Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine and even a famous "proof" for the existence of God. In this episode, we explore the historical context and legacy of one of history's greatest minds. Sources/Recomended Reading: Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2011). "The...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Dune and the religious themes that we can find in the books and movies. Sources/Recomended Reading: Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press. Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris. Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial Qalandariyya and similar movements like the Haydais & Shams-i Tabrizis. We also dive into the historical development of this movement, from the early Malamatis to the extreme ascetic dervishes in the Ottoman empire. Sources/Recomended Reading: Dahlén, Ashk (2004). "The Holy Fool in Medieval Islam: The Qalandariyat of Fakhr al-din Araqi". Orientalia Suecana, vol.52. De Bruijn, J.T.P (1999). "The Qalandariyyat in Persian...

In this third and final installment of the introductions to Shi'i Islam, we dive into the history and teachings of the Zaydis, the smallest but stillvery significant school that has been a significant part of the history of Yemen. Sources/Recomended Reading: Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press. Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i...

Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri. From his leadership during the Algerian resistance against French colonization to his commitment to his Islamic religious beliefs & sufi mysticism. Abd al-Qadir impact reverberates through history. Join us as we explore one of the most fascinating and inspiring figures of modern history. Sources/Recomended Reading: Bouyerdene, Ahmed (2012). "Emir Abd El-Kader: Hero and Saint of Islam". World Wisdom Books....

Dive into the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, its ancient hsitory and ethical teachings, from its origins with the prophet Zarathushtra through the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires and all the way until today. Discover how Zoroastrianism might be one of the most important religions in history, influencing some of the most famous and popular religons and philosophies in the world. Sources/Recomended Reading: Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Their Religious Beliefs and...

Delve into the enigmatic practices, sacred rituals, and esoteric beliefs that shaped the spiritual & philosophical landscape of the ancient Hellenic world. From the Eleusinian Mysteries to the Oracle at Delphi, Pythagoreans and the writings of Plato, join us as we unravel the mysticism that infused every aspect of ancient Greek life, exploring the aspects that continues to captivate our imaginations today. Sources/Recomended Reading: Bowden, Hugh (2010). "Mystery cults in the Ancient...

We continue our series on mysticism by exploring Judaism and its mystical tradition, including the famous Kabbalah but also going beyond it. Sources/Recomended Reading: Dan, Joseph (1986). "The Early Kabbalah". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Fine, Lawrence (2003). "Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos: Isaac Luria and His Kabbalistic Fellowship". Stanford University Press. Idel, Moshe (1987). "The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia". State University of...

We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We end our Christmas special this year by reading the fourth and last sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Council of Nicea is probably one of the most misrepresented events in early Christianity, with a lot of misinformation being spread around on social media. The same goes for Arius, the Arians and what they actually believed. In this video, we tackle these topics and try to give a more proper overview of the complexities of early Christian theology. Sources/Recomended Reading: Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press....

In this episode, we explore the fascinating spiritual and philosophical teachings of the non-canonical Gospel of Philip. Often termed a "gnostic" text, this incredible ancient document contains some truly interesting ideas, and a very controversial and famous account of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Sources/Recomended Reading: Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press. King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard...

Sources/Recomended Reading: Gendle, Nicholas (translated by) (1982). "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". Paulist Press. Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Hart, Columba (translated by) (1980). "Hadewijch: Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence"....

In this interview with the amazing Professor David Thurfjell, we talk about the contemporary phenomenon of nature spirituality in the Nordic countries. Has the concept of "nature" become a main source of meaning for Scandinavians, and maybe even replaced the function of religion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, we're talking about the incredibly significant Persian sufi poet Jalal al-din Rumi. This video provides an in-depth analysis of Rumi's life, poetic themes, literary contributions, and their significance in the context of Sufism and Persian literature. Thank you to Safa Mirror for the beautiful reading of the Song of the Reed! Link to channel: https://www.youtube.com/@safamirror Sources/Recomended Reading: Chittick, William (1983). "The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of...

Embark on an intellectual journey into the realm of Sufism. Explore the intricate history, philosophical underpinnings, and mystical practices that have shaped this fascinating tradition. Join me as we delve into the topic of Sufi mysticism, shedding light on its profound impact on Islam & its history. Sources/Recomended Reading: Abu-n Nasr, Jamil M. (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace: The Sufi Brotherhoods in Islamic Religious Life". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd. "Al-Qushayri's...

Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we delve into the depths of Stoicism, the profound philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this video, we unravel the intricate principles of Stoicism and examine its relevance in history and today. Expand your understanding of Stoicism's enduring impact on the history of philosphy, religion and esotericism. Sources/Suggested Reading: Brennan, Tad (2007). "The Stoic Life: Emotions, Duties and Fate". Oxford University Press. Campbell, Robin...

This year we are celebrating the Christmas season by reading the amazing advent sermons of the german mystic philosopher Meister Eckhart. There are three more sermons coming after this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his concepts of the One and the emanation of divine beings, to the fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, this video uncovers the intellectual interplay that helped shape the foundations of Western spirituality. Explore how Neoplatonic concepts, such as the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the pursuit of the divine, found...

In this episode, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We dive into the history and development of the school, as well as its characteristic teachings about meditation, koans, liberation and Buddha-nature. Sources/Suggested Reading: Chuang Zhi (2019). "Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism". Songlark Publishing. Hershock, Peter D. (2004). "Chan...

Explore the mystical world of Sufi poetry with Ibn al-Farid, one of the greatest poets of the genre. In this episode, we delve into the life and works of this revered 13th-century poet, examining the spiritual and philosophical themes that make his poetry so enduring. From his famous ode "The Wine Ode" to the magnificent "Poem of the Sufi Way", as well as his spiritual musings on the path to divine union. Sources/Recomended Reading: Akkach, Samer (2007). "'Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulusi: Islam and...

Join me on a journey through the life and poetry of Lal Ded, one of the most revered mystic poets of Kashmir. Lal Ded lived in the 14th century and her poetry has since inspired generations of people in the region and beyond. In this video, we explore Lal Ded's life, her poetry, and her impact on the culture of Kashmir. Sources/Suggested Reading: Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". SUNY Press.Hoskote,...

In this episode, we delve into the diverse world of Islamic mysticism beyond just Sufism. Join us as we explore the various types of mysticism that have existed throughout the history of Islam. Discover the differences and similarities between them, and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect of Islamic spirituality. Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation:...