Let's Talk Religion: Recent Episodes
Filip Holm
This podcast aims to educate on the subject of religion from an academic perspective and to open up for informed discussions on the subject. You will find episodes discussing the big religions of the world and historical overviews of important figures from different religious traditions.
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In this video we explore the life, death and legacy of the 5th century Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia, the very dramatic events that led to her brutal murder and what this can tell us (or not) about the transition from antiquity to the middle ages.
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Sources/Recomended Reading:
Athanassiadi, Polymnia (ed.) (1999). "Damascius: The Philosophical History: text with translation and notes". Apamea Cultural Association.
Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.
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.
Watts, Edward J. (2018). "Hypatia: The Life and Legend of an Ancient Philosopher". Academic.
Socrates Scholasticus: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/26017.htm
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating character of Fazlallah Astarabadi and his Hurufi (Lettrist) movement, as we dive into the world of Occultism and Esotericism in medieval Iran.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bashir, Shahzad (2005). "Fazlallah Astarabadi and the Hurufis". Oneworld Publications.
Burrill, Kathleen R. F. (1972). "The Quatrains of Nesimî Fourteenth-Century Turkic Hurufi". De Gruyter.
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Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine and even a famous "proof" for the existence of God. In this episode, we explore the historical context and legacy of one of history's greatest minds.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2011). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press.
Gohlman, William E. (translated by) (1974). "The Life of Ibn Sina: A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation". State University of New York Press.
Inati, Shams (translated by) (1984). "Remarks and Admonitions: Part One - Logic". Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.
Inati, Shams (1996). "Ibn Sina & Mysticism: Remarks and Admonitions (Part 4 - Sufism)". Routledge.
Inati, Shams (translated by) (2014). "Ibn Sina's Remarks and Admonitions: Physics and Metaphysics: An Analysis and Annotated Translation". Columbia University Press.
Marmura, Michael E. (translated by) (2005). "Avicenna: The Metaphysics of The Healing". University of Chicago Press.
McGinnis, Jon (translated by) (2010). "Avicenna: The Physics of The Healing – A Parallel English–Arabic Text". University of Chicago Press.
Morewedge, Parviz (1992). "Neoplatonism and Islamic Thought". State University of New York Press.
Suhrawardi (1187). "The Philosophy of Illumination". Translated by John Walbridge & Hossein Ziai. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press.
Winter, Tim (ed.) (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press.
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Dune and the religious themes that we can find in the books and movies.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press.
Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.
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.
Corbin, Henry (1998). "Alone with the Alone - Creative Imagination in the Sūfism of Ibn 'Arabī". Princeton University Press; Revised edition.
McNelly, Willis E. (1987). "The Dune Encyclopedia". Berkley.
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial Qalandariyya and similar movements like the Haydais & Shams-i Tabrizis. We also dive into the historical development of this movement, from the early Malamatis to the extreme ascetic dervishes in the Ottoman empire.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Dahlén, Ashk (2004). "The Holy Fool in Medieval Islam: The Qalandariyat of Fakhr al-din Araqi". Orientalia Suecana, vol.52.
De Bruijn, J.T.P (1999). "The Qalandariyyat in Persian Mystical Poetry, from Sana'i Onwards". In "The Heritage of Sufism, Vol. 2" (Edited by Leonard Lewisohn). Oneworld Publicaions.
Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). "Gods Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Later Middle Period, 1200-1550". Oneworld Publications.
Sviri, Sara (1999). "Hakim Tirmidhi and the Malamati Movement in Early Sufism". In The Heritage of Sufism, Vol. 1 (Edited by Leonard Lewisohn). Oneworld Publications.
Toussulis, Yannis (2011). "Sufism and the Way of Blame: Hidden Sources of a Sacred Psychology". Quest Books, U.S.
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In this third and final installment of the introductions to Shi'i Islam, we dive into the history and teachings of the Zaydis, the smallest but stillvery significant school that has been a significant part of the history of Yemen.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press.
Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.
Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
Haider, Najam (2012). "The Origins of the Shi'ia: Identity, Ritual, and Sacred Space in Eighth-Century Kufa". Cambridge University Press.
Haider, Najam (2014). "Shi'i Islam: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press.
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Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri. From his leadership during the Algerian resistance against French colonization to his commitment to his Islamic religious beliefs & sufi mysticism. Abd al-Qadir impact reverberates through history. Join us as we explore one of the most fascinating and inspiring figures of modern history.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Bouyerdene, Ahmed (2012). "Emir Abd El-Kader: Hero and Saint of Islam". World Wisdom Books.
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.
Chodkiewicz, Michel (ed.) (1995). "The Spiritual Writings of Amir ʿAbd al-Kader". State University of New York Press.
Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.
Kiser, John W (2015). "Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El-Kader". Monkfish Book Publishing Company.
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Dive into the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, its ancient hsitory and ethical teachings, from its origins with the prophet Zarathushtra through the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires and all the way until today. Discover how Zoroastrianism might be one of the most important religions in history, influencing some of the most famous and popular religons and philosophies in the world.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge; 2nd edition.
Dahlén, Ashk (transl.) (2023). "Zarathustra: Sånger". h:ström.
Humbach, Helmut & Pallan Ichaporia (transl.) (1994). "The Heritage of Zarathushtra: A New Translation of His Gathas. Universitatsverlag Winter.
Moazami, Mahnaz (ed.) (2016). "Zoroastrianism: A collection of Articles from the Encyclopedia Iranica". ENCYCLOPAEDIA IRANICA FOUNDATION. 2 Volumes. Rose, Jenny (2019). "Zoroastrianism: An Introduction". I.B. Tauris Introduction to Religions. Bloomsbury Academic.
Strausberg, Michael; & Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina (ed.) (2015). "The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism". Wiley-Blackwell.
A second translation of the Gathas: http://avesta.org/dastur/Dinshaw_J_Irani_The_Gathas.pdf
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Delve into the enigmatic practices, sacred rituals, and esoteric beliefs that shaped the spiritual & philosophical landscape of the ancient Hellenic world. From the Eleusinian Mysteries to the Oracle at Delphi, Pythagoreans and the writings of Plato, join us as we unravel the mysticism that infused every aspect of ancient Greek life, exploring the aspects that continues to captivate our imaginations today.
Sources/Recomended 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". Harvard University Press.
Cooper, John M. et. al (translated by) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing.
Dodds, E.R. (2004). "The Greeks & The Irrational". University of California Press.
Evans, Nancy A. “Sanctuaries, Sacrifices, and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” Numen, Vol. 49, No. 3 (2002): 227-254.
Mylonas, George E. “Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” The Classical Journal, Vol. 43, No. 3 (1947): 130-146.
Ustinova, Yulia (2017). "Divine Mania: Alterations of Consciousness in Ancient Greece". Routledge.
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We continue our series on mysticism by exploring Judaism and its mystical tradition, including the famous Kabbalah but also going beyond it.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Dan, Joseph (1986). "The Early Kabbalah". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.
Fine, Lawrence (2003). "Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos: Isaac Luria and His Kabbalistic Fellowship". Stanford University Press.
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 (1990). "Kabbalah: New Perspectives". Yale University Press.
Idel, Moshe (1995). "Hasidism: Between Ecstacy and Magic". SUNY Press.
Kaplan, Aryeh (translated by) (1990). "The Bahir: Illumination". Red Wheel/Weiser; Revised ed. edition.
Kraemer, Joel L. (2010). "Maimonides: The Life and World of one of Civilization's Greatest Minds". Doubleday & Co Inc.
Krassen, Mosheh Aaron. “Introduction: Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem Tov: Prophet of a New Paradigm.” In Israel ben Eliezer. Pillar of Prayer. Translated by Menachem Kallus. Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2010.
Lobel, Diana (2021). "Moses and Abraham Maimonides: Encountering the Divine". Academic Studies Press.
Miller, Moshe (translated by) (1994). "The Palm Tree of Devorah". Targum.
Russ-Fishbane, Elisha (2015). "Judaism, Sufism, and the Pietists of Medieval Egypt: A study of Abraham Maimonides and his times". Oxford University Press. Scholem, Gershom (1995). "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism". Schocken Books; Revised edition.
Scholem, Gershom (1996). "On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism". Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group; Revised ed. edition.
Wolfson, Elliot R. (1997). “Jewish mysticism: A Philosophical Overview,” in History of Jewish Philosophy, Daniel Frank, Oliver Leaman (eds.).
Wolfson, Eliot R. (2011). “Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia and the Prophetic Kabbalah”. In Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (ed. Frederick E. Greenspahn). New York University Press.
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We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart.
The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended.
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We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart.
The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended.
