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EVEN MORE about this episode!Have you ever wondered why the same challenges, relationships, or lessons keep showing up in your life?In this episode, Julie Ryan and Vish Chatterji explore karma, past lives, Vedic astrology, soul purpose, and the hidden patterns influencing your journey.The conversation dives into reincarnation, intuition, karma, chakras, sacred sound, meditation, and practical daily practices that help quiet the mind and strengthen your connection to inner wisdom. Vish also shares how he transitioned from corporate leadership to spiritual teaching and why aligning with your soul's purpose can transform every area of life.Whether you're curious about past lives, searching for deeper meaning, or looking for tools to navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, this episode offers profound insights and practical wisdom for your spiritual journey.Guest Biography:Vish Chatterji is an executive coach, author, and entrepreneur who blends Eastern wisdom with Western achievement strategies to help people find greater balance, purpose, and success in life and work. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business, and years of study in traditional Himalayan teachings and the Chopra lineage, Vish integrates yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), and mindful leadership into his coaching. He is the author of The Business Casual Yogi, Take Charge of Your Body, Mind & Career, and Astrology Decoded: The Secret Science of India's Sages, and is passionate about helping others align their inner and outer worlds.Episode Chapters:(0:00:00) - Leadership as Spiritual Practice(0:04:52) - Karma and Past Life Patterns(0:16:38) - Vedic Astrology vs Western Astrology(0:32:15) - Ancient Knowledge Systems and the Rishi(0:42:47) - Intellect, Intuition, and the Planetary Archetypes(0:52:30) - Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment➡️ Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️ Julie's Intuitive Trainings✏️ Ask Julie a Question!
Does AI only work for people who can already afford it?In this episode of Your AI Injection, host Deep Dhillon sits down with Bruce Yang, founder and CEO of AgnesAI, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in tech right now: that winning the AI race requires near-unlimited resources. Bruce argues that the real opportunity isn't in the markets everyone is fighting over, but in the billions of people being priced out of AI entirely. AgnesAI has earned a spot among the world's top 10 AI labs by delivering top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of today's leading models.The conversation explores whether the industry's obsession with scale is creating real value or simply winning benchmark battles, what unchecked AI adoption could mean for the workforce, and whether some of the most important breakthroughs in AI are happening far from Silicon Valley.Learn more about Bruce Yang here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tongbruceyang/ and AgnesAI here: https://agnes-ai.com/Check out some of our related content here: 1. Why Most Companies Are Failing at AI and How to Succeed with Tahnee Perry2. Will AI Eliminate 90% of QA Jobs? The Future of Testing Automation with Kevin Surace of Appvance.ai3. Exploring Artificial General Intelligence: Intent, Intellect, and Innovation with Lucas Hendrich of the Forte Group
Human nature is a mess: e.g., tragic UK case. The religious intellect is not of God. You are not your brother's keeper.
What if your Brow Chakra is not just about inner wisdom — but about rewiring your entire thought process to slow down and discern spiritual perspectives? In this episode of The Constance Messmer Podcast, we'll take a soulful and practical deep dive into the Brow Chakra — the chakra of intellect, intuition, discernment, mental processing, spiritual perspective, and inner wisdom. I'll explain how this energy center helps you interpret intuitive experiences, understand where thoughts are coming from, and how to build a stronger relationship with your own inner knowing. I also share how this chakra helps you process intuitive information, develop discernment, shift perspective, and understand the difference between mental chatter and genuine inner guidance. This conversation is about more than the so-called “third eye.” It is about rewiring how you move through life so you can access more clarity, peace, and spiritual awareness.
This class explores how faith in Hashem must serve as the foundation for our intellect and understanding, drawing lessons from the story of the spies in Parshat Shlach. It addresses coping with tragedy, communal responsibility, and finding strength through emunah. https://www.torahrecordings.com/classes/by_parsha/004_bamidbar/004_shelach/023
When we try to fix what's happening around us, we forget to look at what's happening within us.What if the root of stress, burnout, anxiety, and even conflict isn't external at all?WHAT IF IT'S THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN YOUR MIND, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR BODY?Inside every one of us lives three powerful forces:
When we try to fix what's happening around us, we forget to look at what's happening within us.What if the root of stress, burnout, anxiety, and even conflict isn't external at all?WHAT IF IT'S THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN YOUR MIND, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR BODY?Inside every one of us lives three powerful forces:
What makes a story feel truly mythic? Many writers assume mythic fiction comes from borrowing archetypes, retelling old myths, or layering symbolic imagery into a story. While there is immense value in studying mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and archetypal storytelling traditions, something important has been lost in many modern conversations about mythic fiction. The old myths aren't powerful merely because of their plot structure or symbolism. They are powerful because they emerged from their creator's living relationship with symbol, transformation, mystery, dream, and the deeper psyche. In this episode, I explore: • Why so much modern "mythic storytelling" can feel strangely hollow • The difference between inherited myth and living myth • Why writers often approach archetypes from the outside in • How mythic resonance actually emerges in story • Why mythic storytelling matters during times of cultural transformation • How writers can reconnect to the symbolic imagination itself What if the role of the writer is not simply to preserve mythology, but to participate in it? If you've ever wanted to write stories that feel more resonant, symbolic, emotionally alive, or spiritually meaningful, this episode explores the deeper source from which mythic fiction arises. 02:45 How Modern Writers Understand Mythic Fiction and Archetypal Storytelling 03:58 The Mythological and Folk Tale Lens for Mythic Fiction 04:32 The Anthropological & Psychological Lens for Mythic Fiction 05:10 Pop Culture & the Mythic Retelling 06:27 Studying Myth vs. Writing Mythic Fiction 09:03 Borrowing vs. Accessing Symbols 11:17 Inherited Myth vs. Living Myth 12:16 Mythic Fiction in Cultural Times of Transformation 13:43 Our Relationship to the Old Stories Grows Thin 14:55 Mythic Fiction Requires the Partnership of Intuition and Intellect 16:11 Mythic Fiction Reconnects Writers to the Deep Source of Story 18:38 The Need for New Myths in a Changing World 20:15 New Myths, Ancient Roots 21:15 Participating in Myth as Much as Preserving It 21:59 Reconnecting to Myth in Your Own Writing Process Read the transcript: https://helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-mythic-fiction LINKS & RESOURCES Want More? This conversation connects deeply to my class Alchemizing Plot, Character, & Theme: https://kmweilandstore.com/b/plot-character-theme-class In this masterclass, I explore how plot, character, and theme act as one cohesive symbolic structure capable of creating stories with emotional resonance, narrative momentum, and deeper thematic meaning. We'll talk about: • Aligning inner and outer arcs • Creating stories that feel alive from the inside out • Integrating plot, character, and theme organically • Writing stories with greater depth and cohesion
Fr. John Ehrich, STL Frjohnteaches.com Fr. John's Music
I gave you this example the other day of a visceral experience I had because a member of our congregation—a mother, had lost her child who was six years old. He had suffered a heart attack and was not revivable. She came to take counsel and solace. She brought with her a little bag that had some money in it; it came from her child's piggy bank. He had been saving that money to do something for Kṛṣṇa, and she had brought it to us and handed it over and said, "Please, would you engage this for the benefit of my departed son, who was six years old? This is all he had, as far as money goes." When my wife and I took that into our possession, we considered it sacred. There was no conception that we would stop on the way home and buy a snow cone with it. The idea of enjoying the material world is equally as odious to a person who has understood reality—that everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa (bhoktāraṃ yajña-tapasāṃ). It's all meant to be engaged in His service. At the end of that third chapter of the Gītā, Arjuna asks, "How to overcome lust?" Kṛṣṇa ends the chapter by saying: evam buddhi-paraṃ buddhvā saṃstabhyātmānam ātmanā jahi śatruṃ mahā-bāho kāma-rūpaṃ durāsadam He says that you should fortify your intelligence. With your intelligence because he said there is a hierarchy: the senses are above the objects, the mind is above the senses, the intelligence is above the mind. So, how do you do that? The way you purify your intellect so you don't do stupid things is by reading the Bhagavad-gītā; that's what it's there for. Everyone ignores the Bhagavad-gītā, and they say, "Give me some rasa-tattva." Nothing against rasa-tattva ; we keep it above our heads, way up there. But the Bhagavad-gītā is where we live, and Kṛṣṇa answers all questions categorically. And then, if you want the nuance of the categories, then you read the whole Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Caitanya-caritāmṛta about 108 times—the whole, each one of them—and then you are dissuaded from touching anything in this material world unless you have the intention of offering it to Kṛṣṇa. kurvan nirantaraṁ karma loko 'yam anuvartate tenaiva karmaṇā dhyāyan māṁ parāṁ bhaktim icchati (BS 5.61) This is the whole idea Kṛṣṇa mentions in the five ślokas at the end of the Brahma-saṃhitā. This is the answer to your question Kṛṣṇa gives to Brahmā at the end of the Brahma-saṃhitā. He said everyone has to work; all living entities are engaged in work, can't stop it. Therefore, he said everything you do, you should do with the spirit of devotion to offer to Kṛṣṇa. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://vaisesikadasayatra.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------
This week on Radio Architecture, Ilana's special guests are ANNA NERVEGNA & TOBY REED. Nervegna Reed Architecture is an award-winning architecture practice established by Anna Nervegna and Toby Reed in 2004. NR projects include the Arrow Studio, the Victorian Quakers Centre, PEP Dandenong, social housing and community projects in regional Victoria, Melbourne, Hobart, and urban planning in China. NR's design for the Central Goldfields Art Gallery has been widely published, was exhibited in the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale and won the RAIA's John George Knight Award for Heritage Architecture, and an award in the best public building category at the 2A Awards, Dubai. NR extend their architectural dialogue with writing and the making of architectural documentaries and videos. NR have guest edited 2A Magazine and Architecture Victoria, and recently Toby Reed contributed the chapter ‘Screenness' to the book ‘The Physical and the Digital City' (Intellect, London / Chicago).
