Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

T.S. Eliot: Session 2

Sep 30, 2024

Dive into T.S. Eliot's poetic depths as they explore themes of time and existence in 'East Coker.' Discover the solitude and interconnectedness of nature, revealing the beauty beyond linear perception. Contemplate existential fears, identity, and mortality while reflecting on our shared human journey. Experience the transformative 'dark night of the soul,' leading to profound spiritual awakenings. Finally, embrace the art of waiting, finding fulfillment within divine love and collective healing through meditative introspection.

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INSIGHT

Time's Cycle in Buildings

Time includes a building's life cycle from creation to decay, reflecting human mortality.
T.S. Eliot connects this impermanence with the eternal cycle of life and death beyond physical forms.

INSIGHT

Eternity in Consciousness Moments

Moments of eternity exist beyond linear time in deep consciousness.
Nature's rhythms and silences invite awareness of life that transcends time's flow.

ANECDOTE

Empty Tombs and Eternity

James Finley shares sitting in a cemetery, realizing tombs are empty though bodies remain.
This reveals our eternal essence beyond the physical and temporal existence.

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Four quartets

T. S. Eliot

Four Quartets is a cycle of four poems by T.S. Eliot, each titled with a place name: 'Burnt Norton,' 'East Coker,' 'The Dry Salvages,' and 'Little Gidding.' The poems are meditations on time, redemption, and eternity, blending Eliot's Anglo-Catholicism with mystical, philosophical, and poetic elements from various traditions. Each quartet has five sections and explores themes such as the conflict between individual mortality and the endless span of human existence, the nature of spirituality, and the relationship between the present and the past. The work is considered Eliot's masterpiece and his clearest exposition of his Christian beliefs[2][4][5].

The future of an illusion

Sigmund Freud

In 'The Future of an Illusion,' Sigmund Freud investigates the origins and functions of religious belief from a psychoanalytic perspective. He argues that religion arises from fundamental psychological needs, such as the desire for security and the mitigation of existential anxieties. Freud posits that religious beliefs are illusions, fulfilling deep-seated human desires rather than being grounded in empirical reality. He suggests that these illusions serve to address human vulnerabilities but lack a foundation in rational truth. The book concludes with Freud advocating for a future where scientific education and rational thinking replace religious education to help individuals deal with their urges and sense of helplessness in a more rational and enlightened manner[2][4][5].

Revelations of Divine Love

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Julian of Norwich

Revelations of Divine Love is a classic work of Christian mysticism written by Julian of Norwich. It recounts her personal experiences of divine revelation and offers profound insights into God's love and compassion. The book explores themes of God's motherhood, the nature of sin and salvation, and the ultimate triumph of love. Julian's writing is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and profound emotional depth. It continues to inspire and challenge readers centuries after its creation.

Memories, Dreams, Reflections

Carl Gustav Jung

Aniela Jaffé

This book is a unique blend of autobiography and psychological insight, composed from conversations with Aniela Jaffé and chapters written by Jung himself. It covers Jung's childhood, his relationship with Freud, his travels to various countries, and his deep exploration of the unconscious mind. The book delves into Jung's concepts such as the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the integration of opposites, providing a comprehensive reflection on his remarkable life and intellectual contributions[2][3][5].

The Ascent of Mount Carmel

John of the Cross

Written between 1578 and 1579, 'The Ascent of Mount Carmel' is a systematic treatment of the soul's journey towards divine union. The book details the 'Dark Night of the Soul,' a period of spiritual privation and purification necessary for achieving union with God. It is divided into three sections and serves as a commentary on four poetic stanzas by John of the Cross. The work emphasizes the importance of letting go of worldly attachments and enduring spiritual suffering to reach the ultimate goal of transformation in God and a mystical union with Christ[4][2][4].