Let's Talk Religion

Dive into the enchanting world of Zar spirit possession rituals in Northeast Africa. Discover how cultural traditions intertwine with mystical beliefs in Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The podcast reveals the vibrant ceremonies, powerful music, and mesmerizing dances that mark these rituals. Uncover the vital role of zar communities, especially for women, in providing social support. Explore the deep connections between spirituality, gender, and trauma, shedding light on a rich tapestry of cultural dynamics.

We begin this years Shocktober season with another video about jinn - specifically about jinn possession and exorcism in the Islamic world.Sources/Recomended Reading:Al-Buni, Ahmad ibn ‘Ali. “The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma’arif): An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation”. Translated by Amina Inloes & Illustrated by J.M. Hamade. Revelore Press, 2021.Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill. Philips, Bilal (2008). "The Exorcist Tradition in Islam". Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution.Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing. “Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra”. Arabic Printed Edition by Dar al-Mizan. "The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights". Edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. Translated by Yasmine Seale. Liveright Publishing Corporation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the rich history and unique traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations. Discover its fascinating origins linked to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Learn about the church’s distinctive non-Chalcedonian beliefs and its extensive biblical canon. Delve into the vibrant liturgical practices, including religious festivals, dietary laws, and the significance of monastic life. Uncover the cultural influences that have shaped its identity and the architectural wonders like the Lalibela churches.

Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj was a 9th-century Sufi mystic famous for his provocative declaration, "I am the Truth." The discussion reveals his extraordinary spiritual journey and the intricacies of his poetry, emphasizing his radical views on love and divine union in Sufism. His martyrdom and its impact on spiritual discourse are examined, along with the historical context of his teachings. The legacy left by al-Hallaj continues to evoke deep reflections on mysticism, making his story as relevant today as it was in his time.

Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bSources/Recomended Reading:Clark, Gillian (translated by) (2000). "Porphyry: On Abstinence from Killing Animals". Bristol Classical Press.Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the epic tale of a 7th-century Buddhist monk who ventured from China to India in a remarkable pilgrimage. The journey weaves reality with fantasy, featuring the legendary Monkey King as a companion. Explore the monk's intense intellectual struggles and how his discoveries revolutionized Buddhism in China. Uncover the lasting impact of his scholarly work, which shaped institutions and practices for generations. Witness a historical figure transform into a celebrated literary icon, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern interpretations.

Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Sources/Recomended Reading:Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.Beck, Guy L. (2009). "Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound". University of South Carolina Press.Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.Ernst, Carl W. (2016). "Refractions of Islam in India: Situating Sufism and Yoga". SAGE YODA Press; First Edition.Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.Kugle, Scott (ed.) (2012). "Sufi Meditation and Contemplation: Timeless Wisdom from Mughal India". Omega Publications. (Includes a translation of the "Risala-i Haqqnuma"/Compass of Truth.Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.Moovsi, Shireen (2002). "The Mughal Encounter with Vedanta: Recovering the biography of 'Jadrup'". Social scientist, Vol. 30, Nos. 7-8.Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamanism"? These are questions and topics we explore in this one.Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bMusic by:Filip HolmSources/Recomended Reading:Lindow, John (2002). "Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs". Oxford University Press.Näsström, Britt-Mari (1995). "Freyja - the great goddess of the north". Almqvist & Wiksell International.Price, Neil (2019). "The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia". Oxbow Books; 2nd ed. edition.Stensland, Gro (2007). "Fornnordisk Religion". Natur Kultur Akademisk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the holistic practice of yoga, discovering its profound effects on mind, body, and spirit. Explore its historical roots from ancient India to modern Western interpretations, and learn about the blend of Hatha Yoga and Tantra in shaping contemporary views. Uncover the intriguing relationship between Islam and Hinduism, highlighting Sufi influences. Delve into the commercialization of modern postural yoga and the impacts of key figures, while appreciating yoga's complex heritage and its evolution into current practices.

Sources/Recomended Reading:Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Bezels of Wisdom". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-4. Pir Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.