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Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: Dawn

Dawn

30/10/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Dawn

Mark Tully examines the psychological and spiritual significance of dawn.

Mark Tully asks why dawn has such spiritual significance, even for those who are not at their best in the morning.

Millions of Hindus start their day by greeting the sun with a Yoga practice known as Surya Namaskar. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims start their day at dawn. 

In Japan Shinto believers bow before the rising sun and clap to get the sun goddess' attention, so that she will dispel evil. St. Benedict, the father of Western Christian Monasticism, ordained that monks should say the office of Matins. Yet not all of us are good in the morning. Notwithstanding it is difficult to ignore the mystical resonance of the sunrise. 

With the help of Henry David Thoreau, Vachel Lindsay and Brendan Kennelly and with music from Carl Nielsen, Bruce Cockburn and Ortolino Respighi, Mark Tully explores the psychological and spiritual significance of this particular time of day.

The readers are Hattie Morahan and Dan Stevens. 


Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

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