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For Articles - Click on underlined term for definition from
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Printed Editions Available for Purchase
Newest Commemorative Annual Editions:
A special web site:
To visit a special web site, "Frithjof Schuon Archive," dedicated to featured Studies contributor Frithjof Schuon, click here.
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Schuon, Frithjof
Philosopher Frithjof Schuon examines the “Virgin Mary not solely in her quality as Mother of Jesus, but above all as Prophetess for all the descendants of Abraham.” Schuon discusses her symbolic role as personification of Equilibrium in the Bible and Divine Generosity in the Koran, quoting extensively from both texts. He also expands on the ‘Marian knowledge’ to be gained from both of these texts, providing numerous passages.
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Grison, Pierre
Pierre Grison’s article deals with the Taoist spiritual text of the Golden Flower (T'ai-yi kin-hua tsong-che). Grison devotes his article in part to reclaiming the text from its famous commentary by physiatrist Carl Jung; detailing the erroneous conclusions that come from a person who is not a legitimate authority on spiritual matters dissecting a profound religion text. “A Taoist text, probably of late but ambiguous date, together with a commentary of the XVIIIth century whereof the tendencies, when all's said and done, do not always coincide exactly with those of the text thus commented upon.” He continues, giving his own explanation and interpretation of the text, supplying comparisons where valid, and contrasting his deciphering of the text with that of Jung’s.
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Lings, Martin
Martin Lings discusses the symbolism of water found in the Qu'ran, particularly its ‘inseparable’ connotations to mercy and revelation. Lings examines several passages from the Qu'ran, citing numerous examples and explaining the spiritual significance of each selection. He also engages in a broader discussion of the water symbolism in the Holy Scripture as a whole, reconciling the imagery with more negative connotations such as the great flood.
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Zolla, Elemire
Elémire Zolla’s article examines in detail the art of breathing in the West, both as a spiritual practice and as a meditation tool. He investigates the historical legacy and prominent figures of this tradition, as well as the controversies and evolution. He takes time as well to compare the Western use of breathing with the more advanced and well-known Eastern tradition of yoga.
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Burckhardt, Titus
Esteemed author Titus Burckhardt reviews the writings and perspectives of Seyyed Hossein Nasr through four of his books: An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrine, Three Muslim Sages: Avicenna—Suhrawardî—Ibn Arabi, Islamic Studies, Essays on Law and Society, the Sciences, Philosophy and Sufism, and Ideals and Realities of Islam. Burckhardt examines not only the essential contents and messages of each of Nasr’s books, but also the author’s perspectives and influences. Burkhardt also provides a brief biography of Seyyed Nasr’s life, supplying useful background for Nasr’s writings and philosophies.
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Yorke, G.J.
G. J. Yorke’s discussion of Buddhist meditation begins with a brief history of Buddhism before delving into the practice of Buddhist meditation. Yorke outlines the various methods and practices within the tradition, and explains the philosophy behind the practices in simple, easy-to-understand language. Yorke also includes in his discussion both his personal experiences as well as guidelines for would be practitioners, making this article a useful resource for those wishing either a cursory introduction to Buddhism, or more advanced practitioners looking for direction.
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Pallis, Marco
Responding to Donald H. Bishop’s article "Forgiveness in Religious Thought", Marco Pallis expands on the themes of mercy and forgiveness in the world religions, particularly in Buddhism. He discusses as well the necessary counterbalance of justice; the different manifestations of this principle in the world religions and some errors in perception regarding its role in the various religions.
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Schuon, Frithjof
Christopher Woodman reviews Frithjof Schuon’s In the Tracks of Buddhism, discussing both the material of the book and the difficult language it is presented in. Woodman calls the book “as difficult as it is important” and “uncompromising”; deeply informative and deeply challenging, the latter due to the terse wording which forces the reader to pay rapt attention. According to Woodman, the book assumes a certain familiarity with Buddhism on the part of the reader, with the exception of the traditions of Jodo and Shinto which are gone into in detail and explained assuming a poorer understanding.
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Nasr, Seyyed Hossein
K.E. Pringle reviews Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s book The Encounter of Man and Nature (which is based on four lectures delivered at the University of Chicago during May 1966.) Nasr’s book deals with four main topics: the run-away dominance of science and the issues that result, the historical basis of the sciences and their relationship to religion, metaphysical principles through the ages as regard science and nature, and the hypothetical benefits that might occur from a rediscovery and application of metaphysics (particularly in the West and Christianity). Pringle recommends the book “to those studying religion and science and to those who seek firm ground, having come to doubt the current belief in "progress.”
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Raine, Kathleen
Philip Sherrard reviews Kathleen Raine’s book Defending Ancient Spring. “The book is a collection of essays either on poets or on topics directly related to poetry—on myth and symbol, and the use of the beautiful.” Raine’s book is written in defense of the traditional springs and the poets who have found them. “From this point of view, all art—all true art—is always concerned with the expression of themes connected with the nature of the soul and what is beyond the soul…” Raines discusses both historical examples while also touching on the dilemma of modern poets who seek to speak on traditional themes in a non-traditional world.
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Bolton, R.
R. Bolton’s letter is in response to Philip Sherrard’s article, "Man and the presence of Evil in Christian and Platonic Doctrine.” Bolton strongly objects to Sherrard’s assertion that there is a conflict between Platonic ideals and Christian philosophy on several subjects, to begin with that there is a conflict between the ideas of emanation and creation. Second, Bolton disputes the claim by Sherrard that Platonism does not admit anything above intellect. Thirdly, Bolton objects to the idea that emanation and creation are equal. Bolton goes on to discuss the “irreversibility" of all relationships between the Infinite and the finite.”
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Sanderson, John
John Sanderston’s letter is in response to a letter from Lois Lang-Sims (in the Winter 1968 issue) which was critical of the Roman Catholic Church. Sanderson writes in defense of the church, stating that while he agrees with many of the specifics, the Church itself is still valid.
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McMorran, F. W.
F. W. McMorran also writes in response to Lang-Sims’, also in defense of the church. McMorran disputes several assertions (presumably made by Lang-Sims), including the idea that the change from Latin to the vernacular in the Mass invalidates either the service or the priesthood. He concludes citing the Pope’s own criticism of the mania for “change and novelty” and assertion “that the traditional doctrines of the Church still stand,” as evidence that the Church remains valid.
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