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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We end our Christmas special this year by reading the fourth and last sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart.
The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended.
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The Council of Nicea is probably one of the most misrepresented events in early Christianity, with a lot of misinformation being spread around on social media. The same goes for Arius, the Arians and what they actually believed. In this video, we tackle these topics and try to give a more proper overview of the complexities of early Christian theology.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.
King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press.
Williams, Rowan (2002). "Arius: Heresy & Tradition". Eerdmans.
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In this episode, we explore the fascinating spiritual and philosophical teachings of the non-canonical Gospel of Philip. Often termed a "gnostic" text, this incredible ancient document contains some truly interesting ideas, and a very controversial and famous account of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.
King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press.
Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2009). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts". HarperOne; International, Reprint, Revised, Updated edition. Smith, Geoffrey S. (2020). "Valentinian Christianity – Texts and Translations". University of California Press.
Van den Broek, Roelof (2013). "Gnostic Religion in Antiquity". Cambridge University Press.
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Sources/Recomended Reading: * Gendle, Nicholas (translated by) (1982). "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". Paulist Press. * Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. * Hart, Columba (translated by) (1980). "Hadewijch: Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. * Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press. * Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co. * Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International. * McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co. McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co. * "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. * "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. * Tobin, Frank (translated by) (1997). "Mechthild of Magdeburg: The Flowing Light of the Godhead". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. * Walshe, Maurice O.C. (translated by) (2010). "The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart". Crossroad Publishing Company. * Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books.
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In this interview with the amazing Professor David Thurfjell, we talk about the contemporary phenomenon of nature spirituality in the Nordic countries. Has the concept of "nature" become a main source of meaning for Scandinavians, and maybe even replaced the function of religion?
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Finally, we're talking about the incredibly significant Persian sufi poet Jalal al-din Rumi. This video provides an in-depth analysis of Rumi's life, poetic themes, literary contributions, and their significance in the context of Sufism and Persian literature.
Thank you to Safa Mirror for the beautiful reading of the Song of the Reed! Link to channel: https://www.youtube.com/@safamirror
Sources/Recomended Reading:
- Chittick, William (1983). "The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi". SUNY Press.
- Feldman, Walter (2022). "From Rumi to the Whirling Dervishes: Music, Poetry, and Mysticism in the Ottoman Empire". Edinburgh University Press.
- Gamard, Ibrahim & Rawan Farhadi (translated by) (2008). "The Quatrains of Rumi". Sufi Dari Books.
- Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). God's Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Middle Period 1200-1550. Oneworld Publications.
- Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.
- Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.
- Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications.
- Thackston, W.M. (translated by) (1999). "Signs of the Unseen: The Discourses of Jalaluddin Rumi". Shambala.
- Williams, Alan (translated by) (2020). "The Masnavi of Rumi: A New English Translation with Explanatory Notes". Book 1 & 2. I.B. Tauris.
- Also check out the work of Sharghzade/Persian Poetics: https://twitter.com/persianpoetics
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Embark on an intellectual journey into the realm of Sufism. Explore the intricate history, philosophical underpinnings, and mystical practices that have shaped this fascinating tradition. Join me as we delve into the topic of Sufi mysticism, shedding light on its profound impact on Islam & its history.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
- Abu-n Nasr, Jamil M. (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace: The Sufi Brotherhoods in Islamic Religious Life". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd.
- "Al-Qushayri's Epistle on Sufism - Al-Risala Al Qushayriyya Fi 'ilm Al-Tasawwuf". Translated by Alexander Knysh. 2020. The Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization.
- Avery, Kenneth S. (2004). "A Psychology of Early Sufi Sama: Listening and altered states". Routledge.
- Casewit, Yousef (2017). "The Mystics of al-Andalus: Ibn Barrajan and Islamic Thought in the Twelfth Century". Cambridge University 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.
- Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.
- Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.
- Ernst, Carl W. & Bruce B. Lawrence (2003). "Sufi Martyrs of Love: The Chishti Order in South Asia and beyond". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Homerin, Emil (Translated by) (2001). "'Umar Ibn al-Farid: Sufi Verse, Saintly Life". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press.
- Homerin, Emil (2019). "Aisha al-Ba'uniyya: A Life in Praise of Love". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Publications.
- Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). God's Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Middle Period 1200-1550. Oneworld Publications.
- Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.
- Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.
- Knysh, Alexander (2019). "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism". Princeton University Press.
- Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications.
- Malik, Jamal & John Hinnells (ed.) (2006). "Sufism in the West". Routledge.
- Ridgeon, Lloyd (ed.) (2015). "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism". Cambridge University Press.
- Schimmel, Annemarie (1975). "Mystical Dimensions of Islam". The University of North Carolina Press.
- Van Bruinessen, Martin & Julia Day Howell (ed). (2007). "Sufism and the Modern in Islam". I.B. Tauris.
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Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we delve into the depths of Stoicism, the profound philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this video, we unravel the intricate principles of Stoicism and examine its relevance in history and today. Expand your understanding of Stoicism's enduring impact on the history of philosphy, religion and esotericism.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Brennan, Tad (2007). "The Stoic Life: Emotions, Duties and Fate". Oxford University Press.
- Campbell, Robin (Translated by) (2004). "Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium (Seneca)". Penguin Classics.
- Dobbin, Robert (Translated by) (2008). "Discourses and Selected Writings: Epictetus". Penguin Classics.
- Gould, Josiah B. (1970). "The Philosophy of Chrysippus". SUNY Press.
- Hammond, Martin (Translated by) (2006). "Meditations: Marcus Aurelius". Penguin Classics.
- Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press.
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This year we are celebrating the Christmas season by reading the amazing advent sermons of the german mystic philosopher Meister Eckhart. There are three more sermons coming after this one.
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Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his concepts of the One and the emanation of divine beings, to the fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, this video uncovers the intellectual interplay that helped shape the foundations of Western spirituality. Explore how Neoplatonic concepts, such as the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the pursuit of the divine, found resonance within Christian doctrines.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.
- Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
- Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press.
- Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press.
- Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.
- Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International.
- McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group.
- O'Meara, Dominic J. (1981). "Neoplatonism and Christian Thought". State University of New York Press.
- Pine-Coffin, R.S. (Translated by) (2003). "Confessions". Penguin Classics.
- Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
- O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.
- Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
- Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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. (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
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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). "Imperialism, Independence, and Islam in Senegal and Mali". Africa Today, Volume 46, Number 3/4, Summer/Autumn. Indiana University Press.
- Creevey, Lucy E. (1985). "Muslim Brotherhoods and Politics in Senegal in 1985". The Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol. 23, No. 4. Cambridge University Press.
- Kimball, Michelle R. (2018). "Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba: A Peacemaker for Our Time". The Other Press Sdn. Bhd.
- Mbacké, Khadim (2005). "Sufism and Religious Brotherhoods in Senegal". Markus Weiner Publishers.
- Sanneh, Lamin O. (2018). "The Jakhanke: The History of an Islamic Clerical People of the Senegambia". Routledge.
- Wilks, Ivor (1968). "The Transmission of Islamic Learning in the Western Sudan". In Literacy in Traditional Societies, ed. J. Goody. London.
- Wilks, Ivor (2011). "al-Hajj Salim Suwari and the Suwarians: A search for sources". Transactions of the Historical Society of GhanaNew Series, No. 13 (2011), pp. 1-79 (79 pages). Published By: Historical Society of Ghana.
- Willis, John Ralph (1970). The Jihād of al-Hajj cUmar al-Fūtī: Its Doctrinal Basis. . . Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of London.
- Willis, John Ralph (2013). "In the Path of Allah: The Passion of al-Hajj 'Umar". Routledge.
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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-Risāla
- al-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
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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
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
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 Press.
- Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.
- Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.
- Klavan, Spencer A. (2020). "Music in Ancient Greece: Melody, Rhythm and Life". Bloomsbury Academic.
- Zhmud, Leonid (2012). "Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans". Translated by Kevin Windle & Rosh Ireland. OUP Oxford.
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'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
- Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.
- 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). "The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi". World Wisdom, inc.
- 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". Cambridge University Press.
- Ibn Sina - "A Treatise on Love". Translated by Emil L. Fackenheim. Medieval Studies.
- Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Translation by Caner K. Dagli. Great Books of the Islamic World.
- 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.
- Morewedge, Parviz (1992). "Neoplatonism and Islamic Thought". State University of New York Press.
- Ormsby, Eric (Translated by) (2012). "Between Reason and Revelation: Twin wisdoms reconciled". An annotated English translation of Nasir-i Khusraw's Kitab-i Jami al-hikmatayn. The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.
- Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
- O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.
- Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
neoplatonism #islam #philosophy
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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". Cambridge University Press.
- Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.
- 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.
- Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
- O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford 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.
Also check out the excellent episodes about Plotinus on the "Secret History of Western Esotericism" pocast: https://shwep.net/
neoplatonism #philosophy #plotinus
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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 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.
- Meyer, Marvin & Harold Bloom (1993). "The Gospel of St Thomas: The hidden sayings of Jesus". Bravo Ltd.
gospelofjudas #gnosticism #christianity
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 David Streight. State University of New York Press.
- Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.
- Andani, Khalil (Forthcoming). "The Moden Resurrection of Nizari Ismaili Islam: The Reforms of the Aga Khans". In "The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Reform" (ed. Emad Hamdeh & Natana Delong-Bas). Forthcoming.
- Badakhchani, S. Jalal (Edited and Translated by) (2005). "The Paradise of Submission: A Medieval Treatise on Ismaili Thought". A New Persian Edition and English Translation of Tusi's Rawda-yi Taslim". The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.
- Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
- Haider, Najam (2014). "Shi'i Islam: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press.
- Ormsby, Eric (Translated by) (2012). "Between Reason and Revelation: Twin wisdoms reconciled". An annotated English translation of Nasir-i Khusraw's Kitab-i Jami al-hikmatayn. The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.
- Virani, Shafique N. (2020). "Hierohistory in Qadi l-Nu'man's Foundation of Symbolic Interpretation (Asas al-Taw'il): the Birth of Jesus". In "Studies in Islamic Historiography (Edited by Sami G. Massoud). Brill.
A good source for Isma'ilism is also Isma'ili Gnosis: https://ismailignosis.com/
Islam #ismaili #esoteric
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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 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.
- Meyer, Marvin & Harold Bloom (1993). "The Gospel of St Thomas: The hidden sayings of Jesus". Bravo Ltd.
gospelofthomas #gnosticism #christianity
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, Geza (Trans.) (2004). "The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English". Revised Edition. Penguin Books.
essenes #archeology #deadseascrolls
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.
- Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.
Apollonius #jesus #ancient
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 later Islamic Philosophy: Mulla Sadra on Existence, Intellect and Intuition”. Oxford University Press.
- Meisami, Sayeh (2013). “Mulla Sadra”. Makers of the Muslim World Series. OneWorld Academic.
- Sadr al-din al-Shirazi (2014). “Metaphysical Penetrations: A Parallel English-Arabic text”. Translated by Seyyed Hossein Nasr. Edited by Ibrahim Kalin. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press.
- Sadr al-din al-Shirazi (Mulla Sadra) (2003). “The Elixir of the Gnostics: A Parallel English-Arabic text”. Translated by William Chittick. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press.
- Sadr al-din al-Shirazi (Mulla Sadra) (1981). “The Wisdom of the Throne: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mulla Sadra”. Translated by James W. Morris. Princeton University Press.
- Rizvi, Sajjad H. (2009). “Mulla Sadra and Metaphysics: Modulation of Being”. Routledge.
- Rustom, Mohammed (2013). “The Triumph of Mercy: Philosophy and Scripture in Mulla Sadra”. State University of New York Press.
Philosophy #Islam #Mysicism
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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 #poetry
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). "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.
- McGinn, Bernard (1981). "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.
You can also watch my previous video on the topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg0c32KbA-g&t=1330s
Christmas #Mysticism #Christianity
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 the Ancient World and Beyond (ed. Nicole Brisch). Chicago: The Oriental Institute.
- Tzvi Abusch, I. (2020). "Mesopotamian Religion". In Essays on Babylonian and Biblical Literature and Religion, Vol. 65: 5-23. Brill.
- Van De Mieroop, Marc (2015). A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC. Wiley-Blackwell.
Sumeria #Mesopotamia #Religion
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 University Press.
- Idel, Moshe (1997). "Conceptualizations of Music in Jewish Mysticism". In "Enchanting Powers: Music in the World's Religions" (ed. Lawrence E. Sullivan). Harvard University Press.
- Idel, Moshe (2002). "Music in Sixteenth-Century Kabbalah in Northern Africa". In "Yuval: Studies of the Jewish Music Research Centre", Vol. 2. The Hebrew University Magnes Press, Jerusalem.
- Kraemer, Joel L. (2010). "Maimonides: The Life and World of one of Civilization's Greatest Minds". Doubleday & Co Inc.
- Russ-Fishbane, Elisha (2015). "Judaism, Sufism, and the Pietists of Medieval Egypt: A study of Abraham Maimonides and his times". Oxford University Press
- Scholem, Gershom (1995). "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism". Schocken Books.
Internet Sources:
- http://www.nigun.info/chassidic.html
Judaism #Kabbalah #Music
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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=221s
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). "Imperialism, Independence, and Islam in Senegal and Mali". Africa Today, Volume 46, Number 3/4, Summer/Autumn. Indiana University Press.
- Creevey, Lucy E. (1985). "Muslim Brotherhoods and Politics in Senegal in 1985". The Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol. 23, No. 4. Cambridge University Press.
- Holm, Filip (2018). "The Architecture of Pilgrimage: a study on the Ziyara Bogal and charismatic authority in the Tijaniyya". Master's Thesis. Södertörn University.
- Kimball, Michelle R. (2018). "Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba: A Peacemaker for Our Time". The Other Press Sdn. Bhd.
- Mbacké, Khadim (2005). "Sufism and Religious Brotherhoods in Senegal". Markus Weiner Publishers.
- McLaughlin, Fiona (1997). "Islam and popular music in Senegal: The emergence of a new tradition". Africa: Journal of the international African Institute.
- Van Hoven, Ed (2000). "The nation turbaned? The construction of nationalist identities in Senegal. Journal of Religion in Africa, Vol. 30, Fasc. 2. Brill.
Senegal #Sufism #Islam
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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". Harvard University Press.
- Evans, Nancy A. “Sanctuaries, Sacrifices, and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” Numen, Vol. 49, No. 3 (2002): 227-254.
- Mylonas, George E. “Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” The Classical Journal, Vol. 43, No. 3 (1947): 130-146.
- Ustinova, Yulia (2017). "Divine Mania: Alterations of Consciousness in Ancient Greece". Routledge.
Eleusinianmysteries #Greece #Mythology
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 Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.
- Ziporyn, Brook (2016). "Emptiness and Omnipresence: An essential introduction to Tiantai Buddhism". Indiana University Press.
Nagarjuna #Buddhism #Emptiness
In this episode, we explore the famous persian sufi poem "Mantiq al-Tayr" or The Conference of the Birds, written by Fariduddin Attar.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- 'Attar, Fariduddin. "The Conference of the Birds". Translated by Afkham Darbandi & Dick Davis. Penguin Classics. 1984.
- "Farid ad-Din 'Attar's Memorial of God's Friends: Lives and sayings of Sufis". Translated by Paul Losensky. Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.
attar #sufism #mysticism
In this episode, we explore what little we know of the mysterious group of Jewish Christians known as the Ebionites.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.
- Chilton, Bruce & Craig A. Evans (ed.) (1998). Studying the historical Jesus: Evaluations of the state of Current Research. Brill.
- Ehrman, Bart (2005). "Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew". OUP USA.
- Holmén, Tom & Stanley E. Porter (ed.) (2011). Handbook for the study of the historical Jesus. Volume 1. Brill.
- Levine, Amy-Jill; Dale C. Allison Jr. & John Dominic Crossan (2006). The Historical Jesus in Context. Princeton University Press.
Ebionites #Jesus #Christianity
In this episode, we explore the history and key features of the movement known as Salafism, which has become a significant force in modern Islam.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Crawford, Michael (2014). "Ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab". Oneworld Academic.
- Hamid, Sadek (2016). "Sufis, Salafism and Islamists: The Contested Ground of British Islamic Activism". I.B. Tauris.
- Hoover, Jon (2019). "Ibn Taymiyya". Oneworld Academic.
- Meijer, Roel (ed.) (2009). "Global Salafism: Islam's New Religious Movement". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
- Winter, Tim (ed.) (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press.
Salafism #Islam #Religion
In this episode, we explore whether or not we can find the conception of a single, absolute god in ancient Egyptian theology.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Assmann, Jan (2001). "The Seach for God in Ancient Egypt". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.
- Copenhaver, Brian P. (ed.) (1995). "Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius in a New English Translation, with Notes and Introduction". Cambridge University Press.
- Hornung, Erik (1982). "Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many". Translated by John Baines. Cornell University Press.
- Hornung, Erik (2001). "Akhenaten and the Religion of Light". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.
- Simpson, William Kelley (ed.) (2003). "The Literature of Ancient Egypt: An Anthology of Stories, Instructions, Stelae, Autobiographies, and Poetry". Yale University Press.