Emuna Focus at night (on the way To Rav Shalom Arush speaking at JTLV x Unity Bookings) Awakening True Intellect - weekly learning in Likutei Halachos 4:3 from Shirat David Efrat to TLV. Cover
What are the underlying cognitive and psychological frameworks required to sustain a singular romantic attachment across a lifetime? We unpack Nietzsche's famous maxim that everything else in marriage is transitory, framing lifelong partnership as a continuous, co-curated psychological dialogue. Analyze the intersection of existential philosophy, attachment theory, and behavioral psychology to discover how communication dynamics form the ultimate foundation of interpersonal longevity.
Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies. Conscious Planet: https://www.consciousplanet.org Sadhguru App (Download): https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app Official Sadhguru Website: https://isha.sadhguru.org Sadhguru Exclusive: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Qur'an tells us that the love of the ʿijl (the calf) seeped deeply into the hearts of Banū Isrāʾīl. It became a way of seeing the world, an attitude that reappeared again and again across generations. Prophet ʿĪsā ʿalayhi al-salām showed Banū Isrāʾīl tremendous signs. Yet even among his disciples, the same pattern resurfaced. They asked him: “Can your Lord send down to us a table spread from heaven?” He replied, “Fear Allah if you are truly believers.” But when the calf settles deep in the heart, miracles are never enough. They said they wanted reassurance so that their hearts would be at ease. The Qur'an shows us that the deeper problem was not lack of evidence, but a spiritual disease. The calf manifests as recalcitrance: questioning Allah's decree, interrogating revelation, and intellectualizing commands until obedience is pushed further and further away. True understanding does not come from intellect alone. Guidance settles in the heart. When the heart is purified through dhikr, worship, and spiritual cultivation, deeper understanding follows.
In episode 239, John Zachary challenges us in how we use our brains. Growing up, he had keen intellectual interests that shaped how he tried to understand God. When his brain hit walls in uncovering God, he learned to embrace uncertainty; it was from this place God revealed how he could use his brain in Spirit led ways, which led to his book, "The Science Behind the Story of Jesus." If you are wrestling with how to use your brain in your pursuit of God, this conversation may encourage you.How have you experienced Spirit-led intellect?Discover more from John:https://authorjohnzachary.com/https://www.facebook.com/author.John.zachary.officialhttps://x.com/Author_JohnZhttps://www.instagram.com/author_john_zachary/https://www.amazon.com/Science-Behind-Story-Jesus-Clear-Cut-ebook/dp/B0DZ3WKXYK?ref_=ast_author_mpb~Paul creates this as part of his full-time volunteer ministry. If you appreciate what God is doing through this podcast, you can help keep it going through financial support. Gifts can be processed at https://worldoutreach.org/707 ~"Something in the Froth" is available for pre-order:www.wheredidyouseeGod.com/something-in-the-frothThe "Year of Books":www.wheredidyouseeGod.com/year-of-books~Have a story to share? Hard questions to process? A desire for authentic, accessible space? You can leave a brief message at (804) 372-3836, or schedule a conversation (with a twist!) at www.wheredidyouseegod.com/conversation-with-a-twist~Check out our website: www.WhereDidYouSeeGod.com ~One of these books will be relevant to your life right now:https://amazon.com/author/paulgranger~Wear an amazing conversation-starter!https://www.bonfire.com/store/where-did-you-see-god/~The music in this episode is "You'll walk, you'll run" by Urban Doxology, from their amazing album "Bread for the Journey."~Learn more about how God's calling us:Pray: tinyurl.com/GrangerPrayFollow: tinyurl.com/GrangerListGive: worldoutreach.org/707~#authenticspace #dialogue #Godstillspeaks #WDYSG #conversation #invitation #Riversidefm #PodMatch #faith #stories #calling #invitation #faithfulness #ministry
Recent releases, flashbacks and the songs you voted to be played again. Playlist: "Seven Laps" by Marksman Lloyd "Family Reunion" by Egr "For Such a Time (ft. CDH Live!, Monks, D4C, DJ Lord Fader & ReFlex The Architect)" by Krosswerdz "Talk That Talk (ft. James Gardin & K.I.N.E.T.I.K.)" by newselph "Deeper Still (ft. The Profit & Th3rdkind)" by Oakbridge "One Moment (Lessons To Learn remix) [ft. Shad, The Apologette & Rel McCoy]" by Jon Corbin "misfit" by SoundMind Muzic "Step Inside (ft. Tre'Gadd)" by Austin White 711 "Pack (ft. Drastic, Die-Rek & Sev Statik)" by Griffin "Older Than I Was Before" by Listener "Aging Gracefully (ft. Kaboose, m1L & Rich Colon)" by Polished Arrow Music "Crack the Heavens (ft. Manchild & Sojourn)" by The Battery "GAS YOU UP (ft. ProducerTrentTaylor)" by Propaganda "Christlife (ft. iNTELLECT & Kepz)" by E.Man "Crossroads (ft. Rosen)" by Deca OTA "Standby (ft. Hulvey)" by Trip Lee "Rox Cry Out (ft. Ryland Junior)" by Young Faith "Rap Superstar (ft. Bodie)" by Marty Vote on the playlist at www.definitionradio.com/show/996 Leave your requests/shout-outs on our socials www.facebook.com/DefinitionRadio www.instagram.com/DefinitionHH www.twitter.com/DefinitionHH www.krosswerdz.com
A Princeton-trained PhD researcher walked away from academia's pinnacle because the biggest questions weren't being asked. What she found wasn't in a lab. It was in the intuitive gifts her field trained her to dismiss. Victoria Shaw spent years at Columbia and Princeton before realizing even brilliant minds don't reason toward truth—they find facts that fit their beliefs. The science on psychic phenomena is some of the most replicable data out there. We've just been taught it doesn't count. This conversation changed how I see intuition. Not as soft or unreliable, but as our primary instrument.00:00 The Limits of Intellect and Logic01:43 Victoria's Near-Death Moment at the Precipice02:55 From Princeton PhD to Spiritual Seeker05:52 Research on Why Smart People Don't Reason Well10:58 Awakening vs. Psychopathology: The Tipping Point13:52 The Unconventional Pediatrician Who Changed Everything18:38 Defining Intuition as Your Soul's Direct Line26:46 Living an Intuitively Guided Life Without Apology30:22 Guides, Higher Self, and the "God Spot" in Your Brain34:49 Intuitive Sessions vs. Therapy: What's Different41:46 Intuitive College Coaching and Following Soul Over Status46:33 Why Science Will Never Replace Direct Spiritual ConnectionLearn More About Victoria Shaw: Podcast: Intuitive Connection Website: victoriashawintuitive.comJOIN MY COMMUNITY In The Space Between membership, you'll get access to LIVE quarterly Ask Amy Anything meetings (not offered anywhere else!), discounts on courses, special giveaways, and a place to connect with Amy and other like-minded people. You'll also get exclusive access to other behind-the-scenes goodness when you join! Click here to find out more --> https://shorturl.at/vVrwR Stay Connected: - Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/ysvafdwc- Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/yc3z48v9- YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ywdsc9vt- Website - https://tinyurl.com/ydj949kt Life, Death & the Space Between Dr. Amy RobbinsExploring life, death, consciousness and what it all means. Put your preconceived notions aside as we explore life, death, consciousness and what it all means on Life, Death & the Space Between.**Brought to you by:Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive ProducerPodcastize.net | Audio & Video Production | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ あと33曲となりました!! ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■あと33日でこのプロジェクトが終わるということです… 何したいかというと、この《ピアノ万葉集》用のピアノ音色セットを離れて、映画「国宝」とかのピアノ音楽のような美しいピアノ曲を練り上げてみたいのです。for intellect no longer knows - #4503 (99R27 percent 33left..
