The 27th edition of Sufi Reflections Podcast is now ready for downloading. Among other features, this most recent podcast contains the third and final part in the series which critically explores Sam Harris's book The End of Faith. You can download the newest podcast by linking to: Sufi Reflections Podcast 27
2 comments:
As-Salaam Aleikoum! I really enjoy your podcasts, thank you so much for producing them, I look forward to new ones coming along. I especially enjoyed your commentary on Sam Harris' book and thought that you made some interesting points. It is interesting that these so called rationalists and fundamentalist religious folks have so much in common in their manner of thinking.
I have studied Islam and Sufism for a number of years now, on my own time, and your podcast I find to be very helpful in my understanding. I am a member of a Quaker meeting in rural Ontario where I live, and am amazed by the similarities between the two beliefs. Although the practice is quite different of course! Thanks again for all the work that goes into this very interesting podcast! Peace be with you. Ian.
Dear Ian,
Wa alaykum as-Salaam!
I am happy that you are enjoying the podcasts. I used to live in different parts of Ontario -- Toronto, Newmarket, and Ottawa -- for a fair number of years (25, or so) a little over a decade ago, so, it is also nice to hear from a fellow Ontarian.
At heart, the truth is the truth, no matter what the locus of manifestation may be through which it is expressed ... Quaker, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Native peoples spirituality, Buddhism, and so on. Once one puts aside the theologies, which are man-made, and listens intently to the silence and the fullness of that silence, then, if God wishes, truth speaks to the heart.
The practices are there to help people learn how to listen and to act upon what is understood of that to which one listens. Whatever the differences in surface structure may be among various practices, in essence, if engaged sincerely, they are all variations on a theme -- namely, service to, and for, God, remembrance of God, as well as worship of God [in the broadest and fullest sense possible]. In the end, as long as the practices are free of spiritual abuse, then, I believe there are a variety of ways of approaching the silence that is filled with spiritual wisdom and nourishment which will have, God willing, constructive and productive results for enhancing one's relationship with Divinity and, in the process, will render one a better vehicle for exercising judicious vigilance with respect to the rest of Creation.
Peace be with you Ian, and peace be upon the members of your Quaker meeting.
Bill (Anab) Whitehouse
Post a Comment