Have we confined the true essence of sainthood within too narrow a boundary?
In this episode of 'Voices with Vervaeke,' John Vervaeke welcomes Christopher Mastropeitro and Andrew Sweeny for a discussion that delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of their innovative project, the Philosophical Silk Road. Together, they challenge contemporary notions of sainthood and wisdom, drawing connections between Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, and Tantric practices. Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogue, the trio examines the essence of saints and sages, the importance of humor and humility in spiritual journeys, and the delicate balance between our finite existence and the quest for transcendence. Join John, Chris, and Andrew as they share their spiritual paths and encounters with saintly figures, advocating for a renewed appreciation of the sacred in our modern world.
Andrew Sweeny is an educator, writer, musician, and podcaster. He teaches at Sciences Po University in Paris and is an editor at Parallax magazine. Sweeny explores Zen Buddhism, Tantric practices, and music through his media platform, Parallax, offering courses and podcasts.
Christopher Mastropietro is a philosophical writer fascinated by dialogue, symbols, and the concept of self. He is the executive director and an active contributor to the Vervaeke Foundation, collaborating on projects exploring wisdom, spirituality, and transformative dialogue.
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00:00 Introducing the Guests and the Philosophical Silk Road
02:50 Andrew's Path: Zen, Tantra, and Music
05:05 Exploring the Philosophical Silk Road
07:00 Dialogos and Sacred Emergence
10:40 Setting the Stage: Connecting Zen, Neoplatonism, and Theurgy
21:40 Tantra's Influence in East and West
31:40 Reflections on Saintliness
44:25 The Enigma of Crazy Wisdom and Non-Conformity
52:10 Understanding the Hidden Order and Profound Humanity of Saints
01:09:05 The Role of Romanticism and Humor in Sainthood
01:17:40 Pilgrimage and the Saintly Path
01:19:30 Final Reflections
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Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in this Episode
Kitaro Nishida
Alicia Juarrero
Friedrich Nietzsche
James Filler
Erich Fromm
Chögyam Trungpa
Heidegger
Plato
Nagarjuna
Christianity
Neoplatonism
Socrates
Thomas Aquinas
Augustine
Joseph A. Bracken, The Divine Matrix: Creativity As Link Between East and West
Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus
Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Lotus Guru Padmasambhava, The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Albert Camus, The Plague
Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov; The Idiot
Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon
Follow Andrew Sweeny: Medium | Twitter | YouTube
Connect with Christopher Mastropietro
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Thank you for listening!
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Key Words:
Philosophical Silk Road, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, Christopher Mastropietro, Zen Buddhism, Neoplatonism, Tantra, dialogos, John Vervaeke podcast, Voices with Vervaeke, sacred journeys, spiritual growth, transformative dialogue, spiritual wisdom, cognitive science, psychology of religion, meaning crisis, philosophical podcasts, spiritual practices, Eastern and Western traditions, romanticism in spirituality, humor in spirituality, sacred and secular, spiritual transformation, evolutionary psychology
