ZAIN FAZAL

The success of the Seminar is evident from the many postings of comments and opinions at the Web site. A majority of the observations were rather complementary but one, by Mr. Munir Pervaiz Saami stands out as most noteworthy. It however made certain observations, which require a response.  I give my own observations on it in blue under the relevant portions.

Mr. Munir Pervaiz wrote

Hello,
First of all I would like to congratulate the organizers for arranging a good and useful discussion on the subject of Evolution and Religion. Most of the discussions were enlightening and increased my knowledge.
However as a student it is imperative to share that the discourse by our friend Ziauddin Ahmad side tracked the seriousness of the issue by bringing in Ken Wilbur's Holon concept.

Some others who followed the proceedings closely  felt that the seriousness of the issue was perhaps enhanced by the introduction of the holonostic theory by the speaker, and that it was not side tracked, as noted above by Mr. Saami.

Ken Wilbur at the most is a neo spiritualist and cultist who has developed a following in what we call the new age spirituality domain.

 

Saying that Ken Wilbur, Deepak Chopra and other modern age thinkers are neo spiritualists and cultists is as novice a comment as calling all the great thinkers of the past half-baked or possessed intellectuals. It is to be noted that what may have been viewed as cults or a Neo spiritual movements yesterday are well-established philosophic or religious doctrines of today. This is the way of evolution and forward movement of human thought, and this is evident from the birth of newer and fresher ideas with the passage of time.

His concepts do not add value to the religion- evolution discussions in the context of the historic debates on the subject.

It is like quoting Deepak Chopra at best.

For those who would like to know as to where Ken Wilbur's knowledge belongs may go to his publishers site and check for themselves the company that this great "philosopher" keeps.

http://shambhala.com/

An intersting reference:
"While the business-religion schism grows, there's been an explosion of interest in new forms of spirituality, even among business people. Spiritual gurus such as Deepak Chopra, Ken Wilbur, and Stephen Covey rack up eight-figure annual revenues, much of it generated from business seminars, retreats, and the marketing of books, tapes, and other products...."

While the business-religion schism grows it is important to learn to accept the reality of the situation and understand that this is the trend of the time. He who falls in line with it and accepts it’s method and meaning will keep pace with the evolutionary trend; but he who rejects and does not agree with its modus operandi will be at the losing end. The flow of the tide can hardly be contained by ignoring or refusing to accept it. The trends and dynamics of times are bound to continue to evolve forward, leaving behind the propagators of Status quo and their out dated thinking and methodology. 

Regards.

Zain Fazal

Send questions or comments to Pervaiz Salahuddin