WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
It is our belief that we should each aspire to gnosis — a deep and lived understanding of universal spiritual truths — cultivated through the purposeful and patient orientation of Self.
SPIRITUALITY THROUGH INCLUSIVITY
We believe there are universal — or Perennial — spiritual truths that exist in all beliefs.
Perennialism posits that mankind is naturally and unconsciously drawn to the same spiritual truths regardless of the influence of time period, place, or cultural background. Common themes that transcend dogma can be found at the heart of all world religions and philosophies, mythologies, folk traditions, esoteric schools of thought, and even personal mystical experiences that provide meaning and illuminate upon the nature of reality, humanity, ethics, and consciousness. In this way, the same story of existence is expressed all throughout place and time via different cultural languages.
We welcome people from all different background, faiths and traditions, and encourage the study and experience of a wide variety of beliefs in pursuit of gnosis.
Spirituality through personal experience
We believe that spirituality is personal.
By encouraging spiritual practises such as contemplative meditation and engagement in séances and paranormal investigations, we hope to empower individuals to seek out the sacred at a personal level. Whilst education is a central pillar of illumination, we strongly believe that truth is better lived than taught — placing personal experience right at the heart of gnosis.
SPIRITUALITY THROUGH MATERIAL ENCOUNTER
We believe that there is spiritual value in material experience. One of the manifestations of this, is through encounter with objects.
Objects can act as a material expression of other realities, and as such provide the opportunity for contemplation on the nature of reality, as well as direct communion with spirits of the dead; non-corporeal, non-human intelligences (such as angels); and the Divine.
We care for hundreds of artefacts and relics of paranormal and spiritual significance. Rowtons’ Museum is designed as a contemplative space, meaning guests are invited to consider their visit to the museum as a ritual act: an opportunity to gain insight and illumination into spiritual truths through encounter with the museum’s objects and their stories. Encounter may manifest as attendance to one’s senses, physical and intuitive; experience of synchronicity; or the gaining of a deep form of knowing or private revelation.
Spirituality through education
We believe that education enables spiritual growth and enlightenment.
By preserving spiritual heritage, the museum provides a multi-faith, safe space for people to engage with the story of spirituality, from ancient times to the modern day. We also support research into spiritual subject matter such as consciousness and mediumship.
Learning about the encounters and beliefs of others can help us to situate our own experiences, and thus better find expression for the truths which emerge.