Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast

In this episode, Saints and Sonnets, guest teacher, Mirabai Starr, shares with us the poetry and stories of two Spanish mystic saints who shared a deep devotion and who held a love for God in their heart that burned like fire. Mirabai gives a rich historical context to the lives of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, and brings many parallels to the eastern spiritual experience. How do we turn our suffering in the darkest of times into a candle of hope? Show Notes 01:15 - After a brief introduction Mirabai begins to tell us of the intertwined stories of, St.John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila. Both were influenced by the teachings of Judaism and Islam before converting to Catholicism. We are given a better understanding of how their cultural background and Spain's history of mysticism informed their teachings and work. 04:44 - The early life and visionary experiences of Teresa are explored. It is explained via these experiences, that Teresa calls raptures, are very similar to what the Indian sai

This talk from Roshi Joan Halifax looks at reversing the dynamic of the defended heart, and finding strength in vulnerability. Roshi reflects on: - How our practice can confirm our inherent strength to uphold ourselves in the midst of any conditions. - To practice or realize fundamental equanimity and stay absolutely tender hearted. - "We are plagued by fear--fear in the experience of a separate and solid self. Which we need to define and defend." - At times even our own spirituality can be put out there as a defense. - Love is a meltdown that re-establishes a more unified base of brilliance goodness and sadness.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.