*** ONLY 33 SONGS LEFT!! *** means only 33 days.. : ) This long project will end in 33 days. When it's over, I'll be freed from the pressure of maintaining the piano tone. In other words, I want to be able to play the piano with the tone I like. I'm looking forward to it. But I don't think I'll be streaming it online for a while. for intellect no longer knows - #4503 (99R27 percent 33left) by chair house 260413 (99R21 percent 36 left) by chair house 260410 (again, William Butler Yeats from May 22, 2025) *** NEW CATCHPHRASE FOR PIANO TEN THOUSAND LEAVES *** " Gentleness, carried on 4,536 leaves of sound " *** NEW ALBUM HERE**** ######## Latest Album: 32nd SELECTION ALBUM JUST RELEASED ######## "forest goddesses" - the 32nd selection album of piano ten thousand leaves spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/6vVcqT6W4GM8bVurNwpbqc?si=4BBxi54KQfisRDBGJfZv0g apple Music: music.apple.com/jp/album/fores t-goddesses/1883292974 amazon music: https://amazon.co.jp/music/player/albums/B0GRMPSQ5R?marketplaceId=A1VC38T7YXB528&musicTerritory=JP&ref=dm_sh_pj6uyAhEpH8n0fIHPAiTQXLrx all music streaming services: https:// linkco.re/zM4RFAdg *** ALSO NEW ALBUM HERE**** =========================== The Complete Works of Piano Ten Thousand Leaves Vol.2-1 =========================== VOLUME2-1 just released! Gentleness, carried on 4,536 leaves of sound. --- youtube full video: https://youtu.be/keXS3AEO1a4 --- spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/2HnLnRjQk8u1eaAS23Y408?si=VGzemRYRSc6AgfkkaVukAA --- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/album/the-complete-works-of-piano-ten-thousand-leaves-vol-2-1/1882221412 --- amazon Music: https://amazon.co.jp/music/player/albums/B0G14M9TRF?marketplaceId=A1VC38T7YXB528&musicTerritory=JP&ref=dm_sh_AW167RpyD3hxpUR2jIAjg0SRa --- Line Music: https://lin.ee/ENpDX39 --- AWA: https://s.awa.fm/album/02f966f5a773fa116666?t=1772654660 --- All Music Streaming Services: https://s.awa.fm/album/02f966f5a773fa116666?t=1772654660 ######## Latest Album: 31st SELECTION ALBUM JUST RELEASED ######## "forest moon dream" - the 31st selection album of piano ten thousand leaves youtube: FULL VIDEO with 20 full songs in very high quality sounds https://youtu.be/hRY7rtkp-hw?si=dpSjSeY7rHAyOvtC spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/0GL5j2gohVbt5rgcbZqslM?si=Al-XczUJTJmNYgpcGbff7w apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/album/forest-moon-dream/1843588627 amazon music: https://amazon.co.jp/music/player/albums/B0FTMBPY75?marketplaceId=A1VC38T7YXB528&musicTerritory=JP&ref=dm_sh_dz30EicNlOoEQrCadNDGVEtSW all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/GzFhAvTg?lang=en *** "PIANO TEN THOUSAND LEAVE" COMPLETE WORK ALBUM SERIES START *** =================== VOLUME1-5 =================== --- all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/GqnQvNyP?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-4 =================== *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/m0nqEtsg?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-3 =================== *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/8RNRdEa3?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-2 =================== *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/VeA0UreQ?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-1 =================== *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/Y9VNVN23
Might have to warm up before you listen to this one. The level of banger-ness is quite substantial. Don't say we didn't warn you. Playlist: Thoughts by B. Cooper ft. Mark Rampulla JANSPORT by 1995 WELCOME TO THE TRIBE BY indie tribe, nobigdyl. & DJ Mykael V ft. Mogli The Iceburg Used To Blaspheme by CHEK 33 Fool's Gold by Procyse & iNTELLECT ft. DJ Elder small VICTORIES by Vytal One ft. SEANOEVIL A Dead Man's Tale by Datin ft. MC Jin & Eamon STILL MADE A WAY by KINGDOM FRONT-LINERS ft. 7Scripture, HOLYMACK!, HK & Jeremiah 1:5 VI. BRING A LIGHT by 350 & 1995 ALL CAPS by DJ Myakel V & 350 ft. Tragic Hero & Taelor Gray Barz Are Back by CallHimd. The Principle by Jaz Donell & Deca OTA This World by Verdun, Ayo Shamir & Da Commissioner The Day You Made by Cartoon Hood Figaz Vote on the playlist at www.definitionradio.com/show/995 Leave your requests/shout-outs on our socials www.facebook.com/DefinitionRadio www.instagram.com/DefinitionHH www.twitter.com/DefinitionHH www.krosswerdz.com
We praise Allah for allowing us to experience and complete another Ramadan. And now that we've emerged from it, there's a question worth sitting with: what comes next?Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali mentions that the pious predecessors would spend six months after Ramadan asking Allah to accept their deeds — and the remaining months begging Him to let them witness another one. That's the rhythm. Gratitude, then longing. Never stagnation.But the Qur'an gives us something even more precise than that rhythm. It gives us a transition.In Surah al-Baqarah, the discussion of Ramadan begins at ayah 183 — *kutiba alaykum al-siyam* — and runs through to ayah 187. Then, immediately, in ayah 189, Allah says:**يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ***They ask you about the crescent moons.*The companions asked Rasulullah ﷺ about the significance of the moon's phases — crescent to full, waning and returning. Allah answered that the moon exists so that humanity can track time. So we know when a month begins and when it ends. (I understand this topic is sensitive in Perth. We'll leave that there.)But then, immediately, Allah connects this to Hajj. “Qul hiya mawaqitu li al-nas wa al-hajj.” The crescents are time-markers for people — and for Hajj.The transition is beautiful. One act of worship ends. The next one begins. No gap. No off-season. The life of a believer is simply moving from one ibadah to the next. The same Lord we worshipped in Ramadan is the same Lord who governs every moment outside of it. Ramadan ending doesn't mean the haram becomes negotiable again, or the wajib becomes optional. We have a new aim now.Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.-----Now, not everyone can perform Hajj. It's a mathematical impossibility. Two billion Muslims, roughly two million pilgrimage spots per year — the number has been reduced since COVID. Do the maths. It would take something like 700 years before every Muslim alive today gets a turn. That's why Hajj is the only pillar where Allah specifies man istata'a ilayhi sabila — for those who are able. Ability is a condition.But the mindset still applies. The transition from one ibadah to the next is for everyone.-----There are so many dimensions to Hajj worth unpacking. But I want to focus on one moment — a snapshot — from the stoning at the Jamarat.The backstory is Sayyidina Ibrahim عليه السلام. He was commanded by Allah, through a dream, to sacrifice his only son at that time, Isma'il. And when he told his son — and Allah recorded this exchange in the Qur'an — Isma'il responded with full submission: *ifʿal mā tu'mar* — do as you have been commanded. You will find me among the patient.But Isma'il set conditions. He said: don't do it in Makkah, because if I scream, my mother will hear and it will break her heart. And make sure the blade is sharp so it's quick.(Side note to the sons in the room: if your father knocks on your door and says he saw a dream about slaughtering you — dial 000. These days, the worst our fathers do is say, “Son, wake up for Fajr.” And even that's a struggle.)Father and son walked about five or six kilometres from Makkah to Mina. And at each of the three stations along the way, Iblis appeared. He whispered. He cast doubt. He said: *You've done enough. You built the Ka'bah. You migrated from Iraq to Jerusalem to Makkah. You've sacrificed so much already. Why this? Just say no.*At each station, Ibrahim took seven pebbles, threw them in the direction of Iblis — *Allahu Akbar* — and moved on.After the third station, Iblis left and never came back.Falamma aslama wa tallahu li al-jabin. When both of them submitted fully — the father resolute, the son's forehead on the stone — Allah called out. The test was fulfilled. A great sacrifice was sent in Isma'il's place.-----Thousands of years later, during the Hajj of the Prophet ﷺ — Hajjat al-Wada' — as he was riding his camel towards the Jamarat, he told Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Abbas: get me some pebbles.Ibn Abbas picked up pebbles about the size you could flick between your thumb and index finger. Our scholars later said: about the size of a chickpea.Rasulullah ﷺ took them and said: yes, get more of this size.And then he addressed the community. He said:**يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْغُلُوَّ فِي الدِّينِ***O people, beware of extremism in religion. For nations before you were destroyed because of extremism in religion.*Think about that. This is a moment about picking up a rock. A small, mundane, physical act. But Rasulullah ﷺ saw the teaching opportunity and seized it.Because it's easy to go overboard here. You're reliving what Ibrahim went through. You're stoning Iblis. A chickpea-sized pebble? That's not going to cut it. You want to find the nearest cricket club, practice your bowling, and make sure Iblis doesn't come back next year.But no. The Prophet ﷺ said: this is the size. Not too big — you're not hurling rocks. Not too small — you're not flicking grains of rice. Just right. The balance.-----So where do we draw the line on extremism?I was speaking to some of the high school students at Qaswa about the practices of our predecessors in Ramadan. Imam al-Shafi'i would complete two full readings of the Qur'an every day during Ramadan — one in the day, one at night. That's sixty khatam in one month.The students said: that's extreme, isn't it?I said: well, how do you define extreme?Let's pull out our phones. Check the screen time. How many hours on TikTok? How many on Instagram? People are clocking seven, eight, ten hours a day staring at a screen.Now imagine we could transport Imam al-Shafi'i into 2026. We tell him: Muslims today stare at a glowing rectangle for ten hours a day, getting no benefit, and it's actually harming them.He would say: that's extremely stupid, isn't it?So who defines what's extreme? Rasulullah ﷺ does. Because he is the most balanced of humanity. The mark of this Ummah, as Allah describes it in the Qur'an: ummatan wasata — a balanced nation.When three companions each decided to push further — one would pray all night and never sleep, one would fast every day and never break it, one would worship and never marry — the Prophet ﷺ said: I am the one with the most taqwa among you. Yet I pray and I sleep. I fast and I break my fast. I worship and I marry. This is my sunnah. Whoever turns away from my sunnah is not from me.Everything has a right. Your body has a right — good nutrition, good rest. Your family has a right. Allah has a right over you in worship. Giving every aspect its due — that's balance.-----Let me sketch a few dimensions of this balance.Balance in belief. Islam respects both revelation and reason. We believe because Allah told us to believe — in Him, in the angels, in the books, in the prophets, in the Last Day, in qadar. These are revelatory matters.But our tradition also respects the intellect. Look at how Ibrahim عليه السلام argued with his people in Surah al-An'am. He didn't just say: stop worshipping your idols because Allah says so. He engaged their logic. Idols you carved with your own hands — you made them, and now you bow to them? They don't speak, don't benefit you, don't harm you. Why?And then the stars. He observed the kawkab — a beautiful star — and said sarcastically: this is my lord? But when it set, he said: I don't love things that disappear. God can't be present at some times and absent at others. I need God every moment.Then the moon appeared, full and bright. He said: this is my lord? But when it set, he said: *if my Lord had not guided me, I would certainly be among those who are astray.*Notice the shift. In the first argument, Ibrahim used pure logic — God can't appear and disappear. But in the second, he acknowledged that arriving at the worship of Allah requires revelation. Intellect can deny what is not God. But to know who God is, you need guidance.Imam al-Ghazali captured this beautifully. He said: revelation is like the sun, and reason is like eyesight. Without the sun, there's nothing to see. But without eyesight, you can't appreciate the light. Both together — that's how you see.If you rely only on revelation, your faith works fine within a Muslim bubble. The moment it's challenged from outside, it crumbles. If you rely only on reason, you can conclude that God must exist — but you'll never arrive at which God, or how to worship Him. Both, hand in hand. Ummatan wasata.Balance in practice. There are people so focused on the physicality of worship — how to raise the hands, where to place them, how to stand — that they forget the deeper purpose. Prayer isn't calisthenics. When Allah says aqim al-salah li dhikri — establish prayer to remember Me — He's pointing to something beyond movement.Every act of worship in Islam is meant to produce beautiful character. The Prophet ﷺ said: I was only sent to perfect noble character. If the more religious we become, the harsher our behaviour gets — something is broken. The balance is off.Allah tells us that prayer prevents shamelessness and evil. Yet we see people who pray, and in the same breath they double-park on someone without a care. The same tongue that recites Qur'an goes on to slander. The same hands that move in salah take what doesn't belong to them.How? Because the spiritual dimension was missing. If you truly stood before Allah in prayer — before the Creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in between — there has to be an after-effect. If you get called to the CEO's office and told off, you'll behave well for at least a few days. Now multiply that. You stood before the Lord of all worlds. You spoke to Him. Surely the effect lingers.And just as it starts to fade — Dhuhr arrives. Then before it fades again — Asr. Then Maghrib. Then Isha. Then sleep, then Fajr. The cycle continues. This is why prayer stops you from evil. You keep checking in with Allah. You keep reporting back.But strip away the spiritual dimension, focus only on the mechanics, and it loses its purpose.On the other hand, there are people who say: my heart is good, I don't need to pray. As long as I'm kind, the rituals are for other people. But then — who are you actually worshipping? If you abandon what Allah prescribed and follow only your own moral compass, you're worshipping your own nafs.-----This is the lesson of the chickpea.One nation before us fell into extremism through legalism — everything became so complicated that they abandoned practice altogether. Another fell through spiritualism — everything was about love, no boundaries, no halal or haram, just accept and you're saved. The religion dissolved. Nothing was left.Islam sits in the middle. As Imam al-Ghazali said: khayru al-umur awsatuha — the best of affairs is the middle path.The Prophet ﷺ reminded us, standing at the Jamarat, pebbles in hand: don't fall into extremism. The size of a chickpea. Not too much. Not too little. Just right.May Allah protect us from extremism in religion. May He grant us the strength to live by the Sunnah — balanced in every dimension, following our Prophet ﷺ externally and internally. Thanks for reading Grounded! This post is public so feel free to share it. 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“I’ve just started to tap into that, trusting a little bit faster over time. Because I see that when I make these decisions that feel aligned with what I want, and I believe is right for me, that on the other side, I haven’t regretted one of those decisions.” Allison Kahler Allison Kahler attended the Hoffman Process in 2024 after experiencing multiple big life changes. The Process helped her integrate these changes. One year later, Allison returned for the graduate Q2 in search of the catalyst that would move her forward into her new life. Before coming to the Process, Allison, who grew up in an “idyllic, loving, Catholic family,” felt tremendous guilt. Having had a ‘perfect childhood,’ she wondered if, instead of doing self-reflection work, she should just be grateful. But she found that even in a ‘perfect’ childhood, we still adopt patterns. Allison had adopted messages of perfection and proving worth through achievement. She had internalized the external pressure she felt as a child, with work being her number one focus in life. During her Process, Allison began to set the stage for her new life, realizing she is allowed to have dreams and desires. She started asking and listening to the quiet voice within. She started to develop a deeper trust in this voice. And she began to look for the spark that would launch her into her new life. A year post-Process, Allison came to Hoffman’s graduate retreat, the Q2. There, she found the catalyst she was looking for through an experience of self-compassion. Finding self-forgiveness lit the catalytic spark. By listening to the quiet voice within and developing her trust muscle through sustained action, Allison is now living into her new life. We hope you enjoy this uplifting conversation with Allison and Sadie. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify More about Allison Kahler: Allison, host of The D. Tales Allison Kahler is an executive coach and the host of The D. Tales with Allison Kahler. A recovering perfectionist and lifelong insecure overachiever, Allison spent nearly two decades in management consulting before realizing that much of her drive was fueled by fear, self-doubt, and deeply ingrained patterns formed early in life. After going through a divorce at 33, an experience that left her carrying years of guilt and shame, she made a series of life-altering changes: leaving a nearly 20-year consulting career, moving cross-country from Chicago to Santa Monica, and questioning not just her marriage and career, but who she was and who she wanted to become. Young Allison Allison's experience at The Process marked a profound turning point. Through a deep commitment to the daily tools and practices, she began to shed limiting beliefs, transform long-held patterns, and learn to meet herself with greater self-compassion. Today, Allison supports leaders and individuals navigating transition, working with organizations as an executive coach and advisor. She works with individuals through The D. Tales, her podcast. There, she shares real divorce stories and grounded conversations with experts about identity, healing, and rewriting the next chapter of their lives. At the heart of her work is a belief shaped by lived experience: that even our most painful life transitions can become powerful invitations to reconnect with who we truly are and move forward with greater clarity, courage, and self-trust. Discover more at AllisonKahler.com. Follow Allison on Instagram. Follow The D. Tales on Instagram and TikTok. As mentioned in this episode: The D. Tales with Allison Kahler — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. The Hoffman Q2 Intensive Dates and Registration Kevin Eyres, Hoffman teacher – Listen to Kevin on the Hoffman Podcast: Beyond the Intellect Self-compassion: “Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with your failings – after all, who ever said you were supposed to be perfect?” – KristenNeff, expert on self-compassion Listen to Kristin Neff on the Hoffman Podcast: Goodwill & Intention, the Magic Ingredients Hoffman Tools: • Be-Do-Have vs. Do-Have-Be: The life we long for comes from Be-Do-Have; the life we are taught we should strive for comes from Do-Have-Be. • Quad Check: Join our virtual Quad-Check at 8:00 am PT on Instagram. The Quad Check is a practice to guide you to check in with all four parts of your Quadrinity: Spiritual Self, Intellect, Emotional Self, and Body.
