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.
53:24
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Quick takeaways
- The cyclical nature of existence in T.S. Eliot's work highlights the intertwined relationship between beginnings, endings, and the inevitability of decay in life.
- The podcast emphasizes a shift from viewing life through time to embracing moments of eternal consciousness, inviting deeper connections with the natural world and mindfulness.
Deep dives
The Cycle of Time and Existence
The poem East Coker introduces the cyclical nature of existence, emphasizing that beginnings and endings are intertwined. It highlights the impermanence of physical structures, such as houses, which are built, lived in, and eventually decay. This notion reflects on human life as well, where moments of living and family are contrasted with the inevitable passage of time. Through the imagery of crumbling buildings and the returning of materials to the earth, the poem underscores the inevitability of decay, urging listeners to recognize the temporality in all aspects of life.
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