- Teeter Emily (2011). "Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt". Cambridge University Press.
Egypt #Antiquity #Religion
In this episode, we explore the life and movement of Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans, and discover that the common image of him as an ancient mathematician isn't entirely supported by the evidence.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Huffman, Carl A. (2008). "Philolaus of Croton: A Commentary on the Fragments and Testimonia with Interprative Essays". Cambridge University Press.
- Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.
- Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.
- Zhmud, Leonid (2012). "Pythagoras and the Early Pythagoreans". Translated by Kevin Windle & Rosh Ireland. OUP Oxford.
Pythagoras #Pythagoreanism #Philosophy
This episode explores the life, teachings and movement of Abraham Maimonides, the son of the much more famous Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides (d. 1204).
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Idel, Moshe (1987). "The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia". State University of New York Press
- Kraemer, Joel L. (2010). "Maimonides: The Life and World of one of Civilization's Greatest Minds". Doubleday & Co Inc.
- Lobel, Diana (2021). "Moses and Abraham Maimonides: Encountering the Divine". Academic Studies Press.
- Russ-Fishbane, Elisha (2015). "Judaism, Sufism, and the Pietists of Medieval Egypt: A study of Abraham Maimonides and his times". Oxford University Press
Judaism #Mysticism #Sufism
In this episode, I attempt to give you an overview of the vast and complex Twelver school of Shi'ism across history.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Abdulsater, Hussein Ali (2017). "Shi'i Doctrine, Mu'tazili Theology: Al-Sharif al-Murtada and Imami Discourse". Edinburgh University Press.
- Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press.
- Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.
- Bayhoum-Daou, Tamima (2005). "Shaykh Mufid". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Academic.
- Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
- Knysh, Alexander (2017). "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism". Princeton University Press.
- Meisami, Sayeh (2013). "Mulla Sadra". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Academic.
- Tabataba'i, Hossein Modarressi (1984). "An Introduction to Shi'i Law: a bibliographical study". Ithaca Press London.
Shia #Islam #Religion
WARNING: This episode contains depictions of violence, references to sexual acts and mild nudity.
In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood tradition of Tantra or Tantrism.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.
- Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar.
- Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". State University of New York Press.
- Einoo, Shingo (ed.) (2009). "Genesis and Development of Tantrism". University of Tokyo.
- Harper, Katherine Anne & Robert L. Brown (2002). "The Roots of Tantra". State University of New York Press.
- Muller-Ortega, Paul Eduardo (1989). "The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir". State University of New York Press.
- Wallis, Christopher D. (2013). "Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History and Practice of a Timeless Tradition". Mattamayura.
- White, David Gordon (2000). "Tantra in Practice". Princeton University Press.
Tantra #Shaivism #Buddhism
In this episode, we continue our explorations of Daoism by studying its later developments into organized movements and the fascinating practice of Neidan, or "Internal Alchemy".
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Graham, A.C. (1999). "Disputers of the Tao: Philosophical Argument in Ancient China". Open Court.
- Kohn, Livia (1991). "Early Chinese Mysticism: Philosophy and Soteriology in the Taoist Tradition". Princeton University Press.
- Kohn, Livia (1993). "The Taoist Experience: An Anthology". State University of New York Press.
- Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloombury academic.
- Komjathy, Louis (2016). "Comtemplative Literature: A Comparative Sourcebook on Meditation and Contemplative Prayer". State University of New York Press.
- Ziporyn, Brook (Translated by) (2020). Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings". Hackett Publishing Company.
Daoism #China #Alchemy
In this episode, we explore the most (in)famous book of occult sciences in the history of the Islamicate World: the Shams al-Ma’arif (Sun of Knowledge).
WARNING: I am quoting from the book in this episode. Those concerned about its dangers might want to avoid listening to this episode.
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.
- Coulon, Jean-Charles (2022). “Amulets and Talismans in the Earliest Works of the Corpus Bunianum”. In “Amulets and Talismans of the Middle East and North Africa in Context” (Edited by Marcela A. Garcia & Petra M. Sijpesteijn). Brill.
- Gardiner, Noah (2012). “Forbidden Knowledge? Notes on the production, transmission, and reception of the major works of Ahmad al-Buni”. Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies 12 (2012). University of Michigan.
- Gardiner, Noah (2014). “Esotericism in a manuscript culture: Aḥmad al-Būnī and his readers through the Mamlūk period”. Doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan.
- Gardiner, Noah (2017). “Esotericist Reading Communities and the Early Circulation of the Sufi Occultist Aḥmad al-Būnī’s Works”. Arabica 64 (2017) 405-441. Brill.
- Gardiner, Noah (2017). “Stars and Saints: The Esotericist Astrology of the Sufi Occultist Ahmad al-Buni”. Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft (Spring 2017). University of Pennsylvania Press.
- Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
- Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.
- Saif, Liana (2022). “Narratives of Danger: The Sun of Knowledge in Arabic Occulture”. Article: https://www.leidenislamblog.nl/articles/narratives-of-danger-the-sun-of-knowledge-in-arabic-occulture
- Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
- Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press.
- Varisco, Daniel Martin (2017). “Illuminating the Lunar Mansions (manazil al-qamar) in Sams al-Ma’arif”. Arabica 64 (2017), 487-530. Qatar University.
- "The Openings Revealed in Makka", al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Ibn 'Arabi. Translated by Eric Shu'ayb Winkel. Vol. 1. Pir Press.
- “Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra”. Arabic Printed Edition by Dar al-Mizan.
occult #magic #middleeast
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We continue this year's Shocktober with an exploration of demons and exorcism in Ancient Mesopotamia.
Sources/Recomended Reading:
- Abusch, I. Tzvi (2020). "Babylonian witchcraft literature: case studies". Brown Judaic Studies. Scholars Press, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Abusch, I. Tzvi (2020). "Mesopotamian Religion". In Essays on Babylonian and Biblical Literature and Religion, Vol. 65: 5-23. Brill.
- Abusch, Tzvi & Daniel Schwemer (ed.) (2011). "Corpus of Mesopotamian Anti-Witchcraft Rituals". Brill.
- Bottéro, Jean (2004). "Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia". Translated by Teresa Lavender Fagan. University of Chicago Press.
- Johnston, Sarah Iles (ed.) (2004). "Religions of the Ancient World: a guide". The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
- Konstantopoulos, Gina (2020). "Demons and exorcism in ancient Mesopotamia". Article. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences,
- University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
- Kotansky, Roy D. (2019). "Textual Amulets and Writing Traditions in the Ancient World". In "Guide to the Study of Ancient Magic" (edited by David Frankfurter). Brill.
- Van Buylaere, Greta; Mikko Luukko; Daniel Schwemer & Avigail Mertens-Wagschal (2018). "Sources of Evil: Studies in Mesopotamian Exorcistic Lore". Brill.
- Van De Mieroop, Marc (2015). A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC. Wiley-Blackwell.
mesopotamia #demons #ghost
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In this episode of Shocktober 2022, we explore the creature(s) known as "Mare" in Northern European folklore.
mare #folklore #halloween
We continue our exploration of the Occult Sciences by taking a look at some of the earliest theories and practices surrounding astrology in the Islamicate World.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Adamson, Peter & Richard C. Taylor (ed) (2004). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press.
- Adamson, Peter & Peter E. Pormann (ed) (2012). "The Philosophical Works of al-Kindi". Oxford University Press.
- Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
- Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.
- Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
- Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press.
Astrology #Occultism #Esotericism
We continue our exploration of the Occult Sciences by looking at the theory and use of Talismans in the Islamicate World.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
- Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.
- Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
- Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press.
- "The Openings Revealed in Makka", al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Ibn 'Arabi. Translated by Eric Shu'ayb Winkel. Vol. 1. Pir Press.
Occultism #Religion #Esotericism
This is the first in a series of episodes exploring the world of Occult Sciences in the Islamicate World, including such topics as Alchemy, Astrology, Talismanic Magic & the Science of Letters.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.
- Saif, Liana (2015). "The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Saif, Liana; Francesca Leoni; Matthew Melvin-Koushki & Farouk Yahya (2021). "Islamicate Occult Sciences in Theory and Practice". Brill.
- Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.
- Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press.
- "The Openings Revealed in Makka", al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Ibn 'Arabi. Translated by Eric Shu'ayb Winkel. Vol. 1. Pir Press.
Occultism #Religion #Esotericism
In this second episode in our Shocktober 2020 series, we explore the king of mythical creatures in the middle east - the Jinn. What are some of the misconceptions about these creatures, and what different kinds are there out there?
Sources/Further Reading:
- Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.
- 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.
