In search of The Heart’s Sense of Truth: A Life Journey A journey around a sacred mountain ~ a journey of body, soul and spirit in challenging times ~ a life journey. “We are standing at a threshold… leading either towards the grave of all civilization and moral striving, or the birthing of a new kind of world community based on recognition of the unlimited potential that lies dormant within every human being…This is because within us is not only an intelligent animal or machine but a living power of spirit that can be a force for both evil and good…” (from the Preface) At the essence of the huge challenges we are facing today as a global civilization is the question of who we are and what we are being called upon to develop. As is clearly shown in this extraordinarily wide-ranging book, one’s self-image influences how one perceives reality. If we see ourselves simply as advanced animals or pre-programmed robots, the will for self-change and autonomous action is weakened. But if we are willing to extend our rationality and imagination to encompass not only the bodily levels of existence, but those of soul and spirit, everything changes. For this extension of scientific method can awaken new levels of strength and compassion in this time of enormous suffering. Such is the ‘sacred mountain’ around which readers are invited to journey during the first three parts of the book. Such too is the ‘lake of self-reflection’ at which, in the fourth part, we attempt to recognize the capacities we have gained through this mighty paradigm, to pioneer new ways through all that is threatening us from the future. ContentsA letter from the authorPreface Day One — Fire Within WillThe journey beginsLooking into the crucible of the soulRescuing the reality of the human being in body, soul and spiritBody and SoulSoul and SpiritWe become, not what we drink or eat, but what we think and createSpirit and bodyA few words about wisdom & language – about freedom & health, tooSensing our senses through practicing common senseHow do I know anything? And how can I know that I know?Awareness of the reality of my own spirit .Mysteries of timeNight thoughts about sleep and where they lead us Day Two — Light Within DarknessTaking stock before the dawning of a new dayThe task aheadWindows of the soulThree very different futures… And three very different beingsThe wonderful brocadeInterludeLooking back and a little bit aheadAscent to the high passThe turningThe birthing of our modern ageHuman and artificial intelligenceOf darkness and of lightRubicon Day Three — Sounding Within SilenceA renewed soul within a renewed body on a new dayMovement & mutualityTransitionOur senses as a ladder towards spirit self.Cycles of timeOur debt to the animals and the whole of existenceA true science of originsThe first of the four great stepsAncient sunAncient moonThe birthing, maturation & dying of our earth Day Four — Life Within DeathMountain and LakeA story from AfricaOf evil and of goodHumanity’s cry for freedom, equality & brother-sisterhoodReflections on the heart and on truthA change that changes everythingRecognizing destinyYet more on the heart’s sense of truthMaking healthy judgementsSpecters within the soulThe strengthening power of illnessExcept you become as childrenOf death and of lifeThe suffering of our earth and its inhabitantsThe journey beyondThe crossing point from evolution to involutionFacing realityGreat beings work togetherFrom duty to love – From selfishness to freedom About the AuthorBenjamin Cherry has lived, worked and travelled in many different continents and cultures, foremost as educator, writer and gardener. He has helped found more humane child-centered schools throughout the East, from Australia to most notably China. His life-long quest for truth came to birth during his time in Vietnam at the height of the American war and it reached a new level of intensity during the time of Covid. In Search of the Heart’s Sense of Truth is the fruit of a lifetime. It is a depiction of ways forward through the mighty trials that are racing towards us, so long as we have the courage and mental clarity to recognize what we are, in fullness, as human beings.