The next serval decades may prove unsettled times for those who follow the Western way of life. We seem to have entered a period of cultural transition, when the old forms of knowledge seem increasingly irrelevant or inadequate.

The rapid growth of modern technology has helped promote an ever-increasing pace of change, setting us adrift in a sea of confusion. As creatures on the planet earth, we have little idea how our actions affect the balance of nature; as members of society, we have only a limited understanding of how our policies and conduct influence the intricate web of forces that binds together the fate of nations. We are faced with growing uncertainties about the course we are taking, and a sense of problems—environmental, economic, and political—multiplying daily.

In the midst of such uncertainties, we still share with previous generations basic goals such as happiness and well-being. Yet the path to their attainment, which once seemed clearly marked, has vanished. Though some goals, such as individual prosperity may be more readily and widely available than ever before, our sense of dissatisfaction is only partially relieved by the goods that we accumulate.

Something more fundamental seems to be missing in our lives 

Copper Mountain Mandala 1985