In this conversation with Rupert Sheldrake he and John reveal their favourite saints and discuss the importance of our parish churches. Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is a biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance. His books inform the crossover between science and religion - https://www.sheldrake.org/books-by-rupert-sheldrake. He is a practising Anglican and always likes to visit the local parish church wherever he happens to be. Producer: Phil Shankland, InSight New Media Productions Ltd https://insightnewmedia.co.uk Recorded: All Saints Church, Bakewell, November 2021 Title design: Wendy Mayes Design https://www.wendymayes.co.uk Copyright: Spiritual Unfoldment Trust 2025 John's Butler's first audiobook 'Mystic Approaches' is now available on Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Mystic-Approaches-Audiobook/B0DQ64PF5P John's latest book 'Mystic Love' is now available here - https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/store/Mystic-Love-%E2%80%93-letters-to-Christine-p674982505 Pure & Simple - more conversations with John and Phil: #1 Is sin just ignorance? #2 The Comfort of Job #3 The Causal Realm #4 Why do we suffer? #5 Pure and Simple #6 What's the matter with books? #7 Unreal to Real #8 Reach for the stars You can watch all 8 conversations with John and Phil, 'Pure & Simple', now in the 'To Make Whole Be Whole' members section: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93Sd1aIoCM&list=PL_TtBqRWu4B-GHijmwCviIQfJ1esbcmhV You can watch 80+ ad-free videos with John in the "Feet on the Ground' supporters section. Join here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0TFuqj6eND-mJRf8i2Tnw/join. Those wanting more detailed accounts of John's life experience - the formative influences, which have taught and made him what he is, will find it in his 9 published books, available through the website: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/store/. Did you know you can now listen to John on Spotify and other audio platforms? Here is his most popular recording 'Common sense guide to meditation' (1m views) - https://ffm.to/commonsenseguidetomeditation. FREE 86pp PDF 'Introducing Spiritual Unfoldment' With tempting extracts describing his life-long spiritual journey - in the hope they will encourage readers to go further, buy his books and read the whole story for themselves, we invite you to join John Butler's email community and receive a free 86-page PDF 'Introducing Spiritual Unfoldment'. Go to http://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of any page. Those who wish to support the Work of the Spiritual Unfoldment Trust can donate here - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BBAWMHB4JQMKY Find out more about the the Spiritual Unfoldment Trust: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/charitable-trust/ Disclaimer: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/disclaimer Topics: Meditation and Spirituality - Rupert Sheldrake and John discuss the significance of meditation in sacred spaces, highlighting their personal experiences in Russia and India. They talk about the deeper connection felt in places with religious or spiritual history. Religious Persecution and Revival - John reflects on his time in Russia during a religious revival after decades of persecution, which enriched his spiritual life and practices, a sentiment echoed by Rupert regarding his experiences in India. Connection with Nature - Both speakers share a profound reverence for nature, which has shaped their spiritual outlook. They note how different cultures and their own personal experiences emphasise the sacredness of natural elements and landscapes. Historical and Cultural Insights - Discussion about how saints and sacred traditions offer continuity and a sense of belonging, touching on how these figures and practices are intertwined with cultural identity and personal spirituality. Personal Spiritual Journeys and Reflections - They delve into their personal spiritual journeys, the impact of meditation, and their thoughts on life after death, viewing these practices as a bridge to a more profound understanding of life and spirit. Keywords: Meditation Spirituality Nature Saints Tradition Chapter Headings (00:00) Introduction: Visiting Rupert in Bakewell (01:06) Meditation Practices in Sacred Spaces (03:20) Religious Experiences in Russia and India (06:53) The Sacredness of Nature and Historical Continuity (13:04) Personal Reflections on Saints and Spiritual Connections (20:00) Spiritual Insights and Life's Journeys (26:45) Embracing Solitude and the Natural World (32:07) The Revival of Ancient Practices and Modern Spirituality (35:07) Conclusion: Reflections on Spirituality and Natural Life