Let's Talk Religion

Exploring Meister Eckhart's unique perspective on the metaphysical implications of the birth of Christ, the concept of silence and its location within the soul, self-knowledge and freedom of the soul in its union with the divine, the true unity of divine nature in giving birth to the Son, the role of images and silence in attaining beatification, detachment and sinking into oblivion to achieve union with God, and reflections on the previous sermon and finding meaning in the Christmas season.

Discover the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped early Christian thought, including the influence of Plotinus, fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, and the resonance of Neoplatonic concepts within Christian doctrines. Explore neoplatonism's impact on the unknowable nature of God, the influence of Origen and Neoplatonic ideas on the Capidosions' theology, the concept of union with God in Christianity, and the influence of Neoplatonism on Christian thinkers like pseudo-dionecias, Meister Eckhart, and Augustine.

In this episode, we continue exploring the rich spiritual tradition of Buddhism through one of its most profound and important schools - Chan/Zen. We dive into the history and development of the school, as well as its characteristic teachings about meditation, koans, liberation and Buddha-nature.Sources/Suggested Reading: Chuang Zhi (2019). "Exploring Chán: An Introduction to the Religious and Mystical Tradition of Chinese Buddhism". Songlark Publishing. Hershock, Peter D. (2004). "Chan Buddhism". University of Hawaii Press. Red Pine (translated by) (1989). "The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma". North Point Press. Red Pine (translated by) (2002). "The Diamond Sutra". Counterpoint. Red Pine (translated by) (2008). "The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng". Counterpoint. Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press. Ziporyn, Brook (2016). "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An essential introduction to Tiantai Buddhism". Indiana University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the mystical world of Sufi poetry with Ibn al-Farid, one of the greatest poets of the genre. In this episode, we delve into the life and works of this revered 13th-century poet, examining the spiritual and philosophical themes that make his poetry so enduring. From his famous ode "The Wine Ode" to the magnificent "Poem of the Sufi Way", as well as his spiritual musings on the path to divine union.Sources/Recomended Reading:Akkach, Samer (2007). "'Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulusi: Islam and the Enlightenment". Oneworld Academic.Homerin, Emil (2001). "From Arab Poet to Sufi Saint: Ibn Al-Farid, His Verse and His Shrine". The American University in Cairo Press.Homerin, Emil (Translated by) (2001). "'Umar Ibn al-Farid: Sufi Verse, Saintly Life". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press.Homerin, Emil (Translated by) (2005). "The Wine of Love and Life: Ibn al-Farid's Khamriyya and al-Qaysari's Quest for meaning". University of Chicago.Homerin, Emil (2012). "Passion Before Me, My Fate Behind: Ibn Al-Farid and the Poetry of Recollection". SUNY Press.Scattolin, Giuseppe (1993). al-Farghānī commentary on Ibn al-Fāriḍ's mystical poem "al-Tāʾiyyat al-kubrā". Mélanges de l'Institut dominicain d'études orientales du Caire. Volume 21.Sirriyeh, Elizabeth (2005). "Sufi Visionary of Ottoman Damascus: 'Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulusi, 1641-1731". Routledge.Todd, Richard (2014). "The Sufi Doctrine of Man: Ṣadr Al-Dīn Al-Qūnawī's Metaphysical Anthropology". Brill.#sufism #mysticism #poetry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me on a journey through the life and poetry of Lal Ded, one of the most revered mystic poets of Kashmir. Lal Ded lived in the 14th century and her poetry has since inspired generations of people in the region and beyond. In this video, we explore Lal Ded's life, her poetry, and her impact on the culture of Kashmir.Sources/Suggested Reading:Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". SUNY Press.Hoskote, Ranjit (Translated by) (2013). "I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded". Penguin Classics.Marjanovic, Boris (Translated by) (2004). "Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: Gitartha Samgraha". Indica Books.Muller-Ortega, Paul (1988). "The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir". SUNY Press.Singh, Jaideva (Translated by) (1990). "The Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam with an Introduction and Notes, by Ksemaraja". SUNY Press.Swami Lakshmanjoo (2015). "Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme". CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.Torella, Raffaele & Bettina Bäumer (2016). "Utpaladeva: Philosopher of Recognition". D.K. Printworld.Torella, Rafaele (Translated by) (2013). "The Isvarapratyabhijnakarika of Utpaladeva: Critical edition and annoted translation". Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.#shaivism #mysticism #kashmir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the diverse world of Islamic mysticism beyond just Sufism. Join us as we explore the various types of mysticism that have existed throughout the history of Islam. Discover the differences and similarities between them, and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect of Islamic spirituality.Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Sources/Further Reading:Casewit, Yousef (2017). "The Mystics of al-Andalus: Ibn Barrajan and Islamic Thought in the Twelfth Century". Cambridge University Press.Casewit, Yousef (2020). "Shushtarī’s Treatise on the Limits of Theology and Sufism: Discursive Knowledge (ʿilm), Direct Recognition (maʿrifa), and Mystical Realization (taḥqīq) in al-Risāla al-Quṣāriyya". Article. Divinity School, The University of Chicago.Casewit, Yousef (2020). "The Treatise on the Ascension (al-Risālaal-miʿrājiyya): Cosmology and Time in the Writings of Abū l-Ḥasan al-Shushtarī (d. 668/1269)". In "Light upon Light: Essays in Islamic Thought and History in Honor of Gerhard Bowering". Edited by Jamal J. Elias & Bilal Orfali. Brill.Cornell, Vincent J. (Tranlated by) (1996). "The Way of Abu Madyan: The Works of Abu Madyan Shu'ayb". The Islamic Text Society.Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.Ebstein, Michael (2014). "Mysticism and Philosophy in al-Andalus: Ibn Masarra, Ibn al-Arabi and the Isma'ili Tradition". Brill.Fierro, Maribel (2005). "Proto-Malikis, Malikis, and reformed Malikis in al-Andalus". In "The Islamic School of Law: Evolution, Devolution, and Progress". Edited by Peri Bearman, Rudolph Peters & Frank E. Vogel. Harvard University Press.Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.Stroumsa, Sarah & Sara Sviri (2009). "The Beginnings of Mystical Philosophy in al-Andalus: Ibn Masarra and his Epistle on Contemplation". JSAI 36. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.Wymann-Landgraf, Umar F. Abd-Allah (2013). "Malik and Medina: Islamic Legal Reasoning in the Formative Period". Brill.#sufism #mysticism #andalucia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally it is time to talk about the tantric tradition of non-dual Kashmir Shaivism, as well as some of its representatives like the great Abhinavagupta.Music by:Filip HolmBanaras Baba & Kolkata KidPawan KrishnaPalace on WheelsSources/Suggested Reading:Chakravarty, H.N. (Translated by) (2012). "Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta". Edited by Boris Marjanovic. Rudra Press.Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". SUNY Press.Hoskote, Ranjit (Translated by) (2013). "I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded". Penguin Classics.Marjanovic, Boris (Translated by) (2004). "Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: Gitartha Samgraha". Indica Books.Muller-Ortega, Paul (1988). "The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir". SUNY Press.Singh, Jaideva (Translated by) (1990). "The Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam with an Introduction and Notes, by Ksemaraja". SUNY Press.Swami Lakshmanjoo (2015). "Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme". CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Torella, Raffaele & Bettina Bäumer (2016). "Utpaladeva: Philosopher of Recognition". D.K. Printworld.Torella, Rafaele (Translated by) (2013). "The Isvarapratyabhijnakarika of Utpaladeva: Critical edition and annoted translation". Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.#hinduism #kashmir #mysticism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salim Suwari, a prominent figure associated with the Suwarian tradition in Islam, discusses Islamic pacifism in West Africa. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Muslims, Suwari's pacifist approach to Islamic law, and the tolerance of Al-Haj-Salim Suwadi. It also delves into Suwadi's advocacy for education, peaceful interactions, and the spread of Islam through positive example. The podcast highlights the influential life and teachings of Suwadi, and how they spread across West Africa.

