Whilst the concept of karma is derived from ancient Eastern religious tradition, the word is very much part of contemporary vocabulary. We speak of karma in the sense of individuals getting ‘what they deserve’ – usually in a negative sense. But is karma a retributive law or is it based on healing and love?

In his latest thought-provoking work, Dr Bob Woodward investigates such issues in conversation with his spirit guides. Beginning with the most basic question, ‘What is karma?’, they discuss how this law of destiny relates to illness, human freedom, relationships and individual development – but also to major crises on the world stage, such as the coronavirus pandemic, wars and conflict, global warming and climate change. They also examine how such key matters might relate to ‘world karma’ rather than personal destiny.

Bob’s spiritual guides speak of the law of karma as being, ‘…filled with compassion. It is not a law which makes people or beings subservient to some almighty and dictatorial power. It is a law which is generated by love itself, and is there to bring order, recompense and compassion to all beings and their mutual relationships.’ Karma in Human Life offers answers to many puzzles and enigmas relating to modern-day life on earth.

DR BOB WOODWARD was born in 1947 in Gloucester, United Kingdom. Having studied at state and Steiner schools, he became a co-worker at the Sheiling School in Thornbury, a centre of the Camphill Community, based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). He remained within the Camphill Movement, living with and teaching children with special educational needs for some forty years, retiring in 2012. He took a special interest in understanding autism in children and young people.

At the age of 46, Bob received an M.Ed. degree from Bristol University, followed by an M.Phil. at the age of 50 and a Ph.D. from the University of the West of England at the age of 64. As well as being a qualified educator, he is a spiritual healer and the author of several books. He is married with five grown-up children and many grandchildren.