Perennial Philosophy

Perennial philosophy is a perspective in philosophy and spirituality that views religious traditions as sharing a single, metaphysical truth or origin from which all esoteric and exoteric knowledge and doctrine has grown¹. It is also called perennialism or perennial wisdom. Perennial philosophy has its roots in the Renaissance, but it became popularized in the 20th century by Aldous Huxley, who wrote a book titled The Perennial Philosophy².

There is no definitive answer to who has been able to define it best, as different authors and thinkers may have different interpretations and emphases on the concept. However, some of the influential figures in the development and dissemination of perennial philosophy include:

Marsilio Ficino, who sought to integrate Hermeticism with Greek and Christian thought, and discerned a prisca theologia (ancient theology) that could be found in all ages¹.
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, who suggested that truth could be found in many, rather than just two, traditions, and proposed a harmony between the thought of Plato and Aristotle, and saw aspects of the prisca theologia in various sources¹.
Agostino Steuco, who coined the term philosophia perennis (perennial philosophy)¹.
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who propagated the idea of a metaphysical truth and universalism in the Transcendentalist movement¹.
Helena Blavatsky and Annie Besant, who popularized universalism and the idea of a hidden wisdom in the Theosophical Society¹.
René Guénon and Frithjof Schuon, who founded the Traditionalist School, which argued for a metaphysical, single origin of the orthodox religions, and was inspired by Advaita Vedanta and Sufism¹.
Aldous Huxley, who synthesized the ideas of various perennialists and presented them in a comprehensive and accessible way in his book The Perennial Philosophy².

These are some of the prominent names in the history of perennial philosophy, but there are many others who have contributed to the field in various ways. Perennial philosophy is not a fixed or dogmatic system, but rather a flexible and open-ended perspective that invites dialogue and exploration.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) What Is Perennial Philosophy and How It Can Open Your Mind. https://www.learning-mind.com/perennial-philosophy/.
(3) Perennial philosophy Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perennial%20philosophy.
(4) Perennial philosophy : definition of Perennial philosophy and synonyms …. https://dictionary.sensagent.com/Perennial%20philosophy/en-en/.

Who are some contemporary proponents of Perennial Philosophy?

Some contemporary proponents of Perennial Philosophy are:

Huston Smith: He was a scholar of world religions and a professor of philosophy. He wrote several books on comparative religion, such as The World’s Religions and Why Religion Matters. He advocated for a universal and inclusive approach to spirituality, and explored the common themes and values of different traditions. ¹²
Ken Wilber: He is a philosopher and founder of the Integral Theory, which seeks to integrate the insights of various disciplines, such as science, psychology, and spirituality. He wrote several books on the evolution of consciousness, such as A Brief History of Everything and The Integral Vision. He proposed a model of four quadrants and several levels of development, which can be applied to any phenomenon or domain. He also acknowledged the influence of perennial philosophy on his thought. ³⁴
Karen Armstrong: She is a former nun and a historian of religion. She wrote several books on the history and practice of different faiths, such as A History of God and The Case for God. She emphasized the importance of compassion and empathy as the core of all religions, and launched the Charter for Compassion, a global initiative to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation. She also recognized the value of perennial philosophy as a way of understanding the diversity and unity of religions. ⁵

These are some of the contemporary proponents of Perennial Philosophy, but there are many others who have contributed to the field in various ways. Perennial Philosophy is not a fixed or dogmatic system, but rather a flexible and open-ended perspective that invites exploration and discovery..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) PHILOSOPHY OF PERENNIALISM AND ITS RELEVANCE TO CONTEMPORARY … – Neliti. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/525948-philosophy-of-perennialism-and-its-relev-f673b57d.pdf.
(3) Traditionalist School (perennialism) – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditionalist_School_%28perennialism%29.
(4) Perennialism in Education. https://zonofeducation.com/perennialism/.
(5) Educational perennialism – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_perennialism.
(6) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/karen-armstrong-religious-scholar-and-author-of-a-history-of-god-on-picture-id467493362?b=1&k=6&m=467493362&s=612×612&w=0&h=PS-hw6ykGztvBvGJMdDGTgkrg8ji-eIac32dgdQllek=.

How does Perennial Philosophy relate to art?