This is the second of a series of posts about the literary alchemy of J. K. Rowling, a discussion jumpstarted by a post by ‘Iris' at a Strike fan website, an article that championed a Jungian perspective on this subject. The first post in this series, Literary Alchemy – A Primer for Those Interested in J. K. Rowling's Artistry, both explained what the ‘Iris' post asserted and reviewed much of the critical literature that the brevity of the S&E Files article prevented her from discussing. See that post for links to this material. The conversation between Nick Jeffery and John Granger above was recorded in the same spirit as the first post was written, namely, simultaneously a welcome to Strike fans and Rowling readers who have learned about literary alchemy only recently and an introduction to the work of the last twenty five years on this subject. Upcoming posts in the series will include a counter-point discussion in the debate Rowling is fostering about whether a psychological or spiritual perspective is better for understanding art and life and a review of the alchemical signatures that crowd Rowling-Galbraith's Hallmarked Man.This post is largely links to sources for points Nick and John discuss in their naturally enthusiastic and contrarian conversation, question by question. Enjoy!1. Welcome to the Conversation! (Nick) I just sent out an article about literary alchemy, John, in response to an article written by ‘Iris' and posted on the Strike-Ellacott Files website, a piece titled ‘What is Literary Alchemy? Spotting symbols that map Strike and Robin's growth.' What advice or guidance would you give to, say, Cormoran Strike readers who are brand new to the subject? * There are three types of alchemy and it is important to understand the common ground they share and the differences between them;* The first type is alchemy proper, which is to say ‘metallurgical alchemy,' the sacred science of purifying metals and the adept's soul via the creation of a Philosopher's Stone that will transform lead to gold and exude an elixir of life, the drinking of which will bestow immortality;* The second and third types of alchemy derive from interpretations of metallurgical alchemy's aims and the symbolic texts detailing the work in the hermetic laboratory;* Literary alchemy is the use of metallurgical alchemy's language, colors, sequences, and symbols in plays, poetry, and story to foster an edifying and transformative experience in the artist's theater or reading audience;* Psychological alchemy is Carl Jung's use of metallurgical alchemy's texts during and after WWII to illustrate his ideas of the integration of the conscious and unconscious aspects of the human mind;* Metallurgical alchemy was practiced in China, the Levant, India, and Europe within the revealed religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity until its degeneration in the late Medieval period and eventual evolution into the strictly materialist chemistry we know today;* Literary alchemy has been a continuous stream in literature from Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Metaphysical poets through to Dickens, Yeats, the Inklings, Joyce, Nabokov, and J. K. Rowling;* The academic study of “alchemy in literature” was the province of Baconian and allegorical readings of Shakespeare (cf., Beryl Pogson, Peter Dawkins, Martin Lings) until the late 20th Century and the advent of academic specialists in ‘Hermetic Studies,' e.g., Stanton Linden, Lyndy Abraham, and Charles Nicholl (cf., Cauda Pavonis: A Journal of Hermetic Studies, 1982-2000).* Jung and his followers used their psychological interpretations of metallurgical alchemy as allegories of the soul to interpret mythology (cf., Erich Neumann, Marie-Louise Von Franz, Robert Johnson);* Jungian analysis of story using Jung's ideas of subconscious archetypes within a collective unconscious was popularized by Joseph Campbell in his guides to Joyce's Ulysses and his more well known works on mythology (e.g., The Hero With a Thousand Faces);* ‘Isis' in her S&E Files article, ‘What is Literary Alchemy?,' suggests that Rowling-Galbraith is writing an allegory of soul transformation in the Cormoran Strike series using metallurgical alchemy's symbols and sequences as understood by Carl Jung and his disciples rather than as used by English writers since the 13th Century;* It's a challenging theory, the depth of which is hard to grasp without an appreciation of the types of alchemy, what they have in common, and their differences in approach and subject matter.2. The Lake: (John) What I found most fascinating in your post, Nick, was your best guesses about where Rowling would have learned about literary alchemy. She claimed in 1998 that she'd read a lot of alchemical texts from which she set the “magical parameters” of the Hogwarts Saga; if you had only three chances to name one of those books, what would you choose? * Charles Nicholl's The Chemical Theatre;* Titus Burckhardt's Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul (or Mirror of the Intellect: Essays on Traditional Acience and Sacred Art);* Lyndy Abraham Summerhaze's Marvell and Alchemy or her Dictionary of Alchemical Imagery;* Martin Lings' The Secret of Shakespeare3. Carl Jung, Alchemy: (Nick) I see you're chafing at the bit, John, with book titles I haven't mentioned so let me name-drop the author not on my list because, as you pointed out, he wasn't really a literary alchemist so much as a psychologist who discussed alchemy as a means of illustrating his own ideas about the ‘Great Work.' You've written, though, that literary alchemy as with metallurgical alchemy is a subset of soul-allegories or Psychomachia. Don't Jung's ideas jibe with that? * Yes and no!* Jung's ideas of the soul and archetypes (or archetypal forms) are based on late 19th Century Volkischer German ideas, which is to say, modern and materialist (some say ‘vitalist') premises. His hostility to Christianity and Judaism was grounded in his acceptance of Darwinian evolution and derived philosophically from Nietzsche (see Richard Noll's The Jung Cult and The Aryan Christ).* He conflates the spiritual with the psychological, consequently, and embraces integrated individual psychological health as the telos of human existence, none of which is consistent with traditional metallurgical or literary alchemy (see Titus Burckhardt's Mirror of the Intellect, Philip Sherrard's ‘An Introduction to the Religious Thought of C. G. Jung,' and Harry Oldmeadow's ‘C.G. Jung & Mircea Eliade: ‘Priests without Surplices'? Reflections on the Place of Myth, Religion and Science in Their Work.'* Psychological alchemy, insomuch as it is ‘Jungian,' is well removed from the other two types of alchemy. Which is not to say that Rowling is not a Jungian and hence a Jungian psychological alchemist.4. Back into the Lake: (John) You covered in your article, though, Nick, the several reasons to think it possible, even probable that the evidence from Rowling's life suggests she is using Jungian ideas in her literary alchemy. Iris over at S&E Files obviously thinks that is the case. What are the for and against ideas with respect to Rowling being a Jungian? There's Plenty of Evidence That Rowling IS a Jungian Writer:John Granger's discussion in Troubled Blood: A Jungian Reading* Robin's name-dropping Jung in conversation about astrology;* The Jungian notes sounded throughout Strike 5: Archetypes, Synchronicity, Persona;* The connection between Jung's illustrated ‘New Book' and Talbot's ‘True Book;' and* Pointers to Cupid-Psyche myth as understood by Jungians (see below)The Advent of Prudence Dunleavy, Jungian Psychologist, in Ink Black Heart* Hard to imagine a more sympathetic portrait of a Jungian than half-sister Prudence!* She clearly was the genius behind the Rokeby reconciliation in Hallmarked ManThe Cupid and Psyche myth underpinning the Strike series* A Mythological Key to Cormoran Strike? The Myth of Eros, Psyche, and Venus (note the discussion here of the Jungian understanding of this specific myth)* Ink Black Heart: Strike as Zeus to Robin's Leda and as Cupid to Mads' Psyche* ‘Rowling Points to Myth of Cupid and Psyche in order to Console Strike Fans Disappointed with Hallmarked Man‘* The Hallmarked Man‘s Mythological Template (Nick Jeffery, John Granger)Anything Else? Oh, yeah —* Rowling studied mythology in her ‘Classical Studies' program at UExeter and almost certainly encountered Jungian interpretation of myths there (e.g. the work of Neumann, Johnson, Campbell).* Rowling told Val McDermid if she had not become a successful writer she would have sought training and certification as a psychologist. * Her work reflects a broad reading in psychology (cf., Louise Freeman Davis' ‘J. K. Rowling and the Phantoms in the Brain,' ‘Cormoran Strike and the Itch that Cannot Be Scratched') and it is likely that she has read her fair share of Jung and Jungian authors during her studies.* Rowling benefited from psychological therapy and exercises herself when suffering from depression, the experience of and recovery from which she depicted in story via the Azkaban Dementors and Robin Ellacott's treatment for PTSD in Lethal White.And There is Plenty of Evidence That Rowling Is NOT a Jungian Writer:* Rowling has never been asked or revealed how she learned about literary alchemy; this includes, of course, any reference to Carl Jung, whose work was not focused on literary alchemy per se but a psychological interpretation or explanation of metallurgical alchemy's symbolism.* All that Rowling has revealed about her experiences as a patient seeking help with depression are about Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which treatment modality owes nothing to Jung or to Jung's students.* It is possible that Rowling encountered esoteric metallurgical alchemy, the precursor to literary alchemy, in her study of astrology, the complementary traditional sacred science to alchemy, a skill-set with which we know she was accomplished. That route to alchemy would have led her to Perennialist interpretations of alchemy, most notably Titus Burckhardt‘s Alchemy, Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul; the paperback cover of the Penguin Metaphysical Library edition of that book (1974) features an androgynous giant named REBIS standing on a dragon and a winged golden sphere (i.e., Rubeus, Norbert, Snitch).* As mentioned above, it is more likely that she encountered literary alchemy in her study of Shakespeare. The year she was studying for her A Levels, she traveled to see a production of King Lear which has prompted the idea that it was on her list of texts to prepare for her tests. The most challenging interpretation of Lear then in print was Charles Nicholl's The Chemical Theatre (1980), a book that explains almost every scene in perhaps Shakespeare's greatest tragedy as a parallel step in the Great Work of alchemy. If the budding astrologer was fascinated by this allegorical interpretation of the Bard, the most popular work in print at that time that championed reading Shakespeare as the author of soul allegories was Perennialist Martin Lings‘ The Secret of Shakespeare (1984).* Literary Alchemy is a tool set employed not only by Shakespeare but by a host of Rowling favorite authors to include Dickens, Nabokov, Lewis, and Tolkien. This view of alchemy, that is, as an allegorical depiction of the soul's transformation that affects that same cathartic experience in its theater or reading audiences, is the one found in Rowling's work, which is well removed from psychological alchemy, an analytic art which, though it springs from metallurgical alchemical texts, does not aim at the transformation at work in the sacred art or the science of traditional alchemy. * Rowling's use of chiastic structures and psychomachian allegory, tools that complement literary alchemy in spiritual perspective and aim, make a Jungian rather than a literary and Perennialist view of alchemy seem unlikely.* Alchemy: Jung, Burckhardt, or Maclean? John Granger, April 2007* Rowling's Soul Triptych Psychomachia: Is It From Shakespeare's ‘Macbeth'? John Granger, September 20245. The Debate at King's Cross: (Nick) So, John, you've mentioned Jung quite a few times in your posts about the Mythological framework of the Strike series and even written about the Jungian ideas of animus and anima with respect to Cormoran and Robin's relationship. You seem fairly confident, though, that Rowling is writing from the traditional esoteric ideas of alchemy a la Shakespeare rather than Jung's. Why is that? * Everything you just said!