Why Purgatory? Part 2 of 3 talks on Dante’s Divine Comedy

An MP3 version of this talk can be found at my podcast, Dante’s Divine Comedy, found on your podcast feed. The mode of life called purgatorial is a medieval superstition, according to some, and the very purpose of mortal life, according to others. So what did Dante make of Purgatory and what has it to… Continue reading Why Purgatory? Part 2 of 3 talks on Dante’s Divine Comedy

Dante’s Purgatorio, How to be transformed: a conversation with Rupert Sheldrake

An MP3 version of this conversation is on my podcast Dante’s Divine Comedy, available via your podcast feed. This episode of the Sheldrake-Vernon Dialogues continues Rupert and Mark’s exploration of Dante’s Divine Comedy, taking a lead from Mark’s book, Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey. Dante and Virgil have found the way… Continue reading Dante’s Purgatorio, How to be transformed: a conversation with Rupert Sheldrake

Descent is Ascent – How the road up is the road down in Dante

Making sense of why Dante had to travel through hell, what was going on in purgatory, and how that’s all linked to the destination of heaven, comes with appreciating how, in the spiritual life, descent and ascent are profoundly linked. Dante explores the links between virtues and vices, moving beyond the literal, high places are… Continue reading Descent is Ascent – How the road up is the road down in Dante