Jinn #Arabia #Genie
This episode was originally recorded and released in 2020 on the Let's Talk Religion Youtube channel.
In this first Shocktober-special we dive into the world of Middle eastern folklore and talk about some of the mythical creatures that we can find in places like the Arabian Nights.
Mythology #Arabia #MiddleEast
In this episode, we finally dive into one of my favorite topics - Sufi Music. We discuss its history, practical uses as well as theoretical, philosophical perspectives on the role and power of music to affect the human soul, all from the perspective of Muslim Sufi writers.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Abu Nasr Abdallah b. Ali al-Sarraj al-Tusi - "Kitab al-Luma' fi al-Tasawwuf". Translated & summarized by Reynold A. Nicholson. E.J. Brill. 1914.
- Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2005). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press.
- Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur: The Life of Ibn 'Arabi". The Islamic Texts Society.
- "Al-Qushayri's Epistle on Sufism - Al-Risala Al Qushayriyya Fi 'ilm Al-Tasawwuf". Translated by Alexander Knysh. 2020. The Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization.
- 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.
- Avery, Kenneth S. (2004). "A Psychology of Early Sufi Sama: Listening and altered states". Routledge.
- Chishti, Muhammad Tanveer Jamal & Dr. Abdul Zahoor Khan (2015). "Approaches of The Early Sufis From 10th Century to 12th Century Towards 'SAMA'". Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 6, 5:51.
- Cornell, Vincent J. (transl.) (1996). "The Way of Abu Madyan: The Works of Abu Madyan Shu'ayb". The Islamic Texts Society.
- Ernst, Carl W. & Bruce B. Lawrence (2003). "Sufi Martyrs of Love: The Chishti Order in South Asia and beyond". Palgrave Macmillan.
- Hammarlund, Anders; Tord Olsson & Elisabeth Özdalga (1997). "Sufism, Music and Society - In Turkey and the Middle East". Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul. Transactions Vol. 10.
- Homerin, Th. Emil (2011). "Passion Before Me, My Fate Behind: Ibn al-Farid And the Poetry of Recollection". SUNY Press.
- Homerin, Th. Emil (2001). "From Arab Poet to Muslim Saint: Ibn al-Farid, His Verse, and His Shrine". The American University in Cairo Press.
- Ibn Sina - "A Treatise on Love". Translated by Emil L. Fackenheim. Medieval Studies.
- Khan, Inayat (1991). "The Mysticism of Sound and Music". Revised Edition. Shambala Dragon Editions.
- Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications.
- Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Translation by Caner K. Dagli. Great Books of the Islamic World.
- Qureshi, Regula Burckhardt (1995). "Sufi Music of India and Pakistan: Sound, Context and Meaning in Qawwali". The University of Chicago Press.
- Ridgeon, Lloyd (ed.) (2015). "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism". Cambridge University Press.
- Shehadi, Fadlou (1995). "Philosophies of Music in Medieval Islam". E.J. Brill.
- Wright, Owen (translated and edited by) (2010). "Epistles of the Brethren of Purity: On Music. An Arabic Critical Edition and English Translation of Epistle 5. Oxford University Press.
Sufism #Music #Islam
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In this last part in the trilogy about Vedanta, we explore the life and teachings of Madhvacharya - the founder of the school of Dvaita (dualistic) Vedanta.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Bartley, C.J. (2002). "The Theology of Ramanuja - Realism and Religion". Routledge.
- Deutsch, Eliot (1973). “Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction”. University of Hawai’i Press.
- Deutsch, Eliot & Rohit Dalvi (2005). “Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta”. World Wisdoms Books.
- Flood, Gavin (ed.) (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell publishing.
- Sarma, Deepak (2003). "An Introduction to Madhva Vedanta". Ashgate World Philosophy Series. Routledge.
- Sarma, Deepak (2018). "Epistemologies and the Limitations of Philosophical Inquiry: Doctrine in Madhva Vedanta". Routledge.
- Thibaut, George (translated by) (2006). "The Vedanta-Sutras with the Commentary by Ramanuja". The Echo Library.
Madhva #Vedanta #Hinduism
In this episode we talk about a scholar who represents the very opposite tendency compared to many other figures we have discussed on this channel. Ibn Taymiyya is a controversial thinker, but one that has had a major impact on the contemporary Islamic world.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Abrahamov, Binyamin (1998). "Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism. Edinburgh University Press.
- El-Rouayheb, Khaled & Sabine Schmidtke (2019). "The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology". Oxford University Press.
- Hoover, Jon (2019). "Ibn Taymiyya". In the Makers of the Muslim World Series. OneWorld.
- Moustafa, Mohamed A. (2017). "Upholding God's Essence: Ibn Taymiyya on the Createdness of the Spirit". Journal for the History of Islamic Philosophy and Sciences. 3(2): 1-43.
- Skeikh, Mustafa (2007). "Ibn Taymiyya, Analogy and the Attributes of God". Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford.
IbnTaymiyya #Islam #Salafism
In this episode, we keep exploring the world of Sufism through one of the oldest and most important orders in history - the Shadhiliyya.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Abu-n Nasr, Jamil M. (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace: The Sufi Brotherhoods in Islamic Religious Life". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd.
- Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.
- Cornell, Vincent J. (Tranlated by) (1996). "The Way of Abu Madyan: The Works of Abu Madyan Shu'ayb". The Islamic Text Society.
- Lings, Martin (1993). "A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century: Shaikh Ahmad Al-'Alawi, his spiritual heritage and legacy". The Islamic Texts Society.
- Michon, Jean-Louis (ed.) (2010). "Ibn Ajiba: Two Treatises on the Oneness of Existence". Translated by David Streight. Archetype; Bilingual edition.
Sufism #Islam #Mysticism
It's finally time to talk about Suhrawardi, one of the most fascinating philosophers of the middle ages.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Suhrawardi (1187). "The Philosophy of Illumination". Translated by John Walbridge & Hossein Ziai. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press.
- Walbridge, John (2005). "Suhrawardi & Illuminationism". In "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy" (ed. Peter Adamson & Richard C. Taylor). Cambridge University Press.
Suhrawardi #Philosophy #Islam
In this episode we discuss the famous medieval "heretics" known as the Cathars, and the Albigensian crusade which tried to wipe them out.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Barber, Malcolm, The Cathars: Dualist heretics in Languedoc in the High Middle Ages, Second edition (Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson, 2013).
- Sennis, Antonio (ed.), Cathars in Question (York: York Medieval Press, 2016).
- Moore, R. I., The War on Heresy (Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2012).
This episode explores the life and teachings of the Mughal prince and Sufi teacher Dara Shikoh.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.
- Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.
- 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.
- 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.
Islam #Hinduism #Mughal54
In this episode we explore the religious ideas and explorations of the Mughal empire's most famous emperor.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.
- Wink, André (2012). "Akbar". In the "Makers of the Muslim World" Series. Oneworld Academic.
- Moosvi, Shireen (2002). "The Mughal Encounter With Vedanta: Recovering the biography of 'Jadrup'.
- Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.
Akbar #India #Mughal
In this episode, we explore the history and development of the Arabic language, as well as its connection to religion.
Check out this excellent lecture by Ahmad al-Jallad on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHRbuu8c8nw&t=2836s
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Al-Jallad, Ahmad (2019). "Safaitic". Article.
- Al-Jallad, Ahmad (?). "The Earliest Stages of Arabic and its Linguitic Classification". Article.
- Al-Jallad, Ahmad (2019). "The Linguistic Landscape of Pre-Islamic Arabia: Context for the Qur'an". Article, first proof.
- Macdonald, Michael C.A. (2004). "Ancient North Arabian". In "the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the World's Ancient Languages". Cambridge University Press.
- Macdonald, Michael C.A. (2010). "The Development of Arabic as a Written Language". Seminar for Arabian Studies, v. 40. Archaeopress, Oxford.
- Macdonald, Michael C.A. (2003). "Languages, Scripts, and the uses of Language among the Nabataeans". In "Petra Rediscovered" (Edited by Elaine M. Stainton). Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers.
Arabic #Arabia #Language
In this episode, we talk about the mystical tradition called "Hesychasm" in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co.
- Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books.
- "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". Translated by Nicholas Gendle. In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". 1982.
Hesychasm #Mysticism #Christianity
In this episode we talk about the fascinating writer & possibly beguine Marguerite Porete (d. 1310).
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- "The Mirror of Simple Souls (From the 15th century translation of the French manuscript)". Edited by C. Kirchberger. First printed in 1927. Soul Care Publishing, Vancover, Canada.
- (This is the primary source I used for the quotes in the video, it is a very old translation so I edited the quotes myself to make more sense in modern english).
