Let's Talk Religion

Explore the world of Zar spirit possession rituals in Northeast Africa. Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich cultural tapestry of this old tradition, shedding light on the captivating ceremonies, beliefs, and the deep connection between Zar spirits and the practitioners. Discover the mesmerizing dance, powerful music, and the profound significance of Zar in the lives of those who practice it.

Sources/Recomended Reading:

El Hadidi, Hager (2016). "Zar: Spirit Possession, Music, and Healing Rituals in Egypt". The American University in Cairo Press.

Henkesh, Yasmin (2017). "Trance Dancing with the Jinn: The Ancient Art of Contacting Spirits Through Ecstatic Dance". Llewellyn Publications.

Wood, Connor; Saikou Diallo; Ross Gore and Christopher J. Lynch (2018). "Trance, Dissociation, and Shamanism: A Cross-Cultural Model". In "Journal of Cognition and Culture", 18 (5):508-536. Brill.

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We begin this years Shocktober season with another video about jinn - specifically about jinn possession and exorcism in the Islamic world.

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Al-Buni, Ahmad ibn ‘Ali. “The Sun of Knowledge (Shams al-Ma’arif): An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation”. Translated by Amina Inloes & Illustrated by J.M. Hamade. Revelore Press, 2021.

Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.

Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.

Melvin-Koushki, Matthew & Noah Gardner (2017). "Islamicate Occultism: New Perspectives". Brill.

Philips, Bilal (2008). "The Exorcist Tradition in Islam". Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution.

Savage-Smith, Emily (ed.) (2004). "Magic & Divination in Early Islam". Ashgate Publishing.

“Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra”. Arabic Printed Edition by Dar al-Mizan.

"The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights". Edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. Translated by Yasmine Seale. Liveright Publishing Corporation.

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Discover the fascinating history, unique traditions, and spiritual significance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo Church), one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. From its roots in the 4th century to its deep cultural and religious influence in Ethiopia, this video explores the church's ancient rituals, sacred texts, and its role in shaping Ethiopian identity. Learn about the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, the role of fasting, and the importance of religious festivals like Timkat and Meskel.

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Binns, John (2016). "The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia: A History". I.B. Tauris.

Samuelson, Calum (2023). "Theosis in the Ethiopian Tradition: A Preliminary Assessment". In "Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies", Volume 40, Issue 1.

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We explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth) & the factors which led to his martyrdom. In this video, we delve into al-Hallaj’s spiritual journey, his poetry, role in Sufism, and the lasting impact of his philosophy on Islamic mysticism.

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Sources/Recomended Reading:

Ernst, Carl W. (translated by) (2018). "Hallaj: Poems of a Sufi Martyr". Northwestern University Press.

Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press.

Knysh, Alexander (2012). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill.

Losensky, Paul (translated by) (2009). "Farid ad-Din Attrs Memorial of God's Friends: Lives and Sayings of Sufis". Paulist Press.

Massignon, Louis (1979). "The Passion of Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam". Vol. 1-4. Translated by Herbert Mason. Princeton University Press.

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Sources/Recomended Reading:

Clark, Gillian (translated by) (2000). "Porphyry: On Abstinence from Killing Animals". Bristol Classical Press.

Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press.

Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.

Huffman, Carl A. (ed.) (2017). "A History of Pythagoreanism". Cambridge University Press.

Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.

Kirk, G.S., J.E. Raven & M. Schofield (1983). "The Presocratic Philosophers". Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.

Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.

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Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholm

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion

Or through a one-time donation:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion

Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Brose, Benjamin (2021). "Xuanzang: China's Legendary Pilgrim and Translator". Shambhala Publications.

Westerhoff, Jan (2009). "Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka: A Philosophical Introduction". Oxford University Press.

Wriggins, Sally Hovey (1996). "Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim On The Silk Road". Routledge.

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Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon:

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Or through a one-time donation:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.

Beck, Guy L. (2009). "Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound". University of South Carolina Press.

Eaton, Richard M. (2020). "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765". Penguin.

Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.

Ernst, Carl W. (2016). "Refractions of Islam in India: Situating Sufism and Yoga". SAGE YODA Press; First Edition.

Gandhi, Supriya (2020). "The Emperor who never was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India". Belknap Press.

Kugle, Scott (ed.) (2012). "Sufi Meditation and Contemplation: Timeless Wisdom from Mughal India". Omega Publications. (Includes a translation of the "Risala-i Haqqnuma"/Compass of Truth.

Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.

Moovsi, Shireen (2002). "The Mughal Encounter with Vedanta: Recovering the biography of 'Jadrup'". Social scientist, Vol. 30, Nos. 7-8.

Nair, Shankar (2020). "Translating Wisdom: Hindu-Muslim Intellectual Interactions in Early Modern South Asia". University of California Press.

Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.

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In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamanism"? These are questions and topics we explore in this one.

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Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b

Music by:

Filip Holm

Sources/Recomended Reading:

Lindow, John (2002). "Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs". Oxford University Press.

Näsström, Britt-Mari (1995). "Freyja - the great goddess of the north". Almqvist & Wiksell International.

Price, Neil (2019). "The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia". Oxbow Books; 2nd ed. edition.

Stensland, Gro (2007). "Fornnordisk Religion". Natur Kultur Akademisk.

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Sources/Recomended Reading:

Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.

Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar.

Bryant, Edwin F. (translated by) (2009). "The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary ". North Point Press.

Ernst, Carl W. (1996). "Sufism and Yoga according to Muhammad Ghawth". University of North Carolina.

Mallinson, James & Mark Singleton (2017). "Roots of Yoga". Penguin Classics.

Olivelle, Patrick (translated by) (2008). "Upanisads". Oxford University Press.

Samuel, Geoffrey (2008). "The Origins of Yoga and Tantra: Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century". Cambridge University Press.

Wallis, Christopher D. (2013). "Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History and Practice of a Timeless Tradition". Mattamayura.

White, David Gordon (2000). "Tantra in Practice". Princeton University Press.

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Sources/Recomended Reading:

Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.

Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1980). "The Bezels of Wisdom". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press.

Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".

Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.

Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.

Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.

Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.

Ibn Arabi - "The Universal Tree and the Four Birds (al-ittihad al-kawni). Translated by Angela Jaffray. Oxford: Anqa Publishing.

Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-4. Pir Press.

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