My interest is in how writers deal with ideas from the past and how ideas are appropriated, borrowed, stolen, and rewritten. Syncretism. So the focus here on Marsilio Ficino and his involvement in the development of the Corpus Hermeticum. Click on the link below for more on Marsilio Ficino from Peter Adamson Marsilio Ficino
Philo of Alexandria and his relationship to the old and new testaments, the concepts of the Logos and the Trinity. The Greek influence upon the readings and translation of ancient biblical texts, and how those texts would be used at the time and in the centuries after. Click on the link below to hear Peter …
So interesting to see how modern day scholars are uncovering the manifold layers of cultures and philosophies on the ground in the Middle East, during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE . From the writings of Josephus, Philo of Alexandria, Pliny the Elder, and Paul of Tarsus a picture is emerging of the merging …
For me syncretism is key, drawing upon wisdom from all traditions, and not being afraid to adopt values from others’ traditions, whilst questioning and challenging when the values one cherishes and holds to be solid are threatened. It was heartening to listen to this discussion and find so much I hold to be true, whilst …
In the previous post a wonderful exposition of the philosophy of Proclus. Here in this post we point to a writer who lived in the 6th century but who claims to be writing as a character in the 1st century. Listen at the link below to Peter Adamson teaching about The Pseudo-Dionysius. The Pseudo-Dionysius The …
There are some key figures and topics that I will bring into focus in the next few posts, starting with Proclus. A theme will emerge of later writers reflecting upon (or in some instances impersonating) earlier writers, in creative, enlightening ways. The relationships of: Plato to Proclus Proclus to Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite Neoplatonism to Christianity …
If you enjoyed the lecture by Pierre Grimes I posted two days ago and the links to Ibn Arabi and Rumi. Then if you get “it” you will appreciate these chosen songs by Van Morrison who in his lyrics takes us to that place. I have always loved Van Morrison’s songs as having a great …
Rave on Van Morrison: The Oneness, The Oneness, The Oneness Read More »
In my previous post I brought the reader to Pierre Grimes and his lecture on Plotinus. In this post I want to direct the reader to a wonderful podcast that goes into great depth of analysing the way in which Ibn Arabi and Rumi expound the philosophy of “The One” found in Plotinus. Please visit …
I seek out teachers who can mediate, articulate, point to, direct, to a greater understanding of things that ultimately cannot be understood Pierre Grimes in this lecture teases out the elements of Plotinus’s system by raising the question of what is the “it” that perceives/senses its environment and what is the relationship of that “it” …
I would like to direct anyone reading this to a free reference resource for anyone interested in Neoplatonism. Librivox is a great source of audiobooks and I have collated a wonderful shelf of audiobooks that are accessible online on my phone to listen to at any time. It is useful can go through the various …