A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Monday 16 February 2009

Mysticism And Resistance

As I've mentioned before, one of my favourite radio programmes is Something Understood. It's a weekly half-hour themed medley of words, music and commentary on spiritual subjects. BBC Radio 4 broadcasts it on Sundays at 6.05, and it's then repeated later that night at 23.30. Yesterday's programme was called Mysticism And Resistance.

As it says on the programme's website: Mark Tully considers the link between mysticism and resistance. He tests Thomas Merton's suggestion that the monk is essentially someone who takes up a critical attitude to the world, and the German theologian Dorothee Soelle's insistence that authentic mystical experience always leads to resistance to the world as it exists now.

Starting yesterday's programme was this gorgeous song by Celtic-influenced, Canadian singer songwriter Loreena McKennit - inspired by the mystic writer and visionary, St John of the Cross: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MclLF473XtA

4 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

Beautiful song Robert.
I find Mark Tully interesting for all kinds of reasons - I believe he has spent many years in India and is very interested in the whole indian culture. I have read one or two of his books.

The Solitary Walker said...

Yes, I agree with you, Weaver. Tully is a fascinating man.

Raph G. Neckmann said...

Thank you so much for introducing me to the music of Loreena McKennit, SW! I've just listened to several of her tracks on You Tube - notably 'The Old Ways', 'Caravanserai' and, if I remember the title correctly, 'The Mystic's Dream'. Fantastic ...

The Solitary Walker said...

Have been youtubing her like crazy myself today, Raph. Must say, I'd never heard of her before that prog yesterday. Enya meets Tori Amos meets Nana Mouskouri - and more soulful and profound than them all. Have you heard 'Dante's Prayer'? Another good one.