Let's Talk Religion

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 My...

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 divin...

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 Vibr...

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/le...

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 Holm Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid Pawan Krishna Palace on Wheels Sources/Suggested Reading: Chakravarty, H.N. (Translated by) (2012). "Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta". Edited by Boris Marjanovic. Rudra Press. Dyczkowski, Mark S.G....

The concept of "jihad" in Islam is often oversimplified, and in this episode we explore one example of a "pacifist" tradition within Islam assoicated with Salim Suwari and the Suwarian tradition. Sources/Suggested Reading: Babou, Cheikh Anta (2007). "Fighting the Greater Jihad: Amadu Bamba and the founding of the Mouridiyya of Senegal, 1853-1913". Ohio University Press. Clark, Andrew Francis (1999...

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...

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 Gra...

In this episode, I share some thoughts about the month of Ramdan, its basic features and some perspectives from scholars on the philosophy behind it. #Ramdan #Islam #Fasting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our exploration of Pythagoreanism by diving into the music of the spheres, and how this idea has influenced thinkers across history. Sources/Recomended Reading: Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company. Huffman, Carl A. (2008). "Philolaus of Croton: A Commentary on the Fragments and Testimonia with Interprative Essays". Cambridge University Pres...

It's time to talk about a few ways that Neoplatonic ideas have shown up in the history of Islamic thought. Sources/Recomended Reading: Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press. al-Ghazali - "The Niche of Lights". Translated by David Buchman. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press. Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ili...

Sources/Recomended Reading: Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company. Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonists". Bristol Classical Press. Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode). Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". C...

Sources/Recomended 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. Carlson, Stephen C. (2014). "Origen's use of the Gospel of Thomas". Uppsala University. King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard...

In this second part in our series about Shia Islam, we explore the esoteric Isma'ilis, their history and Neoplatonist-influenced theology. Thanks to Dr. Khalil Andani for the help. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KhalilAndani Sources/Recomended Reading: Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by Dav...

Sources/Recomended 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. Carlson, Stephen C. (2014). "Origen's use of the Gospel of Thomas". Uppsala University. King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard...

In this episode, we explore the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran community and ask the question whether or not this group can be identified as the Essenes. Sources/Recomended Reading: Klawans, Jonathan (2016). "The Essene Hypothesis: Insights from Religion 101". Brill. Magness, Jodi (2021). "The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls". Second Edition. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Vermes, Gez...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Apollonius of Tyana, a Neopythagorean philosopher whose life in many ways mirror that of Jesus. Sources/Suggested Reading: Dzielska, Maria (1986). "Apollonius of Tyana in Legend and History". L'Erma Di Bretschneider. Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press. Huffm...

This has been one of the most requested subjects, it is finally time to talk about Mulla Sadra. Sources/Recommended Reading: Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005). “The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy”. Cambridge University Press. Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press. Kalin, Ibrahim (2005). “Knowledge in...

We continue our exploration of Sufi poetry by looking at one of the greatest poets to write in the Turkish language. Sources/Suggested Reading: Smith, Grace Martin (1993). "The Poetry of Yunus Emre: A Turkish Sufi Poet". University of California Press. Soileau, Mark (2018). "Humanist Mystics: Nationalism and the Commemoration of Saints in Turkey". The University of Utah Press. #yunusemre #sufism #...

The translation of this sermon is taken from: Walshe, Maurice O'C (ed.) (2009). "The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart". The Crossroad Publishing Company. For more information about Eckhart, suggested reading includes the following: McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group. McGinn, Bernard (1992). "M...

In this episode, we finally explore the vast and important religious tradition of ancient Mesopotamia! Sources/Suggested Reading: Bottéro, Jean (2004). "Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia". Translated by Teresa Lavender Fagan. University of Chicago Press. Michalowski, Piotr (2012). "The Mortal Kings of Ur: Short Century of Divine Rule in Ancient Mesopotamia". In Religion and Power: Divine Kingship in...

In this episode, we explore the history of music in Jewish mysticism, from the ancient prophets to the Hasidim of today. Sources/Suggested Reading: Idel, Moshe (1987). "The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia". State University of New York Press. Idel, Moshe (1988). "Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah". State University of New York Press. Idel, Moshe (1988). "Kabbalah: New Perspectives". Yale Univer...

In this episode, we explore the life and teachings of the Senegalese Sufi saint and social reformer Ahmadou Bamba (d. 1927), who led a movement of resistence against French colonialism through nonviolence. Thank you to Brahdamon for kindly allowing me to use his footage. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/Brahdamon Videos used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ovb44sbHR8&t=2...

A healthy level of speculation is required this time as we dive into the fascinating Eleusinian mysteries and its transformative rituals of consciousness-alteration. Sources/Suggested reading. Bowden, Hugh (2010). "Mystery cults in the Ancient World". Thames and Hudson Ltd. Burkert, William (1982). "Greek Religion". Harvard University Press. Burkert, William (1988). "Ancient Mystery Cults". Harvar...

We're finally doing Buddhism! In this episode, we explore the teachings of the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna and his school, known as Madhyamika, or "The Middle Way". Sources/Suggested Reading: Siderits, Mark & Shoryu Katsura (Translated by) (2013). "Nagarjuna's Middle Way: The Mulamadhyamakakarika". Classics of Indian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications. Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhya...