Doctrines of the new age

The New Age movement is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of spiritual and philosophical beliefs and practices that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. While there is no single, unified doctrine of the New Age movement, some common themes and principles that are often associated with it include:

1. Holism: The idea that everything is interconnected and that there is no separation between the individual and the universe.
2. Spirituality: A focus on spiritual growth, self-awareness, and personal transformation.
3. New Thought: The idea that thoughts and beliefs have the power to shape reality and that individuals have the ability to manifest their desires through positive thinking and visualization.
4. Universalism: The belief that all religions and spiritual paths are valid and that there is a common thread that runs through all of them.
5. Syncretism: The blending of different spiritual and philosophical traditions, such as Eastern and Western mysticism, to create a unique and personalized spiritual practice.
6. The Law of Attraction: The idea that like attracts like, and that individuals can attract positive experiences and outcomes into their lives by focusing on positive thoughts and emotions.
7. The Power of Intention: The idea that individuals have the power to shape their reality through their intentions and that they can manifest their desires by setting clear and focused intentions.
8. The Importance of the Present Moment: The idea that the present moment is all that truly exists, and that individuals should focus on living in the present and letting go of worries about the past or future.
9. The Interconnectedness of All Things: The idea that everything in the universe is interconnected and that individuals are part of a larger web of life.
10. The Importance of Self-Responsibility: The idea that individuals are responsible for their own lives and that they should take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Some of the key figures and texts associated with the New Age movement include:

• Alice Bailey: A theosophist and mystic who wrote extensively on spiritual growth and the nature of the universe.
• Eckhart Tolle: A spiritual teacher and author who wrote "The Power of Now," a bestselling book on the importance of living in the present moment.
• Deepak Chopra: A spiritual teacher and author who has written extensively on the topics of spirituality, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
• Theosophical Society: A spiritual organization founded by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott that seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and the nature of the human soul.
• The Urantia Book: A spiritual text that was written by a group of individuals who claimed to have received revelations from a higher source.

It's worth noting that the New Age movement is not a single, unified movement, and there is a wide range of beliefs and practices that are associated with it. Some critics have accused the New Age movement of being overly focused on individualism and materialism, while others have praised its emphasis on spirituality and personal growth.