Posted by James Turner on September 30, 1999 at 13:52:53:
Adrian Cooper has written two books which I believe are worthy of inclusion on your boards. They are:
Sacred Mountains: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Meanings (published in 1997, by Floris Books, Edinburgh, Scotland)
Sacred Nature: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Meanings (published in 1998 by Capall Bann, Chieveley, UK)
Adrian Cooper's aim in both these books is to explore the ways in which modern pilgrims form deep personal insights from their journeys through wilderness regions. His method was to interview 150 pilgrims from Europe, Asia and North America, listening to their experiences and memories over a research period of ten years (1985-1995).
The results of this patient and scholarly endeavour are extremely impressive. The books are works of many voices. Cooper's commentary is illustrated with short extracts from the words of each pilgrim, while the themes considered embrace the difficult questions of wilderness, science and mysticism. No easy answers are suggested because none exist. Instead, we embark on an analytical journey through the imaginations of 150 sincere and open individuals, from many faiths and many social backgrounds, who have ventured out onto the world's mountain ranges, crossed deserts and entered ice fields and tropical forests, inspired and stimulated with a curiosity which is both ecological as well as mystical.
Beyond the inspiration of wilderness environments Cooper also explores how the influences of these mystical wilderness experiences are brought home by these pilgrims as the insights they gain on mountains etc are found to inspire political activism in their neighbourhoods, local schools and conservation projects.
If there is a core theme within these rich and provocative books it is a recognition that language creates meaning. In wilderness areas, language is the only resource which these pilgrims have to form their ideas and reactions. Within their interviews too, how else are these people to express their memories than through language? The words of ancient scripture, poetry and prose also figure in the continual construction and re-construction, telling, re-telling of these pilgrimage experiences. But language is often an illusive servant. The absence of the 'right' words to express an insight can baffle and frustrate pilgrims until they are found and the memories can be described. Without these words these is ...nothing. Other books consider this abstract point. Cooper finds it for real.
So, two very highly recommended books. But tell me what you think. I'd like to know.
With best wishes,
James Turner