7 - Stations of the Soul: Corbin's Hermeneutics of Presence

Описание: Continuing an exegesis of Tom Cheetham's 'The World Turned Inside Out - Henry Corbin and the Angel Out Ahead', with ch.3 'Modes of Knowing and Levels of Being', section 2. 'A Hermeneutics of Presence'. We talk about the limitations of Heidegger's mode of being-toward-Death, sociological preconditions for the transformations toward gnosis, the self-enclosing nature of philosophy, the origins of hermeneutics in Biblical interpretation, levels of Being as moral virtues, and the Sufi and Shi'ite way of liberating the soul by progression through mystical Stations conceived as modes of being.

Zoom AI says:
"Quick recap
The discussion focused on exploring the relationship between thought and being, particularly through the lens of Gnosis and phenomenology, while critiquing philosophy's limitations as a transformative practice. Sam examined various spiritual and mystical concepts, including death and presence in Islamic and Persian spirituality, as well as the transformative power of hermeneutics and the concept of mystical stations in Sufism and Shiism. The conversation concluded with concerns about the current emphasis on philosophy for personal transformation, advocating instead for a more integrated and embodied approach that incorporates community and ecological practices to address contemporary societal challenges.

Summary
Philosophy and Transformative Practices
Sam discussed Chapter 3 of Tom Chatham's "The World Turned Inside Out," focusing on the relationship between thought and being, particularly in the context of Gnosis and phenomenology. He criticized the limitations of philosophy as a transformative practice, suggesting that community and ecological practices offer more effective ways to address current world challenges. Sam also explored Heidegger's concept of hermeneutics and its connection to Islamic theology, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of presence beyond Cartesian dualisms.

Death and Presence in Spirituality
Sam discussed the concept of death and presence in Islamic and Persian spirituality, contrasting it with Heidegger's notion of "being towards death." He emphasized that mystical experiences and transformative practices, rather than philosophy alone, are crucial for shifting one's relationship with death and accessing inner spaciousness. Sam shared his personal experience with breathwork as an example of a practice that can facilitate such transformative experiences.

Transformative Hermeneutics and Mystical Stations
Sam discussed the transformative power of hermeneutics, which unveils modes of presence and reveals hidden things, leading to new states of being. He explored the concept of mystical stations in Sufism and Shiism, where different modes of being are seen as stations of the soul corresponding to virtues in an ascending hierarchy. Sam emphasized that there is no distinction between ontology and ethics in these stations, which are both levels of being and moral virtues. He also mentioned that the actual number and details of these stations depend on the individual and the path they take.

Soul's Journey and Intuitive Knowledge
Sam discussed the concept of self-knowledge and the soul's journey, drawing on Aristotle's teachings and the mystic's account of a dream. He explored the idea of intuitive knowledge as a present illumination caused by the soul's self-presence, contrasting it with representative knowledge of abstract universals. Sam also considered connections between this notion of soul stations and practices like parts work in IFS, drama, and improvisation, noting the value of intentional practice in participating deeply in life's changes. He expressed some skepticism about stage models of growth but remained open to conceiving of the soul's liberation in terms of specific traditions and psychological influences.

Philosophy's Role in Societal Transformation
Sam expressed concerns about the current focus on philosophy as a means of personal transformation, arguing that it lacks the necessary communal and embodied elements to address broader societal issues, such as the metacrisis. He emphasized the importance of integrating philosophy with practical, community-oriented practices and suggested that the next steps involve fostering a holistic approach that includes ecological and dialogical elements. Sam acknowledged the value of the work being done but highlighted the need for a more integrated and embodied philosophy that engages with the challenges of the present moment."