The Symbolic World 137 - Diving Into Dante's Divine Comedy
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Jan 15, 2021 
Franco Gallippi, an expert on Italian culture and educator at McMaster University, shares deep insights into Dante's Divine Comedy. They explore its rich symbolism and its connection to other narratives, emphasizing the universal themes of spiritual ascent and transformation. The conversation delves into the intricacies of personal and collective journeys, critiquing traditional ideas of sin and redemption. Furthermore, they discuss the interconnectedness of Kabbalah and Christianity, inviting listeners to reflect on free will, accountability, and the pursuit of authenticity.
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Rediscovering Ancient Language
- Jonathan Pageau, an icon carver, rediscovered an ancient visual language within Christianity.
- This led him to explore symbolism and the underlying patterns of stories, which he believes reflect the patterns of reality.
Dante's U-Shaped Pattern
- Dante's "Divine Comedy" uses a U-shaped pattern of descent and ascent, mirroring the cosmos.
- This pattern appears at different levels of reality, from the cosmic to the personal, even in a breath.
Dante's Influences
- Dante's "Comedy" isn't isolated; it draws from works like Homer, Virgil, and Ibn Arabi's "El Isra."
- Similarities between "Comedy" and "El Isra" have sparked plagiarism accusations, reflecting anti-Christian sentiment.