* As noted, Jung's ideas are modern and psychological while the stream of literary alchemy in English Literature is almost exclusively more Medieval and pointedly spiritual;* The Most Notable Exception: Angela Carter's The Passion of the New Eve (1977), that reads like a Jungian ‘Red Book' slide-show (think Bombyx Mori) or a transgender Odyssey written for feminists. Rowling has never mentioned her to my knowledge but it would be surprising if she hadn't read this book more than once. What Alana Bolton Cooke wrote about Carter's Passion could be said about Rowling's literary alchemy if she is a Jungian writer (or about Galbraith's fictional Elizabeth Tassel?):Angela Carter in The Passion of New Eve (1977) uses the exoteric phases of alchemy and Carl G. Jung's theory of esoteric alchemy as a means of demonstrating allegorically the idea ofrebirth and renewal. The purpose of this allegorical method is to produce an 'alchemical' change of thought in the reader about sexuality and gender associated with women's repression and liberation. In the novel Carter develops themes and ideas explored in her essay, The Sadeian Woman: An Exercise in Cultural History (1979), an analysis of the Marquis de Sade's pornography and its affect on the roles of men and women in society. The clash of opposites involved in combining alchemical symbolism, feminism and pornography within the fiction can be seen as representative of the state of chaos present in alchemy before the beginning of change. The circular narrative and alchemical structure of the fiction creates a literary version of the alchemical process as it brings together opposites involved in chaos, represented by events and characterisation that the protagonist, Evelyn/Eve, experiences, until, in the manner of alchemy, harmony is reached. The harmony created represents women's empowerment. Carter uses Evelyn's individuation process to encourage growth within the reader by altering patterns of thought to bring about change through self-confrontation and self-knowledge. The structure of Carter's fiction, thus, corresponds to the process of esoteric alchemy contained within the structure, imagery and symbolism of exoteric alchemy. The fiction is designed to stimulate the unconscious of the reader and make conscious hitherto unknown and repressed thoughts about gender and sexuality to bring about change in the lives of men and women.* I think what Rowling said she was trying to do with Harry Potter's meeting with Dumbledore at the dream-like King's Cross strongly suggests she is aware of the two approaches and wants readers to discuss them – but that she has made her own choice, however conflicted she may be.* In her 2008 interview with Adeel Amini, Rowling said that her hope for Harry's post-mortem conversation with Dumbledore at King's Cross was to stimulate “a debate” among readers about whether it was a psychological moment, that is, a fantasy in which Harry understands what he's been missing all along, or a spiritual event in which he is actually speaking with the late Headmaster:Enough Potter-plot, I think. Moving on to a slightly more contentious issue, Rowling has categorically said that she does believe in a higher power, a statement reinforced by her childhood church-going (“Till I was 17,” she clarifies). It must be difficult to reconcile her religious beliefs with those that denounce Harry Potter as anti-Christian, I wonder aloud. Rowling's expression does not change a fraction. “There was a Christian commentator who said, which I thought was very interesting, that Harry Potter had been the Christian church's biggest missed opportunity. And I thought, there's someone who actually has their eyes open.“I think he said it before the publication of the seventh book, and with the publication of the seventh book I think that clarified a lot of people's view on where I was standing. But I should emphasise that I am not pushing a specifically Christian agenda, and indeed till the very last moment in book seven, one can interpret what happens to Harry after he presents himself with death as him going into an unconscious state in which his subconscious reveals to him what he already knew.” I hum in faux-comprehension of what she's referring to; luckily my clued-in companion is nodding wildly. Proceed. “Any re-reading of Chapter 35 will show you that there's nothing that the Dumbledore he sees tells him that he couldn't have guessed for himself or already realised, and of course there's a key piece of information that Dumbledore doesn't articulate that Harry has realised. So you can deliberately interpret it that way, or you can say that he did go into a state of limbo beyond which there was another life, and that idea was expressed repeatedly, and most explicitly at the end of book five, Order of the Phoenix, where Harry understands that there is an ‘on', that you do go on. “I wanted there to be a debate there, so of my three main characters - when they come into the room which examines death at the Ministry of Magic - Hermione, the ultimate sceptic and a hyperrational person, hears nothing behind the veil and is scared of it. Ron is just uneasy; Ron is someone who does not grapple with anything deeper than beer, if he can avoid it. Harry's drawn to it, and therein lies Harry's slightly reckless, almost morbid streak, because Harry does have a hint of that dangerous adolescent trait which is the attraction to death.” Heavy. Obviously with this ambiguity, you do get a fair degree of misinterpretation as well; there is a certain section that does dislike Harry Potter intensely. “Oh, vehemently,” says Rowling, before muttering under her breath “…and they send death threats.”* I think that “debate” she's trying to foster is between the psychological, call it ‘Jungian' “just inside your head” subconscious perspective, and the authentically spiritual view of her work (well, of art and human existence, too, of course). And that this debate is one she has had for most of her life. Check out her comments about the “greatest missed opportunity” and explain to me how that doesn't line up with her preferring the spiritual, albeit “not explicitly Christian,” to the psychological and humanist. 7. Jungian Readings of Rowling's Work: (Nick) John, you're familiar with what has been written by Potter Pundits because of your PhD critical literature surveys; what are the better ones about Rowling and Jungian psychology and what do they emphasize? Here are seven off the top of my head (and Thesis ‘Works Cited' drafts):* Grynbaum, G.A. (2000). The Secrets of Harry Potter. The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal: Reviews From a Jungian Perspective of Books, Films and Culture, [online] 19 (4) pp. 17-48* Patrick, Christopher and Sarah (2007), ‘Exploring the Dark Side: Harry Potter and the Psychology of Evil,' in Mulholland (ed.), The Psychology of Harry Potter, BenBella Books, pp 221-232* Gerhold, C. (2011). The Hero's Journey Through Adolescence: A Jungian Archetypal Analysis of “Harry Potter.” PsyD. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. * Rectenwald, Bob (2019). ‘Carl Jung's Impact on the Work of J. K. Rowling' * Skipper, Alicia and Kate Fulton (2021) ‘Out from the Shadows into the Light: Persona and Shadow in Harry Potter‘ in Anne Mamary (ed.) The Alchemical Harry Potter: Essays on Transfiguration in J. K. Rowling's Novels, McFarland, Jefferson, NC, 2021, pp 79-96* The Unfolding Journey, Jung's Shadow Self in Harry Potter: Confronting the Darkness Within (YouTube video)* My own Troubled Blood: A Jungian ReadingBob Rectenwald's piece is the best of the six I didn't write but it shares the several faults all the Jungian pieces make:* the first failing of even the best Jungian readers is the assumption that Rowling is a Jungian, which is an open question;* the next is that Jung's ideas (and Joseph Campbell's) are indisputably true; and* the last is, when alchemy is mentioned, the critics do not clarify either the commonalities of or the differences between literary alchemy, psychological alchemy, and Jungian analytic psychology. * Note, though, that Rowling, while aware of such Jungian tropes as the Hero's Journey, tweeks it shamelessly, adding a symbol of Christ and resurrection scene in every Potter story (cf., How Harry Cast His Spell, ‘The Harry's Journey,' pp 21-28).* Read her brief PotterMore piece on alchemy and note that it is written in such a way that it can be read as confirmation of either a psychological or spiritual perspective on alchemy and art:One interpretation of the ‘instructions' left by the alchemists is that they are symbolic of a spiritual journey, leading the alchemist from ignorance (base metal) to enlightenment (gold). There seems to have been a mystical element to the work the alchemist was engaged upon, which set it apart from chemistry (of which it was undoubtedly both an offshoot and forerunner).This “original writing” by Rowling, especially the words “spiritual” and “mystical,” suggests that she is a Perennialist rather than a Jungian, at least with respect to her understanding of alchemy. But the debate is still possible with Jungians who read those words as cyphers for the subsconscious contact they hold we have with archetypes.8. Back to the Alchemy: (John) I think the real question of whether Rowling's literary alchemy is predominantly literary and spiritual or psychological in orientation comes down to the postmodern confusion about the immaterial aspects of the human person, which is to say, the soul (or mind, psyche) and the spirit. Rowling's recent work may seem prosaic or secular to a casual reader who compares it to the relatively otherworldly and “obviously” symbolic Potter books, but she loads each Strike book with Shakespearean romance of soul and spirit, i.e., alchemical dramas, and hermetic tropes. I'm writing a piece now about the lions, dogs, incest, and the red man and white woman in Hallmarked Man, each of which are touchstones of alchemy. I think, though, that your work with Rowling's favorite books and her epigraph sources, Nick, point to a strong spiritual rather than psychological foundation in Rowling's work —* Louisa May Alcott, Little Women* Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle* The Victorian Women Poets in Running Grave* Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Aurora Leigh* Robert Browning, The Ring and the Book* The Jungian love of the I Ching, Running Grave's epigraph source9. Jung in Running Grave: (Nick) Rowling's favorite writers, from Shakespeare and Nabokov to C. S. Lewis and Victorian Women poets, all clearly believe in a world-transcending spiritual realm. Given the quantity of the Jungian scholarship in Rowling Studies that Iris referred to and you've mentioned, it's curious -- if Rowling is aware of it and is resistant to it -- that she doesn't push back against it explicitly in her work. Can you think of a character that seems something like Jung in the books, someone as bad as Prudence Dunleavey is good? I can think of three:* United Humanitarian Church's guru Jonathan Wace in Running Grave: his “psychologizing of religion,” the comparative religion avenue to denial of any true faith, the psychological critical analysis of a patient using mythological tropes (”Artemis”), the cult leader, and the abuser of women and children -- he's a ringer for Jung! * Paul Satchwell, one-eyed serpent with a one-track mind, in Leamington Spa, a true Jungian artist working psycho-sexual motifs graphically on canvas:Naked figures twisted and cavorted in scenes from Greek mythology. Persephone struggled in the arms of Hades as he carried her down into the underworld; Andromeda strained against chains binding her to rock as a dragonish creature rose from the waves to devour her; Leda lay supine in bulrushes as Zeus, in the form of a swan, impregnated her.Two lines of Joni Mitchell floated back to Robin as she looked at the paintings: “When I first saw your gallery, I liked the ones of ladies…”Except that Robin wasn't sure she liked the paintings. The female figures were all black-haired, olive-skinned, heavy-breasted and partially or entirely naked. The paintings were accomplished, but Robin found them slightly lascivious. Each of the women wore a similar expression of vacant abandon, and Satchwell seemed to have a definite preference for those myths that featured bondage, rape or abduction. (Troubled Blood, 542)* And then there are the Masons, kind of an old school Jungian cult in Hallmarked Man. Like the UHC and “harmless” fraternal and charitable group with Christian touches but which doesn't change a man or human nature per Hardacre (and which harbors the rich and powerful like Lord Branfoot). * Coupled with Prudence, the Front of Jungian Beliefs, we get the front and back of Jung in Rowling's work, a characteristic touch of Rowling nuance as she did with Islam in Hallmarked Man.10. Conclusion: (John) I'm obviously not a Jung fan and I don't think Rowling is writing Jungian psychomachia in alchemical symbols a la Angela Carter, but I see how people would come to a contrary conclusion; Rowling's ‘spiritual not religious' public statements and political positions with respect to Same Sex Attraction and abortion line up much more easily with New Age and Jungian types than with any kind of orthodox Christianity. The great thing about essays like Isis' at S&E Files is that it brings more people into the conversation of what literary alchemy is and the various approaches to it. You've been reading about literary alchemy for several years now, Nick; what do you think the person whose first encounter with the subject was the S&E Files article do to hone their alchemy detection skills? * “Read your books and online talks, John!”