CLASSES + WORKSHOPS

Jung Center of Houston presents The Human as Two: Meister Eckhart. Rice University professor Jeffrey Kripal examines the influential mysticism of the Dominican theologian in this lecture series.

Explore the remarkable teachings of the medieval Christian theologian, preacher, and heretic Meister Eckhart. In each session, which will begin with dramatic readings from Eckhart's most famous and accessible sermons, we will discover how Eckhart's mystical experiences of the eternal Now beyond space and time are relevant and meaningful to a modern audience—that is, to this space and time. The Now, after all, is still now.

Oct. 13: On Mysticism.
What do we mean by "mysticism"? Why is it important to our present religious crises and spiritual lives?

Oct. 20: Eckhart's Teachings.
In this presentation, we will explore the content and meaning of Eckhart's most provocative teachings on the Divine Nothingness, on the timeless, spaceless Ground of the soul, and the God Beyond God.

Nov. 3: Asian Reflections.
How can comparing Eckhart's thought with Hindu nondualism (Advaita Vedanta) and Japanese Zen Buddhism enrich our understanding of each teaching?

Nov. 10: Eckhart and Eckhart.
We will examine the reframing and re-enactment of Eckhart's mystical teachings in the work of the contemporary spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle.

Jeffrey J. Kripal, PhD, is the J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Religious Studies and chair of the department of religious studies at Rice University. He is the author of six books, including Authors of the Impossible: The Paranormal and the Sacred and Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religion.