In a thought-provoking conversation, Mirabai Starr, an award-winning author and religious scholar, delves into the essence of Ordinary Mysticism. She explores how everyday experiences can lead to profound spiritual insights and connections. Topics include the power of grief as a pathway to sacred understanding, the integration of beauty in spiritual practices, and the importance of remaining open to mysticism without cultural appropriation. Starr emphasizes that every moment is holy ground, urging listeners to engage deeply with both joy and sorrow to foster radical love and change.
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Mystical Transmission Through Writing
Mirabai Starr, author of Wild Mercy and Caravan of No Despair, discusses mystical transmission through writing.
She began translating mystical texts, combining her language skills with spiritual passion.
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Rituals for Writing
Create rituals to access a receptive state for writing, suggests Mirabai Starr.
Find quiet in nature, light a candle, and be open to not knowing what will emerge.
insights INSIGHT
The Muse as Sacred Imagination
Mirabai Starr views the muse as a product of the sacred imagination, not a literal being.
It's a way to connect with the absolute and transmute life's challenges.
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This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].
Wild Mercy
Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics
Mirabai Starr
Ordinary Mysticism
Mirabai Starr
Mirabai Starr's "Ordinary Mysticism" offers a refreshing perspective on spirituality, emphasizing the sacredness of everyday life. The book challenges traditional notions of mysticism, suggesting that spiritual experiences aren't confined to remote locations or religious rituals. Starr encourages readers to recognize the divine in their daily routines, relationships, and struggles. She emphasizes the importance of direct experience over dogma, inviting readers to embrace their own unique path to spiritual connection. The book's accessible style and relatable anecdotes make it a valuable resource for those seeking a more grounded and inclusive approach to spirituality.
To the mystic, every moment is sacred—and every step is taken on holy ground. Mirabai Starr, the celebrated author, religious scholar, and "translator of the mystics," has devoted herself to sharing the insights of beloved figures including Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross, Hildegard of Bingen, and others. In this podcast, Tami Simon speaks with Mirabai Starr about her new book, Ordinary Mysticism, and how we can each open ourselves to the direct experience of divine union—and become agents of change for our troubled world.
Listen now to this inspiring discussion of: spiritual transmission and communicating mystical realization to others; the power of ritual; setting yourself up for "an encounter with the beloved"; the willingness not to know; collaborating with your muses; Natalie Goldberg's writing practice methodology; a commitment to beauty; mystical seeing; four gateways to the sacred; freeing yourself from the brain's default mode network; how meditation expands your capacity for awe; tending the seeds of wisdom; interspirituality; avoiding cultural appropriation; grief as a gateway to the sacred, and letting the darkness have its way; the dark night of the soul; the paradox of "surrendering and showing up"; and more.
Note: This episode originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
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