* How Metallurgical Alchemy Worked and How it Became Literary Alchemy (from Deathly Hallows Lectures, Chapter 1):Alchemy, in a nutshell, was the science for the perfection or sanctification of the alchemist's soul. This heroic venture I need to say straight off is all but impossible today because the way we look at reality, at ‘things' per se makes the Great Work itself almost an absurdity. Unlike the medieval alchemists, we moderns and postmoderns see things with a clear subject/object distinction, that is, we believe that you and I and that table are entirely different things and between them is there is no connection or relation. The knowing subject is one thing and the observed object is completely ‘other.'To the alchemist that is not the case. His efforts in changing lead to gold are based on the premise that he as the subject will go through the same types of changes and purifications as the materials he is working with. In sympathy with these metallurgical transitions and resolutions of contraries, his soul will be purified in correspondence as long as he is working in a prayerful state within the Mysteries (sacraments) of his revealed tradition.Now, historically there was an Arabic alchemy, a Chinese alchemy, a Kabbalistic, as well as a Christian alchemy; each differs superficially with respect to their spiritual traditions but in every one, the alchemist was working with a sacred natural science or physics to advance his spiritual purification. This was only possible because he looked at the metal he was working with as something with which he was not ‘other' but with which he was in relationship, artifex and artifact in sacred art imitating and accelerating the work of the Creator creating a bridge, so that, as lead changes to gold or material perfection, his soul was going through similar transformations and purifications.The common ground is the logos in every created thing, to include persons (cf. John 1:9), which are all continuous with the Logos fabric of reality. As much as the alchemist identifies with this metaphysical ground, purifying himself of the ‘old man' or ego-driven individual and identifying himself with the spiritual Heart or light within him, that light will become his dominant quality, hence his “illumination” or “enlightenment”. And lead or solid darkness turning into gold, hard light.How does this edifying magic become the scaffolding for Harry's adventures? Largely through the genius of William Shakespeare. Hermetic wisdom and alchemical efforts were such commonplaces in Elizabethan England that Shakespeare and his contemporaries recognized, I think. that the magic of staged drama is essentially alchemical. If we groundlings are all watching what's going on up on the stage and everything is working the way it's supposed to, the subject-object distinction dissolves inasmuch as we identify with the characters and their agonies through our logos-imaginations. As they go through their changes, like the metals in a crucible, we identify with them and pass through the same cathartic moment.As the great dramatists of that period realized, “if what we're doing is alchemical, why don't we use alchemical imagery and language, too?” And, voila, literary alchemy is born. This stream of English literature in which narrator or characters and the reader or audience in correspondence pass through the stages of the alchemical work, the black the white and the red (basically dissolution, purification, and then perfection) runs through the next five centuries of poetry, stage work, stories and novels. You may not have recognized it, but its a big part of things you have read.* Literary Alchemy: Sacred Science, Sacred Art, and ‘The Alembic of Story':A Perennialist Explanation of J. K. Rowling's Signature Hermetic Symbolism This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe
Peace is primary.But not all peace is the same.In this episode, we break down the difference between the peace the world gives and the peace Jesus leaves. You'll discover how the pressure to have all the answers, control outcomes, and “know it all” is actually what disrupts your peace.We unpack the concept of “submitted doing” — moving without needing full understanding, staying connected to the One who does. When you release the need to figure everything out, you step into a flow that doesn't strive, panic, or force results.You don't need all the answers.You need alignment. Get full access to Donavan Montrell at www.donavanmontrell.com/subscribe
Check out this great show from April 2, 2025 Father Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss Intellect and faith When it comes to Jesus, we must care and we must mind (2:53) What does the intellect teach us about the life of faith? The intellect is a human faculty that is a direct reflection of God. (4:04) Faith should be accessible to us all (11:27) Our capacity to love is finite. Do you want to grow in love? The only way to expand your love is to expand your mind? (14:48) Break 1 (22:28) The difference between the intellect, the will, and the passions? (23:51) Dean - As we talk about reason and faith, we need to think about how can we make it accessible to all people? The illumination of God is so important. (27:35) Email – Bob – Is supernatural faith necessary for salvation and are people who lack faith culpable for that lack of faith? (31:10) Glen - There is a difference about learning about Jesus, and knowing Jesus. (33:43) Break 2 (36:45) Addressing the objection, “I just believe” or “I kind of know the faith already and you can’t teach me anything new about the Church”. (37:38) Regina - What does Jesus mean when he says: 'unless you become like little children, you cannot enter into the kingdom'. (41:33) Resources: Angelic Warfare Confraternity
Balanced Ballerinas is a podcast where classical ballet meets modern wellbeing. Hosted by Georgia — ballet teacher, studio owner, and founder of Balanced Ballerinas — this podcast explores ballet not just as a technique, but as a lifelong practice for discipline, creativity, balance, and self-trust. With over a decade of experience teaching classical ballet, Georgia shares thoughtful solo reflections and conversations with dancers, teachers, and creatives who view movement as a tool for personal growth, leadership, and sustainable living. Episodes explore topics such as: Ballet technique and embodied practice Wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and resilience Teaching, learning, and studio leadership Creativity, discipline, and the ballet of becoming Balanced Ballerinas is for adult dancers, teachers, studio owners, and anyone drawn to ballet as a pathway to a more grounded, balanced life. Connect beyond the podcast: Instagram: @thebalancedballerina + @balancedballerinas Substack: https://substack.com/@thebalancedballerina YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBalancedBallerina Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebalancedballerina Thank you for being here — and for being part of this evolving community.
Nelson Dellis, a six-time US Memory Champion, two-time Guinness World Record holder, Grandmaster of Memory, keynote speaker, and world-renowned memory coach, discusses what it takes to have a genius mindset, how we can talk to our kids to encourage them to stay curious their entire lives, and what it was like climbing Mount Everest. Nelson's new book is Everyday Genius: Hacks to Boost Your Memory, Focus, Problem-Solving, and Much More. Info at NelsonDellis.com
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Anchored Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of an "enchanted intellect" with Andrew Morton, a senior fellow at Worldview Academy. Discover how reading full novels and engaging with classics like Narnia and Lord of the Rings can shape a vibrant, resilient faith in students.Join us as Andrew shares how Worldview Academy's summer camps forge hearts and minds through interactive experiences, igniting a love for truth, goodness, and beauty. Learn how this approach challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith and reason, fostering a worldview rooted in awe and wonder.If you're a parent, educator, or student longing for education that feeds the soul as much as the mind, this episode is your catalyst. Discover the revolutionary potential of seeing God's glory in the ordinary and learn how to cultivate an enchanted worldview that lasts beyond the classroom.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to The Anchored Podcast for more inspiring content. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions and transformative ideas.Thank you for listening and stay anchored in truth!To learn more about Worldview Academy, visit their website at:https://worldview.org/Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction and guest Andrew Morton's background[01:10] Andrew's educational journey from homeschooling to Grove City College[02:44] The role of classical education unknowingly received by Andrew[03:52] The influence of books and literature on his worldview formation[04:36] The value of Grove City College as a cost-effective, faith-aligned institution[05:47] The importance of the classical Christian renewal and its hidden impact[06:25] How Andrew's familiarity with the term 'classical education' evolved[07:21] The impact of reading Lewis, Tolkien, and George MacDonald on imagination[08:17] Worldview Academy's classical experience and its formative role[09:15] The cultural significance of The Lord of the Rings release[09:42] The decline of reading full novels and its impact on imagination[10:01] The connection of fiction to the formation of moral imagination[11:19] The misconception about fantasy and the reinforcing of reality through fiction[12:04] How Andrew and his family first engaged with Worldview Academy[12:30] Overview of Worldview Academy's mission and camp experience[14:26] How camp simulates an internship in a life committed to Christ[15:25] The integration of heart, mind, and will in formation at camp[16:23] The importance of love for truth and personal devotion[17:41] Evangelism training and real-world application during camp trips[19:04] The transformative impact of shared faith experiences and evangelism[20:22] Target demographics and demographic diversity at camps[21:00] Locations and frequency of camps across the country[22:30] The flexibility of student backgrounds and their growth[23:44] The role of being 'enchanted' in teaching and educational impact[24:19] Andrew's reflections on GK Chesterton's The Ethics of Elfland[26:50] The significance of beauty, wonder, and the enchanted worldview[30:12] The challenge of modern mechanistic explanations versus biblical wonder[33:26] Encapsulating wonder: wonder at the magic, gratitude to the magician[34:23] Chesterton's imagery of enchantment and the everyday wonder of God's creation[36:37] The diverse profiles of students and how the camp impacts different backgrounds[39:22] The encouraging statistic of student retention and enthusiasm for camp[40:22] The alignment of CLT's humanized assessment with the camp's formative goals[40:57] Andrew's recommended reading: The Weight of Glory and Mere Christianity[43:04] Closing thoughts and encouragement to explore cla
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
The theme of Chapter 6 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is delight, and in Chapter 6, Verse 5, Shri Krishna teaches the practice of contemplation to realize we are uncaused happiness. By integrating our mind and intellect through self-effort, we can transcend the ego, recognize Divinity in all, and become our own best friend. ➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of the Essential Love eBook. Incorporating accessible translations and practical application, the eBook accompanies each episode with additional ways to learn, synthesize, and reflect on key insights.