For a more modern translation I suggest:
- "Marguerite Porete: The Mirror of Simple Souls". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.
- McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart". The Crossroad Publishing Company.
- Tobin, Frank (Tranlsated & edited by) (1989). "Henry Suso: The Exemplar, with two German Sermons". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". Paulist Press.
Mysticism #Christianity #Religion
In this episode we discuss the Tayyibi Isma'ilis, including the Dawwodi Bohras, Alavi Bohras & Sulaymanis and their history.
Don't forget to check out Hikma History: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsaViv1SDQy2FcRFHrf_Dkw
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their History and Doctrines". Cambridge University.
- Daftary, Farhad & Shainool Jiwa (ed.) (2017). "The Fatimid Caliphate: Diversity of Traditions". I.B. Tauris.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- al-Jallad, Ahmad (forthcoming) "The Religion and Rituals of the Nomads of Pre-Islamic Arabia: A reconstruction based on the Safaitic Inscriptions". Pre-Print Darft (Version 2: April 3, 2021).
- al-Jallad, Ahmad (2019). "The 'One' God in a Safaitic Inscription". Draft. The Ohio State University.
- al-Jallad, Ahmad (2020). "The pre-Islamic basmala: reflections on its first epigraphic attestation and its original significance". Draft. The Ohio State University.
- Bowersock, G.W. (2017) "The Crucible of Islam". Harvard University Press.
- Hoyland, Robert G. (2001). "Arabia and the Arabs: From the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam". Routledge.
Also check out these two great resources for ancient Arabic inscriptions:
- DASI: http://dasi.cnr.it/
- Ociana: http://krcfm.orient.ox.ac.uk/fmi/webd/OCIANA
Arabia #Religion #Paganism
Today we talk about an often asked question - what is the relatioship between Sufism and Islam? Are they the same thing or is there some difference?
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism: The Formative Period". Edinburgh University Press.
- Knysh, Alexander (2017). "Sufism : A New History of Islamic Mysticism". Princeton University Press.
- Malik, Jamal & John Hinnells (ed.) (2006). "Sufism in the West". Routledge.
- Ridgeon, Lloyd (ed.) (2014). "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism". Cambridge University Press.
- Van Bruinessen, Martin & Julia Day Howell (ed). (2007). "Sufism and the Modern in Islam". I.B. Tauris.
Sufism #Islam #Mysticism
Spinoza is one of the most controversial and debated philosophers in the last few centuries. This episode attempts to give a very general overview of his perspective on God as well as some ways that it can be interpreted.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Garrett, Don (1996). "The Cambridge Companion to Spinoza". Cambridge University Press.
- Nadler, Steven (2018). "Spinoza: A Life". Cambridge University Press.
- Wolfson, Harry Austryn (2014). "The Philosophy of Spinoza: Unfolding the Latent Processes of His Reasoning". Harvard University Press.
Spinoza #Pantheism #Philosophy
This episode explores the historical and religious context of the first Assassin's Creed Game.
The episode uses sound taken from gameplay footage from No Copyrightgfg Gameplaykj.
Link to their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3k2CfOK74c&list=UUMcIQ4ZIKaYC6YescDoyw2w&index=663
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their History and Doctrines". Cambridge University Press.
AssassinsCreed #Islam #History
Abraham Abulafia (d. 1291) is one of the most fascinating jewish mystics of all time, who is credited with founding the "Ecstatic/Prophetic Kabbalah".
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Hames, Harvey J. (2007). “Like Angels on Jacob’s Ladder”. State University of New York Press.
- Ide, Moshe (1988). “The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia”. Translated from the Hebrew by Jonathan Chipman. State University of New York Press.
- Idel, Moshe (1988). “Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah”. State University of New York Press.
- Wolfson, Eliot R. (2011). “Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia and the Prophetic Kabbalah”. In Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (ed. Frederick E. Greenspahn). New York University Press.
Abulafia #Kabbalah #Mysticism
In this episode we talk about Jesus, who is was and if he even existed.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Chilton, Bruce & Craig A. Evans (ed.) (1998). Studying the historical Jesus: Evaluations of the state of Current Research. Brill.
- Ehrman, Bart D. (2013). Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth. HarperOne.
- Holmén, Tom & Stanley E. Porter (ed.) (2011). Handbook for the study of the historical Jesus. Volume 1. Brill.
- Levine, Amy-Jill; Dale C. Allison Jr. & John Dominic Crossan (2006). The Historical Jesus in Context. Princeton University Press.
Jesus #History #ProjectHistoricity
In this episode we talk about the great 14th-15th century saint Shah Ni'matullah Wali and the order that carries his name.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Dahlén, Ashk (2001). "Sufismen i det moderna Iran". In Levande Sufism. Edited by David Westerlund.
- Graham, Terry (1999) "Shah Ni'matullah Wali: Founder of the Ni'matullahi Sufi Order". In The Heritage of Sufism: Legacy of Medieval Persian Sufism (Volume 2). Edited by Leonard Lewisohn.
- Herman, Denis & Mathieu Terrier (2020). "Shi'i Islam and Sufism: classical views and modern perspectives". I.B. Tauris.
- Nurbakhsh, Javad (1980). "Masters of the Path: a history of the masters of the Nimatullahi sufi order". Khaniqahi-Nimatullahi Publications: New York.
- Pourjavady, Nasrollah (?). "Shah Nematollah Vali: an Heir to Two Mystical Literary Traditions". Article.
- Various (2002). "Celebrating a Sufi Master: A collection of works on the occasion of the First (& Second) international symposium on Shah Nematollah Vali". San Jose State University. Volumes 1 & 2.
Nimatullahi #Sufism #Islam
This episode is one that leans heavily on the academic side. Here we talk about the effects that religion and migration have on each other.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Levitt, Peggy (2009). "God Needs No Passport: Immigrants and the Changing American Landscape". The New Press.
- Frederiks, Martha (2014). "Religion, Migration & Identity: A conceptual and theoretical exploration". In "Religion, Migration & Identity: A conceptual and theoretical exploration". Edited by Martha Frederiks & Dorottya Nagy. Brill.
Religion #Migration #Immigration
Meister Eckhart is an influential, and often surprising, Christian theologian/philosopher/mystics whose writings & sermons have both inspired future thinkers in the catholic church, but also been condemned by the pope as heretical.
Sources/Further Reading:
- McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group.
- McGinn, Bernard (1992). "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.
- McGinn, Bernard (1981). "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press International, U.S.
Eckhart #Mysticism #Christianity
In this video, we talk about one of the most central texts and figures in Daoism.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.
- Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.
- Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn.
Zhuangzi #Daoism #Philosophy
We follow up the last episode on Shankara & Advaita Vedanta by talking about the most influential response to that school.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- Bartley, C.J. (2002). "The Theology of Ramanuja - Realism and Religion". Routledge.
- Flood, Gavin (ed.) (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell Publishing.
- "Sri Ramanuja Gita Bhashya - with text in Devangari & English rendering". Translated by Swami Adidevananda. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math.
- Thibaut, George (translated by) (2006). "The Vedanta-Sutras with the Commentary by Ramanuja". The Echo Library.
Vedanta #Ramanuja #Hinduism
The much requested episode about Shankara is finally here.
Sources/Suggeested Reading:
- Deutsch, Eliot (1973). “Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction”. University of Hawai’i Press.
- Deutsch, Eliot & Rohit Dalvi (2005). “Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta”. World Wisdoms Books.
- Suthren Hirst, J.G. (2005). “Samkara’s Advaita Vedanta: a way of teaching”. Routledge.
- “The Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada’s Karika and Sankara’s Commentary”. Translated by Swami Nikhilananda. 1987. Advaita Ashrama.
- “Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracarya”. Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.1972. Advaita Ashrama.
Shankara #Vedanta #Advaita
This week we talk about the Hindu philosophical school(s) of "Vedanta".
Sources/Further Reading:
- Brahma Sutra Basya by Shankaracharya. Published by Advaita Ashrama, India; New edition (1 Jan. 2000).
- The Mandukya Upanishad with Gaudapada's Karika & Sankara's Commentary. Published by Vedanta Press.
- Deutsch, Eliot (1986). "Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction". University of Hawaii Press.
- Deutsch, Eliot & Rohit Dalvi (2005). "Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta". World Wisdom Books.
- Flood, Gavin (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell publishing.
- Jacobsen, Knut A. (2003). "Hinduismen: Historia, tradition, mångfald". Kultur och Natur.
- Sri Ramanuja Gita Basya (Translation by Swami Adidevananda). Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai.
