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In these two lectures about Sandro Botticelli (1444-1510) and the meaning behind two of his best loved paintings, Angela introduces you to the esoteric worldview which flourished in the early centuries CE in cultural centres such as Alexandria in Egypt, and was reborn in Renaissance Europe. In fifteenth century Florence, a group of intellectuals centred around the great Platonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino (1433-99) instigated a revival of what was then called ‘the ancient wisdom’, now often referred to as the Western esoteric tradition, or the Perennial Wisdom. 1 hours 49 minutes Try a free sample
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Over three sessions Suzanne explores how yoga came to Britain, covering the individuals and movements that influenced the exchange between the yoga from India, and the cast of characters in Britain who eagerly received these exotic ideas that have become part of mainstream, modern life. 2 hours 40 minutes Try a free sample
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Moses’ encounter with God on the summit of Mount Sinai, as told in the biblical book of Exodus, contains a number of peculiarities and paradoxes. Early Christian mystics seized on these as clues to the spiritual understanding of Moses’ experiences, and as guides to the practice of contemplation. In this course we will examine five moments in Moses’ ascent of Mount Sinai. We will explore how these intriguing passages inspired four early Christian writers – Gregory of Nyssa, Evagrius of Pontus, Pseudo-Macarius and Dionysius the Areopagite – as they reflected on such topics as the unknowability of God and the state of a mind at prayer. In doing so, we will discover the influence of scripture on the development of the Christian mystical tradition. 4 hours 8 minutes Try a free sample
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Get all of our Contemplative Christianity courses for one discounted price. You will receive The Wisdom of the Desert with Nicholas Buxton, Moses, Mount Sinai, and early Christian Mystics with Ann Conway-Jones and The Spanish Mystics: Ecstasy & Communion with Peter Tyler.
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Over three sessions Daniela explores Hindu asceticism, featuring the differences among the main ascetic groups and then focusing on their sādhanās or spiritual disciplines with close attention to the practice of austerities and the practice of yoga. Total length: 3 hours 27 minutes Try a free sample
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In this course John Danvers presents what he calls ‘the mysticism of being-here’ - a particular interpretation of mysticism that differs from many of the more orthodox views. John draws on the writings of a wide range of mystics, and on commentaries by other authors who have addressed different aspects of mysticism; these include: Teresa of Avila, Jacob Boehme, the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Meister Eckhart, Martin Heidegger, Thomas Merton, Baruch Spinoza and a number of Buddhist teachers. Total length: 3 hours 11 min Try a free sample