JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER
- Robert van Mourik
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
GREETINGS
Our last meeting on Buddhism and Christianity was very well attended with several new faces present. We were honoured to have as our guest Ani Tsultrim, an active student of Buddhism for 28 years. She was ordained 16 years ago.
She led a wide-ranging discussion that stimulated much interesting conversation on topics such as the role of meditation in faith journeys and the importance of developing a regular practice and a contemplative outlook. When discussing universal consciousness, Tsultrim explained the Buddhist view as one seeking clarity, luminosity, and a spontaneous, natural aspect. Regarding suffering, Tsultrim explained that Buddhism views suffering as having three forms: the suffering of physical and mental pain; the suffering of change, a constant movement between satisfaction and dissatisfaction; and the pervasive suffering of conditionality, the cycle of karma and affliction. Buddhism seeks to promote clear thinking to recognise the underlying causes of suffering. Asked about Buddhism’s approach to social justice, Tsultrim responded that Buddhism emphasizes long-term transformation of the mind rather than short-term activism, viewing individual peace as a prerequisite for societal peace.
It is interesting to note the common themes in Buddhist literature such as in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Being Peace, and the Jesuit Anthony de Mello’s writings such as in his book Awareness.
PARTICIPATION IN ST LUCIA SPIRITUALITY
We invite you to to share your experiences with our community. For example, you can share your ideas, books you are reading and questions you are asking by writing to us. You can also offer your comments on our Facebook page and engage in discussions. This is an important supplement to the information available on our website.
We invite you to get involved, have your say! Others may benefit from your experience. In recent weeks we have seen several new members join our Facebook group.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT BUTTERFLY SERIES EVENT
Spiritual Development After Grief
The loss of a loved one can be traumatic and the grief intensely personal, but it can also sharpen our spiritual awareness. Can faith and spiritual growth help overcome the intense feelings of loss?
NEW ON OUR WEBSITE
Look out for our Kindred Spirits & Podcasts as we find inspiration from others. We include links to their websites and podcasts.
We can now list your neighbourhood group so that others can find you or be aware of you. If you would like to join the others listed here, please contact us! We are also aware of new groups forming.
Book Reviews & Reflections:
Our website is constantly changing with new information. Bookmark our website in your browser and visit us to keep in touch.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
Do you realise that our website has a very good search function? Enter keywords into the search box in the menu bar and find articles and information stored in our archives. As we add new material this function will become increasingly useful.
In recent years this paper on The Abandonment of Religion has attracted a very high level of views on our website.
FUNDRAISING
St Lucia Spirituality is dedicated to creating a positive impact through spiritual enlightenment. We have to spend funds to access the resources we provide you and the things we can’t do ourselves such as computer related stuff. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to defray these inevitable costs of our volunteer work. Your donation will enable us to reach more people and make a difference in their lives.
We very much appreciate the donations we have already received.
PLEASE SAVE OUR NEW EMAIL
Please note our new email, stluciaspirituality@gmail.com, and save it in your safe senders list.
We welcome your feedback and invite you to share this with your friends.