual practices.
A desire to connect with the Divine is a part of the human experience--and how we make that connection personally is our spiritual practice; how we access something larger than ourselves as a collective creates a culture. The ways in which the world’s faiths and spiritual movements are enacted are often a window into a country or region’s culture and history--as well as a thread that ties together far-flung places. And common to many religions are sacred sites of deep cultural heritage, places that inspire journeys of pilgrimage.
This collection of stories tells of Spiritual Practices from around the world - from Slovenia to New Orleans, to Ireland to India, we follow those who undertake inner and outer Pilgrimages in their quest for learning. These stories are not merely about spiritual tourism or religious tourism, but rather inspirational tales of the journey to enlightenment and connection to a place of profound cultural meaning.
In this series we uncover the secrets of Mayan healing and Energy; take a look at what a Pilgrimage really is; explore Celtic mythology; and examine the universal human longings and principles that unite different faiths of the world...as well as what divides us.
We hope that these stories of transformation inspire you, as much as they have us in the process of sharing them.
New Delhi Photographer and Film Maker Benoy Behl shares his adventures across India in search of history and meaning behind art in India. Iconographer Father Kallinkos of Cyprus, himself an icon, reveals his technique & inspiration in this interview held shortly before his death. Fascinated by Celtic spirituality? Want to know more about Celtic Rituals? Meet Dara Molloy, a Celtic priest and author. Sicily’s Good Friday tradition of Misteri di Trapani is one of Europe’s most ancient religious festivals, and honors Trapani’s heritage. A Mayan shaman reveals his knowledge about Mayan culture, cosmos, Mayan healing practices and Mayan spiritual beliefs in this interview. Visit the town of San Juan Chamula in Chiapas Highlands to experience the Tzotzil community’s spiritual blend of Catholicism and shamanism. Curacao Synagogue Mikve Israel-Emanuel is the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Western hemisphere. Learning about Chiapas culture in Mexico’s San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Patricia Ferrer worked with “big man” Sergio Castro. The best things to do in Ullapool will appeal to history and handicraft lovers and all who appreciate the stunning scenery. Take a tour of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District with local Sarah, who offers a primer on unique New Orleans’ traditions. The culture of Malta is known for its colorful celebration of the Catholic holiday, Good Friday, with an elaborately-costumed parade. In southeastern Estonia, the Russian Old Believers live on the Onion Route; the history behind their chief crop on the Russian/Estonia border. The Findhorn eco village community was founded fifty years ago by Eileen and Peter Caddy and Dorothy Maclean, each of whom had followed disciplined spiritual paths for many years. Spiritual journeys can be to a sacred place or inner destination. We explore the meaning of pilgrimages and some of the world’s holy sites. To everyone, places of pilgrimage are something different, but for so many Pilgrimage offers a way to connect: to one’s past or to one’s future. Ever wonder how other countries celebrate Easter? Or how and where certain universally-practiced traditions originate from? El Camino de Santiago is one of Spain’s greatest walks, but it’s more than that to Eva Michaelsen as she is a teacher in meditation. What is pilgrimage? Spiritual seekers share their experiences of El Camino, Hajj, Shraddha, Shikoku temples, Israel birthright, and more. Icon painter Myrianthi Constantinidou in Cyprus shares insights into Byzantine traditions and her personal process in this intimate interview. In this interview with author Eric Weiner we asked him about spiritual adventure, searching for god, and the quest to find a meaningful life.
Documenting Indian Art is Calling for Benoy K. Behl
The Purpose of An Iconographer Explained by Renowned Icon Painter
Celtic Priest on Spiritual Heritage and Traditions of Aran Islands
Good Friday Tradition in Trapani Sicily Honors Faith and Heritage
Interview with Mayan Shaman on Spiritual Practices and Philosophy
San Juan Chamula Community Shares But Protects Traditions
Curacao Synagogue is Oldest Jewish Congregation Site in North America
Uncovering Chiapas Culture with the Hero of Chiapas, Mexico
Best Things To Do in Ullapool Scenery, History and Crafts
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is Best Quirky Attraction in New Orleans
Culture in Malta Features Faith, Family and Pageantry
Estonia’s Onion Route and The Old Believers
Taize in Findhorn Eco Village Scotland
What Inspires Spiritual Journeys? Explore the World’s Pilgrimages
Places of Pilgrimage Mean Connecting
Easter Baskets in Slovenia: At Tustanj Castle
Eva Michaelsen on Walking Meditation and El Camino de Santiago
What is Pilgrimage? Spiritual Seekers Share Experiences
Icon Painter in Cyprus Honors Byzantine and Family Traditions
Author Eric Weiner on “Man Seeks God”