Quiet Courage of the Inner Light

In this moving and profound series of reflections, Philip distils the wisdom gleaned from his lifelong spiritual odyssey that took him to Ramana Maharshi's Arunachala as a young man. Subtitled 'finding faith and fortitude in an age of anxiety', he recalls many challenging experiences - however difficult at the time - that enabled him to grow into the person he has become. The four parts are entitled background to awakening, a transforming fire, summoned to serve, and making sense of the search. On the path, we find we need to be open and receptive, while also developing a courageous integrity and inner strength, dwelling in the still centre or ground of our being. This does not mean neglecting the outer aspect, but informing our actions as expressions of the one universal life force inherent in us all. In the process we are 'fashioning anew the substance of our personal consciousness' while 'being lived by the indwelling life that sustains us' (p. 50) and achieving a certain 'steadiness of being.'

This attitude is inherently simple if not easy - remaining alert, present and open in the here and now. Philip shares many formative personal experiences, including a boxing match, an incident of succumbing to adolescent peer pressure and the untimely death of his mother. Psychedelic drugs along with his spiritual quest put a considerable strain on his sensitive nervous system and his time as a psychiatric nurse undergoes a transformation of perspective by becoming a patient himself. Ultimately, this is all part of alchemical process that transforms darkness into light and lead into gold. Suffering is capable of arousing compassion and eliciting kindness, deepening our sense of oneness and wholeness. Philip aptly defines the true purpose of authentic spiritual practice: 'to live with love, conscious of oneness and deeply aware of beauty.' (p. 124) The value of this illuminating book lies in its simplicity and directness in speaking to the condition and common human experience of the reader, shedding light on their own journey.