Perennial Philosophy is a perspective that views all religious and spiritual traditions as sharing a single, metaphysical truth or origin. It also relates to art, as it suggests that art can be a way of expressing and exploring this universal truth. Art can be seen as a form of mysticism, a direct experience of the divine reality that transcends the material world. ¹

Some examples of how Perennial Philosophy relates to art are:

Sacred art: This is art that is created for religious or spiritual purposes, such as icons, mandalas, calligraphy, and stained glass. Sacred art is meant to inspire devotion, contemplation, and reverence, and to reveal the presence of the sacred in the mundane. Sacred art often uses symbols, colors, shapes, and patterns that have a deeper meaning and significance, and that point to the ultimate reality. ²
Visionary art: This is art that is inspired by altered states of consciousness, such as dreams, visions, psychedelic experiences, or meditation. Visionary art often depicts fantastical or surreal imagery, such as angels, demons, aliens, or landscapes. Visionary art is meant to express the artist’s personal vision and imagination, and to evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and transcendence. Visionary art may also reflect the artist’s spiritual or philosophical beliefs, and their connection to the cosmic or divine. ³
Abstract art: This is art that does not represent or imitate any recognizable objects or scenes, but rather uses shapes, colors, lines, and forms to create a visual language. Abstract art is meant to communicate the artist’s emotions, feelings, and ideas, and to stimulate the viewer’s perception and interpretation. Abstract art may also explore the aesthetic qualities and principles of art, such as harmony, balance, contrast, and movement. Abstract art can be seen as a way of expressing the essence or spirit of reality, beyond its physical appearance.

These are some of the ways that Perennial Philosophy relates to art, but there are many others. Perennial Philosophy is not a fixed or dogmatic system, but rather a flexible and open-ended perspective that invites exploration and discovery. Art can be a powerful tool for expressing and experiencing the perennial wisdom that underlies all things. ¹

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) What Is Perennial Philosophy and How It Can Open Your Mind. https://www.learning-mind.com/perennial-philosophy/.
(3) PHILOSOPHY OF PERENNIALISM AND ITS RELEVANCE TO CONTEMPORARY … – Neliti. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/525948-philosophy-of-perennialism-and-its-relev-f673b57d.pdf.

How does Perennial Philosophy relate to literature?

Perennial Philosophy is a perspective that views all religious and spiritual traditions as sharing a single, metaphysical truth or origin. It also relates to literature, as it suggests that literature can be a way of expressing and exploring this universal truth. Literature can be seen as a form of art, which is a form of mysticism, a direct experience of the divine reality that transcends the material world. ¹

Some examples of how Perennial Philosophy relates to literature are:

Classical literature: This is literature that is based on the ancient cultures and civilizations of Greece and Rome, such as the works of Homer, Plato, Virgil, and Ovid. Classical literature often reflects the perennial philosophy in its themes and motifs, such as the quest for wisdom, the hero’s journey, the cosmic order, and the divine-human relationship. Classical literature also influenced many later writers and thinkers, who drew upon its sources and symbols to express their own visions of reality. ²
Mystical literature: This is literature that is inspired by or describes mystical experiences, such as visions, revelations, or union with the divine. Mystical literature often uses poetic language, imagery, and metaphors to convey the ineffable and transcendent nature of reality. Mystical literature can be found in many religious and spiritual traditions, such as the Upanishads, the Psalms, the Tao Te Ching, the Gospel of John, the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran, the Sufi poetry, the Kabbalah, and the writings of Meister Eckhart, Rumi, Teresa of Avila, and William Blake. ³
Philosophical literature: This is literature that is concerned with the fundamental questions and problems of human existence, such as the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and meaning. Philosophical literature often uses logic, argument, and dialogue to examine and challenge various assumptions and beliefs. Philosophical literature can also express the perennial philosophy in its search for the ultimate truth and the highest good. Philosophical literature can be found in many genres and forms, such as the dialogues of Plato, the essays of Montaigne, the novels of Voltaire, the aphorisms of Nietzsche, and the stories of Kafka.

These are some of the ways that Perennial Philosophy relates to literature, but there are many others. Perennial Philosophy is not a fixed or dogmatic system, but rather a flexible and open-ended perspective that invites exploration and discovery. Literature can be a powerful tool for expressing and experiencing the perennial wisdom that underlies all things. ¹

how does perennial philosophy relate to poetry?

Perennial philosophy is a perspective that views all religious traditions as sharing a single, metaphysical truth or origin from which all esoteric and exoteric knowledge and doctrine has grown¹. Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings and emotions beyond the literal sense.

Perennial philosophy and poetry can relate to each other in various ways. Some possible connections are:

Poetry can be a medium to express and explore the perennial wisdom that transcends the boundaries of different religions and cultures. For example, the poetry of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, reflects the universal themes of love, beauty, and spirituality that resonate with people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Poetry can also be a source of inspiration and guidance for those who seek the perennial truth or reality that underlies the phenomenal world. For example, the poetry of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, reveals the principles and practices of living in harmony with the Tao, the ultimate reality and source of all things.
Poetry can also be a way of celebrating and honoring the diversity and richness of the religious traditions that stem from the perennial philosophy. For example, the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate and a polymath from India, expresses the beauty and wisdom of various religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity, and shows how they can coexist peacefully and fruitfully.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) What Is Perennial Philosophy and How It Can Open Your Mind. https://www.learning-mind.com/perennial-philosophy/.
(3) Perennial philosophy Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perennial%20philosophy.
(4) The Perennial Philosophy : Aldous Huxley : Free Download, Borrow, and …. https://archive.org/details/perennialphilosp035505mbp.
(5) What Is Perennial Philosophy? – The Spiritual Life. https://slife.org/perennial-philosophy/.

