Philosophy to the Greeks not only helped them understand the cosmos, creation and destruction of the universe and the essence of the natural world, but also the harmony within which we as individuals should lead our lives, and in turn… Read More ›
Philosophy
The Fisherman and the Net: Geometric Symbolism in the Gospel of John (II of II)
What we’re left with if we are to believe this geometric formulation of the miraculous tale of Jesus and the fishes with his seven disciples in the Sea of Galilee in the Gospel of John is a geometric figure… Read More ›
The Fisherman and the Net: Geometric Symbolism in the Gospel of John (I of II)
At this juncture a word must be said about some astronomical events and progressions that were at work around the time of Christ which played some role in the formulation of the interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus… Read More ›
Beginner’s Mind
The odd thing Is that every Westerner Approaches the practice of meditation With a goal in mind Without exception The even odder thing Is that from an Eastern point of view [Particularly Daoist/Zen Buddhist Which are very related and symbiotic… Read More ›
Nature and Nurture
Nature and Nurture Nature versus nurture The great psychological conundrum That we ask ourselves each and every day While we confront the challenges and obstacles That stand between us and what we want Obstacles as it turns out That could… Read More ›
Reason and Logic: The Precursors to Science
It’s clear in studying early religion and philosophy that mythology and cosmology in antiquity was not only theological in nature, but also had a political motive as well. But at some point in antiquity there was a break from which reason and knowledge was divorced from… Read More ›
The Reductionist West and Ancient Wisdom
Modern science tells us that what we can truly say about empirical reality only has relative (Relativity) or statistical significance (Quantum Mechanics), Quantum Theory in particular calling into question the role of the observer[1] but each of these disciplines resting… Read More ›
Chinese Monotheism: Worship of Heaven (Shangdi)
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism (Daoism), all rich and prolific theo-philosophical traditions of the East which thrived in ancient times and still flourish today, were and are much more accepting of the worship of many different deities or aspects of… Read More ›
Confucian Philosophy in Antiquity
Confucius (c. 551 – 479 BCE) stands alongside Laozi as one of the great independent Chinese philosophers in antiquity, supposedly having consulted Laozi on some aspects of funeral rights and being impressed with his insight, or so the tradition holds. … Read More ›
Divination in the I Ching
Divination, omens, portents etc. was a common practice throughout all of the ancient world in fact. As already mentioned we see the practice, and its relationship with the priestly class not only in ancient Greece but most certainly ancient Persia… Read More ›
The Book of Changes: The Wisdom of the Far East
One of the most unique, lasting and influential texts that has come down to us from the Far East that in antiquity is the Yijing (I Ching), also known as the Book of Changes. The work has a long history,… Read More ›
Stoic Philosophy in Antiquity: Its Origins, Metaphysics and Ethical Principles
Introduction Consistent across all of the Hellenistic philosophical schools was the importance of the Soul, the distinction of the human soul as having the capability to reason (what came to be known as logos, a very important term in early… Read More ›
What is Vedanta?
Introduction The ancient Indo-Aryan civilization sprung forth in the Indus valley region in modern day India and Pakistan (to the ancients Eastern Persia), and was the source of the “Vedas”, some of the oldest extant literature of mankind. This ancient… Read More ›
Vedic Cosmological Narratives (Part II)
The Hymn of Purusha: God Takes Shape[1] While the preceding passage from the Rig Veda contains some of the root kernel philosophical elements of Vedic philosophy, there is another passage from the same collection of hymns dating back to the… Read More ›
Vedic Creation Narratives and Philosophy: Brothers in Arms (Part I)
When looking at the Indo-Aryan tradition, given its age and maturity and its fundamental belief and faith in the unity of man and the universe from which he emerged (unique to the Eastern religious traditions in general), a line can… Read More ›