Vedanta #Hinduism #Advaita
The earliest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism - The Vedas - is some of the oldest surviving religious literature in the world, and simultaneously some of the best preserved. In this episode, we talk about these fascinating texts as the first part in a new series on religion in India.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Flood, Gavin (2003). "The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism". Blackwell publishing.
- Jacobsen, Knut A. (2003). "Hinduismen: Historia, tradition, mångfald". Kultur och Natur.
In this episode, we talk about the famous Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Kennedy, Hugh (1996). "Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus". Routledge.
- Genequand, Charles (1986). "Ibn Rushd's Methaphysics". Brill.
- "Bidayat al-Mujtahid wa nihayat al-Muqtasid" (The Distinguished Jurist's Primer) Vol. 1 by Ibn Rushd. Translated by Professor Imran Ahsan Khan Niazee. Garnet Publishing.
- Taylor, Richard C. (2005). "Averroes: religious dialectic and Aristotelian philosophical thought". in "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Edited by Peter Adamson and Richard C. Taylor.
- "The Decisive Treatise" by Ibn Rushd (Averroes). Translated by Charles E. Butterworth. Islamic Translation Series. Bringham Young University Press. 2008.
- "Tahafut al-Tahafut (The Incoherence of the Philosophers)" by Ibn Rushd (Averroes). Translated by Simon Van den Bergh. Gibb Memorial Trust Arabic Studies. 2008.
Perhaps the most requested figure here - al-Ghazali - is finally getting a treatment!
I talk about his life, some of his teachings, ideas and legacy and discuss some common misconceptions and opinions about him today.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Al-Ghazali - "Deliverance from Error" (al-Munqidh min al-Dalal). Translated by Richard J. McCarthy. American University of Beirut.
- al-Ghazali - "The Incoherence of the Philosophers". Translated by Michael E. Marmura. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press.
- al-Ghazali - "The Niche of Lights". Translated by David Buchman. Islamic Translations Series. University of Chicago Press.
- Leaman, Oliver (2008). "The developed kalam tradition". In "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Edited by Tim Winter. Cambridge University Press.
- Lumbard, Joseph E.B. (2016). "Ahmad al-Ghazali, Remembrance, and the Metaphysics of Love". Suny Press.
- Mamura, Michael E. (2005). "Al-Ghazali". In "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Edited by Peter Adamson & Richard C. Taylor. Cambridge University Press.
In this episode I will do my first deep dive into one of the many Sufi orders - the Naqshbandiyya.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Abun-Nasr, Jamil (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace - The sufi brotherhoods in Islamic religious life". Hurst & Company, London
- Malik, Jamal & John Hinnells (2006). "Sufism in the West". Routledge.
- Sorgenfrei, Simon (2016). "Sufism i Sverige". Nämnden för statligt stöd till trossamfund.
In this unusual episode, we explore the history of coffee and its connection to Sufism, as well as the similar origins of tea.
Good to remember: While this episode is still based on the most widely accepted views by historians, research on the matter is somewhat lacking and this light-hearted episode should not be taken as gospel.
The long awaited second part of my series about music in the Islamic world!
Sources/Further Reading:
- Hammarlund, Anders, Tord Olsson & Elizabeth Özdalga (1997). "Sufism, Music and Society in Turkey and the Middle East". Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul.
- Saeed, Yousuf. "Amir Khusrau and the Indo-Muslim Identity in the Art Music Practices of Pakistan".
- Schofield, Katherine Ruth (2003). "Hindustani music in the time of Aurangzeb". King's college London.
- Sharma, Sunil (2005). "Amir Khusraw: the Poet of Sultans and Sufis". In "Makers of the Muslim World" Series. Oneworld.
- Soydaş, M. Emin (2011). "Musical performance at the Ottoman court in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries". SOAS (University of London).
- Wright, Owen (1994). "'Abd al-Qādir al-Marāghī and 'Alī B. Muḥammad Binā'ī: Two Fifteenth-Century Examples of Notation (Part 1 & 2)". Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 57, No. 3 (1994), pp. 475-515. Cambridge University Press.
- Wright, Owen (1996). "On the Concept of a 'Timurid Music'".
- Wright, Owen (1978). "The Modal System of Arabic and Persian Music A.D. 1250-1300". Oxford University Press.
- Wright, Owen (2018). "Music Theory in the Safavid Era: The taqsīm al-naġamāt". Routledge; 1st edition.
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In this first part of a new series, we talk about the earliest centuries of Islamic civilization - Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid caliphates - and the different forms of music that flourished at this time.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
- al-Faruqi, Louis Ibsen (1985). "Music, Musicians and Muslim Law". Asian Music, Vol. 17, No. 17, p. 3-36.
- Avery, Kenneth S. (2004). "A Psychology of Early Sufi Sama': Listening and altered states". Routledge.
- Davila, Carl (2009). "Fixing a Misbegotten Biography: Ziryab in the Mediterranean World". Al-Masaq, Vol. 21, No. 2, August 2009.
- Jenkins, Jean & Paul Rovsing Olsen (1976). "Music and Musical Instruments in the World of Islam". World of Islam Festival Publishing Company Ltd.
- Shiloah, Amnon (1995). "Music in the World of Islam: a Socio-cultural study". Scolar Press.
- Shiloah, Amnon (1997). "Music and Religion in Islam". Acta Musicologica, Vol. 69.
- The Brethren of Purity. "On Music: An Arabic Critical Edition and Translation of Epistle 5". Edited and Translated by Owen Wright. Oxford University Press.
- Wright, Owen (1978). "The Modal System Of Arab and Persian Music a.d. 1250-1300". Oxford University Press.
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In this episode, we talk about the short-lived religion founded by the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten.
Sources/Further Reading:
Hornung, Erik (2001) "Akhenaten and the Religion of Light". Cornell University Press.
Hoffmeier, James K. (2015). "Akhenaten and the Origins of Monotheism". Oxford University Press.
As requested by the audience, in this episode we talk about the very early development of Speculative Islamic theology, or "Kalam".
Support me on Patreon if you so wish: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion
Sources/Suggested reading:
Winter, Tim (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press.
As we continue our series on some of the less known (and sometimes controversial) Sufis of the Middle Ages, we reach the Andalusian poet Abu-l Hasan al-Shushtari. He was a student of Ibn Sab'in but is also famous as a master-poet and Sufi master in his own right.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
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.
Johnson. N. Scott (1995). "Ocean and Pearls: Ibn Sab'in, Shustari and the Doctrine of Absolute Unity". In "Sufi: Journal of Sufism" Issue 25.
In this episode, we talk about the controversial Andalusian Philosopher/Sufi Ibn Sab'in (d. 1270) and his teachings.
Sources:
Ceballos, Carlos Berbil (2015). "Journeying from the Apparent to Absolute Being: Ibn Sab'in and his predecessors". Journal of the Muhyddin Ibn 'Arabi Society Vol. 58.
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" (ed. Ayman Shihadeh). Edinburgh University Press.
Johnson. N. Scott (1995). "Ocean and Pearls: Ibn Sab'in, Shustari and the Doctrine of Absolute Unity". In "Sufi: Journal of Sufism" Issue 25.
Westerveld, Govert (2014). "Ibn Sab'in of the Ricote Valley: the First and Last Islamic Place in Spain".
In this very long episode, I give an introduction to one of the most significant, yet often misunderstood thinkers and mystics in history - Ibn 'Arabi.
Sources:
Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.
Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.
Chittick, William (2005). "The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi". World Wisdom, inc.
Chodkiewicz, Michel (1982). "The Spiritual writings of Amir 'Abd al-Kader". State University of New York Press.
Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.
Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.
Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-hikam)". Translated by Caner Dagli. Kazi Publications.
Ibn Arabi - "The Interpreter of Desires (Tarjuman al-ashwaq)". Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. London: Royal Asiatic Society.
Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.
Mahmud Shabistari - "Garden of Mystery: The Gulshan-i raz of Mahmud Shabistari". Translated by Robert Abdul Hayy Darr. Archetype.
Fakhruddin 'Iraqi - "Divine Flashes (Lama'at)". Translated by William C. Chittick & Peter Lamborn Wilson. The Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.
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In this latest episode I talk about the Ikhwan al-safa, or "Brethren of Purity" - a group of secretive philosophers and scholars who lived in medieval Basra, Iraq.
Sources used:
de Callatay, Godefroid (2006). "Ikhwan al-safa - a brotherhood of idealists on the fringes of Orthodox Islam". Oneworld Publications.
Walker, Paul E. (2005). "The Isma'ilis". In "The Cambridge companion to Arabic Philosophy". (Edited by Peter Adamson & Richard C. Taylor). Cambridge University Press.
A new. long awaited historical review, this time dealing with the earliest of the Muslim philosophers.