How does science relate to perennial philosophy?

Science and perennial philosophy can relate to each other in different ways, depending on how one defines and approaches both fields of inquiry. Here are some possible perspectives:

Science and perennial philosophy can be seen as complementary and mutually enriching ways of exploring the nature of reality and the human condition. Science can provide empirical evidence and rational explanations for the phenomena of the physical world, while perennial philosophy can offer metaphysical insights and spiritual guidance for the transcendent aspects of existence. Both can aim to discover the underlying unity and harmony of all things, and to foster a sense of wonder and awe for the mystery of life. For example, some scientists, such as Albert Einstein, have expressed their admiration and respect for the perennial wisdom of various religious traditions¹.
Science and perennial philosophy can also be seen as conflicting and incompatible ways of understanding reality and the human role in it. Science can challenge the validity and authority of the perennial claims and doctrines, and question their relevance and applicability in the modern world. Science can also undermine the certainty and confidence of the perennial seekers and practitioners, and expose the limitations and errors of their methods and experiences. Perennial philosophy can criticize the reductionism and materialism of science, and accuse it of neglecting or denying the spiritual dimension of reality and the human potential. Perennial philosophy can also reject the objectivity and neutrality of science, and assert its own superiority and exclusivity in accessing the ultimate truth. For example, some religious fundamentalists, such as the creationists, have opposed and rejected the scientific theories of evolution and cosmology².
Science and perennial philosophy can also be seen as irrelevant and independent ways of pursuing different goals and interests. Science can ignore or dismiss the perennial claims and doctrines as irrelevant to its empirical and rational approach, and focus on its own agenda and criteria of progress and success. Science can also regard the perennial seekers and practitioners as irrelevant to its social and practical implications, and leave them to their own devices and preferences. Perennial philosophy can ignore or dismiss the scientific findings and explanations as irrelevant to its metaphysical and spiritual approach, and concentrate on its own vision and values of perfection and salvation. Perennial philosophy can also regard the scientific researchers and innovators as irrelevant to its ethical and existential concerns, and let them do their own work and choices. For example, some secular humanists, such as the existentialists, have advocated for a human-centered and value-free worldview that does not depend on any religious or metaphysical assumptions³.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) What Is Perennial Philosophy and How It Can Open Your Mind. https://www.learning-mind.com/perennial-philosophy/.
(3) Perennial Philosophy and the History of Mysticism | SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11841-021-00847-3.
(4) What Is Perennial Philosophy? – The Spiritual Life. https://slife.org/perennial-philosophy/.

Can you give me an example where science and perennial philosophy agree with each other?

Sure, I can give you an example where science and perennial philosophy agree with each other. One possible example is the concept of quantum entanglement, which is a phenomenon in quantum physics where two or more particles can be linked in such a way that their quantum states are correlated, even when they are separated by large distances. This means that any measurement or action performed on one particle will instantly affect the other, regardless of the space and time between them¹.

Quantum entanglement can be seen as a scientific confirmation of the perennial idea that all things are interconnected and interdependent, and that there is a deeper level of reality that transcends the apparent separateness and individuality of the physical world. This idea is expressed in various religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Sufism, which affirm the existence of a universal consciousness or principle that pervades and unites all beings and phenomena. For example, the Hindu concept of Brahman, the Buddhist concept of Emptiness, the Taoist concept of Tao, and the Sufi concept of Wahdat al-Wujud, all refer to the ultimate reality and source of all things, which is beyond the duality and diversity of the phenomenal world². Quantum entanglement can also be seen as a scientific illustration of the perennial principle of correspondence, which states that the macrocosm and the microcosm are reflections of each other, and that the laws and patterns of the higher levels of existence are mirrored in the lower levels. This principle is expressed in various religious symbols and teachings, such as the Hermetic axiom “As above, so below”, the Hindu doctrine of Lila, the Buddhist doctrine of Indra’s Net, and the Islamic doctrine of Ayat³.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 13/11/2023
(1) Perennial philosophy – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_philosophy.
(2) Science and the Myth of Progress (Perennial Philosophy) – Traditional Hikma. https://traditionalhikma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Science-and-the-Myth-of-Progress-Edited-by-Mehrdad-M.-Zarandi.pdf.
(3) The Perennial Philosophy – JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3747215.

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Perennial Philosophy

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