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history
James Bryce (1838–1922) was a leading figure in Britain's Liberal Party and a distinguished historian, a versatile scholar-politician who moved seamlessly between academia and politics. He was, among many other things, a cabinet minister and a popular ambassador, an expert on American politics and on Roman law, an advocate for the Armenian people and an architect of the League of Nations, a world traveller and a climber of Mount Ararat. In Liberal Worlds: James Bryce and the Democratic Intellect (Princeton UP, 2025), Stuart Jones offers an intellectual biography of Bryce, tracing a Scots-Ulster Presbyterian's assimilation to the increasingly multiconfessional Victorian state, and a late Victorian Liberal's encounter with the wider world. Jones shows how a polymathic intelligence grappled with a dizzyingly wide range of concerns and issues, including the challenges of democracy and race relations, the rise of modern universities and the reconstruction of the international order after World War I.In mapping the evolution of Bryce's thought, Liberal Worlds illuminates the international intellectual networks and the many places across the globe that shaped his thinking. Jones considers, for example, why a man who had a lifelong revulsion against slavery seemed to accept racial segregation in the American South; how a vigorous activist for girls' and women's education became a tenacious parliamentary critic of women's suffrage; and why, over the objections of his Ulster Presbyterian family, he backed Irish home rule. Above all, Jones rescues Bryce—immensely influential in his time, now little remembered—from being consigned to a historical pigeonhole, restoring him to the centre of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debates over the nature of democratic politics. Stuart Jones is professor of intellectual history at the University of Manchester. He is the author of The French State in Question: Public Law and Political Argument in the Third Republic, Victorian Political Thought, and Intellect and Character in Victorian England: Mark Pattison and the Invention of the Don. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here
Instinct and intellect were always meant to work together.But somewhere along the way they got severed.In this episode, we explore the difference between God instinct and human intellect, and how letting intellect lead can cause us to overthink, overanalyze, and miss what's already embedded inside of us. Jesus consistently moved from instinct—responding to the Father rather than trying to figure everything out.We also unpack how your curriculum becomes your current. What you feed your mind daily shapes the direction your life flows. When instinct takes the reins and intellect falls into alignment, you stop striving to manufacture outcomes and start becoming a pipeline for the will of God. Get full access to Donavan Montrell at www.donavanmontrell.com/subscribe
We're kicking off the first episode in our series where we're pitting Maul-centric episodes head-to-head to crown the champion Maul Moment in MARCH MAUL MADNESS, as we prep for Maul: Shadow Lord.First up, Savage Opress discovers his brother, Darth Maul, and the horror he's become in The Clone Wars, Season 4 Episode 21 "Brothers." In the following episode, Maul regains his mind and seeks his revenge against Obi-Wan Kenobi (with special guest star Asajj Ventress) in "Revenge."Which episode will move onto the next round? Listen in to find out!- Sources -Sam Witwer Recites the Sith Code as Darth Maul, Emperor Palpatine, and the Son of Mortis, Star Wars: ExplainedSam Witwer on Voicing Darth Maul, Hyperdrive Star Wars"It Was Our Responsibility to Make a Character with Intellect and a Heart": Sam Witwer on the Rise and Fall of Darth Maul, Dan Brooks, StarWars.comSam Witwer discusses voicing Darth Maul on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, BigShinyRobot.com- Where To Find Us - Web: GlitterJaw.comBluesky: @DistantEchoespod.bsky.socialInstagram: @DistantEchoesSWTikTok: @DistantEchoesPodEmail: DistantEchoesSW@gmail.com- Theme Music -失望した by EVA - https://joshlis.bandcamp.comPromoted by @RoyaltyFreePlanetCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 http://bit.ly/RFP_CClicensePlease consider donating to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, a non-profit with the mission to provide medical and humanitarian relief collectively and individually to children throughout the Levant, regardless of their nationality or religion: www.pcrf.net All audio clips are used under Fair Use and belong to their respective copyright owners.
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Sarah Berry of the University of Dallas discuss Acedia, Avarice, and part of Gluttony in Cantos 18-22 of the Purgatorio.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information!Check out our GUIDE to the Purgatorio!Dr. Sarah Berry joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to explore Cantos 18–22, covering the terrace of sloth (acedia) and the transition into avarice and prodigality. In Canto 18, Virgil delivers a pivotal discourse on love as the root of all human action, explaining that love can be misdirected (pride, envy, wrath), deficient (sloth), or excessive (avarice, gluttony, lust). Berry emphasizes the terrace's brevity and lack of a formal prayer: “their prayers are their action... the penitents too... are doing the thing as a way of offering up some kind of prayer to God” (Dr. Sarah Berry), with running souls and examples of zeal (Mary's haste to Elizabeth, Caesar's swift march) countering sloth's cooling of love. The dream of the siren in Canto 19 warns against deceptive earthly goods, while the face-down penance on the avarice terrace forces fixation on the earth once loved excessively: “these are those who had a disordered love of money... goods that can't be shared” (Dr. Sarah Berry).Cantos 20–22 deepen the exploration of avarice's societal and personal consequences. Hugh Capet's lament in Canto 20 indicts the French dynasty's greed and sacrilege, including the capture of Boniface VIII. Berry highlights the terrace's broadened scope: “Dante is really broadening... our awareness of this constellation of problems” beyond mere hoarding or spending. In Canto 21, Statius is released with an earthquake and song, explaining his long purgation on sloth and avarice before moving freely upward. Canto 22 poignantly contrasts Statius (saved through Virgil's influence and grace) with Virgil himself, who lacks faith despite his virtues. Berry notes the tragedy: “Dante is inviting us... hoping that there is some special providence for Virgil at the end of his journey through purgatory” (Dr. Sarah Berry). The cantos reveal Purgatorio's hopeful, dynamic nature: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from deficient to excessive attachments, preparing the soul for divine union.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio02:29 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Themes and Structure04:30 The Importance of Purgatorio in Spiritual Growth08:32 Understanding Love and Culpability in Purgatorio12:00 Diving into Canto 18: The Lesson on Love13:26 Virgil's Discourse on Love and Free Will17:40 The Nature of Love: Ascent and Culpability20:31 The Role of Reason in Human Actions26:01 The Formation of Intellect and Will33:12 Contrapasso: The Penance of Slothfulness40:19 Examples of Zeal: Mary and Caesar42:17 Understanding Zeal and Sloth47:04 The Subtlety of Sin and Human Effort52:31 Dreams and Allegory in Purgatory01:00:27 The Nature of Prayer and Action01:01:58 Exploring Avarice and Its Consequences01:20:15 Exploring Dante's Inferno: Sin and Intellect01:23:03 Wrath and Sloth: Roots of Sin in Purgatorio01:25:23 Positive Examples: Virtue Against Avarice01:29:30 Dante's Critique of French Dynasties01:35:56 The Role of Statius: A New Perspective01:50:30 Virgil's Tragic Journey: Hope for Salvation?KeywordsDante's Purgatorio, Sloth, Love, Virtue, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Literature, Dante, Purgatory, Christian Virtues Dante, Purgatorio, allegory, sin, virtue, divine justice, theology, Mount Purgatory, purgation, salvation
Sunaina Mehta is the founder of Design Your Next, a strategic small-group program where ambitious women at a crossroads discover their purpose and design what's next on their terms. Her work is rooted in a truth she's lived her entire life: choosing yourself is the most graceful act of rebellion. Over 20 years, Sunaina built a powerhouse corporate career, serving as an award-winning Strategy head at global ad agencies in the U.S. and India, and as the Global Head of Insights at HP. Born between America and India, she learned early what it takes to fight for your place. Resilience became her signature. At 50, she flipped the script again to discover: transformation comes from aligning intellect with intuition. For more information, visit designyournext.studio.
Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Dr. Alphonso Pinto about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the intellect, and how you can progress in the interior life! Resources: Avila Institute Graduate Program - website Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits - video series Discernment of Spirits for Beginners - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke Into the Deep - video series Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS SpiritualDirection.com/Events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online
Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they talk with Dr. Alphonso Pinto about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the intellect. Don't miss out as they discuss Dr. Pinto's Avila Institute course on this very topic and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!
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