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In this episode I talk about the 11th century Ismaili philosopher Nasir Khusraw and his major work "Jami' al-hikmatayn" or "The union of the two wisdoms".
This is an audio version of my video on my YouTube channel "Let's Talk Religion".
There is talk within the Muslim community (and outside) of the so-called "Quranists" or the movement "Quranism". In this episode I talk about, in very generalizing terms, what this term is referring to, and what its characteristics are.
In this episode we talk about the third major branch of Islam, known as Ibadism, which is a major presence today in Oman, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
It is a somewhat forgotten branch, but one that is also often viewed as a moderate and tolerant branch of the religion.
Sources:
Hoffman, Valerie J. (2012). The Essentials of Ibadi Islam. Syracuse University Press.
Wilkinson, John C. (2010). Ibadism - Origins and early development in Islam. Oxford University Press.
I see many videos talking about the differences between the Sunni and Shia, but most of them present a simplified version. In this episode, I try to give you a more comprehensive overview.
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In this episode I go through the scholarly discussion regarding the composition of the Hebrew Bible and, in particular, the Torah/Pentateuch. The main theory discussed is the so-called "Documentary hypothesis".
Sources/interesting articles:
https://www.ias.edu/ideas/2018/schmid-torah
Matthieu Richelle, “Elusive scrolls. Could any hebrew literature have been written prior to the eighth century B.C.E.?” (2016)
Erhard Blum, “Die altaramäischen Wandinschriften aus Tell Deir ̕Alla und ihr institutioneller Kontext,” in Meta-Texte. Erzählungen von schrifttragenden Artefakten in der alttestamentlichen und mittelalterlichen Literatur (ed. Friedrich-Emanuel Focken and Michael Ott; Materiale Textkulturen 15; Berlin: de Gruyter, 2016)
In this episode, we finally explore the fifth largest religion in the world - Sikhism (more properly called "Sikhi").
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Mandair, Arvind-Pal Singh (2013). "Sikhism: A guide for the Perplexed". Bloomsbury Academic.
Singh, Patwant (1999). "The Sikhs". John Murray.
Also try to get ahold of the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib". You can find translations of the scriptures online, or in published form translated by Ernest Trumpp or Gurbachan Singh Talib.
The Hasidic movement is pretty famous. But few are aware of its deep mystical teachings and connections with Kabbalah. In this episode, we explore the early history of the Hasidim.
This episode was written by Seth Weprin and co-written by me (Filip Holm).
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Idel, Moshe (1995). "Hasidism: Between Ecstacy and Magic". SUNY Press.
Idel, Moshe. “Modes of Cleaving to the Letters in the Teachings of Israel Baal
Shem Tov: A Sample Analysis.” Jewish History 27 (2013): 299-317.
Jacobson-Maisels, James. “My Aid Will Come from Nothingness: The Practice of Negative Theology in Maggid Devarav Le-Ya’akov.” In Michael Fagenblat Negative Theology As Jewish Modernity. New Jewish Philosophy and Thought. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2017.
Krassen, Mosheh Aaron. “Introduction: Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem Tov: Prophet of a New
Paradigm.” In Israel ben Eliezer. Pillar of Prayer. Translated by Menachem Kallus. Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2010.
Magid, Shaul. “The Intolerance of Tolerance: Mahaloket (Controversy) and Redemption in Early
Hasidism.” Jewish Studies Quarterly 8, no. 4 (2001): 326-368.
Nadler, Allan. The Faith of the Mithnagdim: Rabbinic Responses to Hasidic Rapture. Baltimore:
Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.
Scholem, Gershom. “The Neutralization of the Messianic Element in Early Hasidism.” In The
Messianic Idea in Judaism. New York: Schocken Books, 1995 [1971].
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This episode gives an overview of the so-called "Gnostics", particularly the group that is often otherwise known as the 'Sethians'.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.
King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard 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.
Finally, we talk about the complex tradition known as Hermeticism and its mysterious namesake Hermes Trismegistus.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Copenhaver, Brian P. (Translation & Introduction by) (1992). "Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius in a new English Translation with notes and introduction". Cambridge University Press.
Fowden, Garth (1986). "The Egyptian Hermes: A Historical Approach to the Late Pagan Mind". Princeton University Press.
Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2007). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts". HarperOne.
Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". Oxford University Press.
We continue to explore the religions of India by looking at the ancient tradition of Jainism.
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Dundas, Paul (2002). "The Jains". Routledge.
Long, Jeffrey D. (2009). "Jainism: An Introduction". IB Tauris.
Manichaeism is an ancient religion that is relatively unknown. In this episode, I give you everything you need to know as a introduction to this fascinating faith.
Sources/Further Reading:
Lieu, Samuel N. (1993). "Manichaeism in Mesopotamia and the Roman East: 118 (Religions in the Graeco-Roman World)". Brill.
Lieu, Samuel N. (1998). "Manichaeism in Central Asia and China: Collected Studies (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies)". Brill.
Magnusson, Jörgen (2013). "Mat och manikeism". In "Religion och Mat", Edited by Lena Roos & Leif Nordenstorm. Natan Söderblom-sällskapet.
One of the main religious traditions in China - Daoism - is the subject of this episode. We go deep into the origins, main writings and later development of the religion, and its connection to other traditions.
Sources/Further Reading:
Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloomsbury Academic.
Lao Tzu (2013). "Tao Te Ching - A New Translation. Translated by William Scott Wilson. Shambala Publications. Hackett Publishing Co, Inc.
Zhuangzi (2008). "Zhuangzi - The Essential Texts: With Translations from Traditional Commentaries". Translated by Brook Ziporyn.
This is the second and last part in a series on the Bahá'i Faith.
Sources/Further Reading:
Smith, Peter (2008). "An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith". Cambridge University Press.
Maceoin, Denis (2012). "Making the invisible visible: Introductory books on the Baha'i religion. Routledge.
This is the first episode in a two-part series on The Bahá'i Faith - one of the youngest and fastest growing religions in the world.
Sources/Further Reading:
Smith, Peter (2008). "An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith". Cambridge University Press.
Another episode in my series about religious minorities in the Middle East, this time about the secretive Alawites.
Sources:
Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.
Bar-Asher, Meir M. (2003). Nosayris. In "Encyclopedia Iranica Online".
Another episode in my series about religious minorities in the middle east. This time we talk about the secretive group known as the "Druze", also known (by themselves) as "al-Muwahhidun".
Sources:
Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.
Bryer, David (1975). "The Origins of the Druze Religion", Part 1. Der Islam, vol. 52, p. 47-84)
Hirschberg, H.Z. (1981). The Druzes, p. 330-348 in Arberry, A.J. & Beckingham. C.F. (editors), Religion in the middle east:
Three religions in Concord and conflict, Vol 2. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Firro, Kais M. (2011). The Druze Faith: Origin, Development and Interpretation. Arabica 58, p. 76-99.
In this video in the series on minority religions in the middle east, we explore Yazidism, a fascinating religion that have sometimes been oppressed and persecuted.
Sources:
Kreyenbroek, Philip G. (1995). "Yezidism: it's background, observances and textual tradition. Lewiston, N.Y.: Edwin Mellen
Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.
Videos used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08l8lR5zOqY
What is Mandaeism? And Who are the Mandaeans?
This religious group from middle east has a long and rich history that connects it to Gnosticism, Early Judaism and John the Baptist. Listen to find out more about this fascinating tradition.
Sources:
Buckley, Jorunn J. Jacobsen (2002). "The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people". New York: Oxford University Press.
Larson, Göran; Simon Sorgenfrei, Max Stockman (2017). "Religiösa minoriteter från Mellanöstern" (Religious minorities from the Middle East). Myndigheten för stöd till trossamfund.
In this episode we explore the complex world of "belief" and present one perspective on the subject, taken primarily from scholar Abby Day's book "Believing in belonging".
Sources:
Day, Abby (2013). "Believing in Belonging: Belief and Social Identity in The Modern World. Oxford University Press.
This episode is on the scholarly academic side. We discuss the very commonly recurring problems of essentializing, generalizing and the "No True Scotsman Fallacy" in discussions about religion.
References:
Coleman, Simon (2010). “Recent Developments in the Anthropology of Religion”. I The New Blackwell Companion to the Sociology of Religion (red. Bryan S. Turner). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Marranci, Gabrielle (2010). ”Sociology and Anthropology of Islam – a critical debate”. I The New Blackwell Companion to the Sociology of Religion (red. Bryan S. Turner). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
A quick introduction to the podcast and what "Let's talk Religion" is about.
We also explore the difficult question "What is Religion" from a scholarly perspective.
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