This episode is a sort of remake of an earlier one I did on al-Shushtari a few years back, with some added content. Join me as we explore on of the most fascinating Sufi poets in history.Translations of poems and the Baghdad Treatise are from the works of Lourdes Maria Alvarez.Translations from Risalat al-Qusariyya are by Yousef Casewit.Sources/Recomended Reading:Abou-Bakr, Omaima (1992). "The Symbolic Function of Metaphor in Medieval Sufi Poetry: The Case of Shushtari". Journal of Comparative Poetics, No. 12, Metaphor and Allegory in the Middle Ages (1992), pp. 40-57.Alvarez, Lourdes Maria (2009). "Abu-l Hasan al-Shushtari: Songs of Love and Devotion". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality" series. Paulist Press.Alvarez, Lourdes Maria (2005). "The Mystical Language of Everyday Life": Vernacular Sufi Poetry and the Songs of Abu Al-Hasan Al-Shustari". Exemplaria. 17:1, 1-32, DOI: 10.1179/exm.2005.17.1.1.Ceballos, Carlos Berbil (2015). "Journeying from the Apparent to Absolute Being: Ibn Sab'in and his Predecessors". Journal of the Muhydin Ibn 'Arabi Society, Vol. 58.Casewit, Yousef (2017). "The Mystics of Al-Andalus: Ibn Barrajan and Islamic Thought in the Twelfth Century". Cambridge University Press.Casewit, Yousef (2020). "Shushtarī’s Treatise on the Limits of Theology and Sufism: Discursive Knowledge (ʿilm), Direct Recognition (maʿrifa), and Mystical Realization (taḥqīq) in al-Risāla al-Quṣāriyya". Article. Divinity School, The University of Chicago.Casewit, Yousef (2020). "The Treatise on the Ascension (al-Risālaal-miʿrājiyya): Cosmology and Time in the Writings of Abū l-Ḥasan al-Shushtarī (d. 668/1269)". In "Light upon Light: Essays in Islamic Thought and History in Honor of Gerhard Bowering". Edited by Jamal J. Elias & Bilal Orfali. Brill.Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.Cornell, Vincent J. (2007). "The All-Comprehensive Circle (al-Ihata): Soul, Intellect, and the Oneness of Existence in the Doctrine of Ibn Sab'in". In "Sufism and Theology", edited by Ayman Shihadeh. Edinburgh University Press.Ebstein, Michael (2014). "Mysticism and Philosophy in al-Andalus: Ibn Masarra, Ibn al-'Arabi and the Isma'ili Tradition". Brill.Johnson. N. Scott (1995). "Ocean and Pearls: Ibn Sab'in, Shustari and the Doctrine of Absolute Unity". In "Sufi: Journal of Sufism" Issue 25.#sufism #mysticism #islam Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We celebrate Easter by looking at one of the most interesting non-canonical texts from the early development of Christianity.Sources/Suggested Reading:Asgeirsson, Jon (2005). "Thomasine Traditions in Antiquity The Social and Cultural World of the Gospel of Thomas". Brill.Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.Brock, Ann Graham (2003). Mary Magdalene, The First Apostle: The Struggle for Authority". Harvard Divinity School.de Boer, Esther A. (2005). "The Gospel of Mary: Listening to the Beloved Disciple". Continuum.King, Karen L. (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press.King, Karen L. (2003). "The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the first woman apostle". Polebridge Press.Tuckett, Christopher (2019). "The Gospel of Mary". Oxford University Press.Van den Broek, Roelof (2013). "Gnostic Religion in Antiquity". Cambridge University Press.Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2009). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts Complete in One Volume ". HarperOne.#marymagdalene #gnosticism #christianity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.