Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts

Saints, bodhisattvas and genii locorum, or spirits of place, are the names in various wisdom traditions given to guardian beings who protect, assist and inspire. So what does it mean to call on these sacred beings? In this episode of the Sheldrake-Vernon Dialogues, Rupert Sheldrake and Mark Vernon discuss the role of patron saints who are associated with churches and shrines, days and names. What powers might figures from Saint Mary to Saint Nicolas bring to us? How do we call upon them and how is their presence understood? Rupert and Mark explore the ways in which saints connect heaven and earth in individual lives, particular places and at various times of the year.ANNOUNCEMENTThe next episode of The Sheldrake-Vernon Dialogues will be the 100th!In celebration, Rupert and Mark will talk with an in-person audience that people will also be available to join via live streaming.We will meet in the Parish Church of St John, Hampstead, on Sunday 15th February. The dialogue itself will start at 6.15pm and you are warmly invited to attend Choral Evensong at 5pm before. DETAILS OF TICKETS - https://buytickets.at/thesheldrakevernondialogues/2010539Rupert and Mark will consider the role of harmony, wholeness and hope in the modern world. Themselves inspired by the book, Harmony, co-authored by King Charles, they will inquire into new ways that are old of participating with the living cosmos, aided by science, poetry, and perennial wisdom traditions. How is diversity transformed by awareness of unity? How might the unfolding of life aid transformation? Spirit, imagination and intelligence much matter.

In this conversation, psychotherapist and writer Dr Mark Vernon is joined by philosopher Dr Robert Rowland Smith to explore the imaginative world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the often-overlooked influence of Owen Barfield - friend of C.S. Lewis and another Inkling.

Clare Carlisle, philosopher at King’s College London and author of Transcendence for Beginners, reflects on death, spiritual pilgrimage to Arunachala, Ramana Maharshi’s awakening, and why Western thinkers were drawn to Indian spirituality. Short, probing takes on mystical testimony, miracles, incarnation debates, Spinoza, and the risks of chasing ecstatic experience.

How can we understand what is happening today from the perspective of what is sometimes called salvation history? What might be struggling to be born in our times? Why is a spiritual analysis - an unfolding of consciousness - key?The talk was delivered at The School of Myth, “Wild Christ”, weekend with Martin Shaw, Rowan Williams, Heather Pollington and others.I use the insights of Owen Barfield and Rudolf Steiner, to interpret developments across 3000 years of Christianity, given the movement of spirit began a millennia before Christ. I also take their lead on the value of William Blake to perceive the significance of what Blake called a “New Age” emerging now - which we might love, too.My book unpacking Barfield’s interpretation of Christianity is “A Secret History of Christianity: Jesus, the Last Inkling and the Evolution of Consciousness”.My book on Blake’s prophetic analysis of the dynamics active today is “Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination”.For more see www.markvernon.com

In this discussion, Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist known for his ideas on morphic resonance, explores a burgeoning openness to discussing God and theism. He highlights the connections between panpsychism, idealism, and the revival of spiritual traditions like Christianity and Platonism. Sheldrake warns against reactive theism, suggesting a thoughtful approach to faith. He also delves into the role of biology in theistic discourse, the resurgence of various religions, and the dynamic nature of Platonic ideas in science. A fascinating dialogue on modern spirituality!

In this engaging discussion, Mark Vernon, a writer and psychotherapist with deep ties to William Blake, explores the visionary aspects of Blake's work and its profound implications for imagination. He critiques the medicalized interpretations of Blake, advocating for a direct engagement with his mystical visions. Vernon delves into Blake's imaginative realm as a bridge between the finite and infinite, and highlights Blake's relevance in countering modern fragmentation. He also offers practical advice for new readers on embracing Blake’s imagery and poetry.

Mark Vernon, a writer and broadcaster with expertise in religion and philosophy, delves into the complexities of Romanticism and William Blake's insights. He discusses how ungrounded Romantic feelings can lead to societal issues like nationalism and fundamentalism. Vernon highlights Blake’s call for imagination as a means of true understanding, advocating for a balance between reason and emotion. He also touches on Blake’s views on spirituality in nature and the importance of cleansing our perception to reconnect with reality. This conversation is a deep exploration of how we can find meaning in the modern world.

A psychotherapist, philosopher and writer drawn to the wellsprings of both ancient and modern philosophy and the illumination of the inner life. His work moves between the timeless and the modern, exploring friendship and belief, wellbeing and wonder, and the quiet art of living with depth in a restless age.His recent books trace paths through the visionary landscapes of William Blake, the awakening of spiritual intelligence, the pilgrimage of Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the Christian imagination as seen through Owen Barfield — the Oxford Inkling and close companion of C.S. Lewis.You can find out more about Paul via his website - www.paulwilkinson.co.ukYou can find out more about Mark via his website - www.markvernon.com

Mark Vernon, a psychotherapist and author, dives into the radical vision of William Blake, advocating for a spirituality that breaks free from institutional confines. He critiques the Newtonian worldview and its limitations, while celebrating Blake's connection to the divine through nature. Topics like Blake's rejection of traditional Christianity, the critique of moralizing in 'The Garden of Love', and the transformative nature of desire highlight Blake's enduring relevance. The conversation explores how imagination can cleanse one's perception and enrich modern psychology.

Malcolm Guite, a poet and Anglican priest known for his insights on theology and imagination, joins the discussion around William Blake's radical ideas. They explore how Blake challenges the modern split between the subjective and the objective, advocating for the imagination as a crucial tool for grasping truth. Guite highlights the necessity of reviving the imagination within theology, asserting it brings meaning to our experiences. Together, they articulate how imagination can transform our perception of the divine and the everyday moments of life.