The Platonists

Host Eric Claussen talks with Neal Sendlak, creator of the Gnostic Informant channel, about comparative mythology, ancient religion, and how Greek, Indian, Near Eastern, and Christian traditions may have influenced one another. They explore Dionysus and Shiva, recurring divine triads, Christianity’s relationship to pagan traditions, and debated theories about the dating and literary context of the Hebrew Bible. In part two of their conversation, Eric Claussen and Neil of Gnostic Informant explore how Persian, Greek, and Egyptian ideas may have shaped Jewish thought, then turn to Platonism, paganism, and the search for objective truth. Neil explains his path from Christianity through Gnosticism to Platonism and outlines his own Apollonian monism, while Claussen probes the relationship between universal principles and local traditions.Chapters00:00 Neal introduces his work on ancient religion01:53 Dionysus and Shiva: parallels, not identical gods03:46 Sacred staffs, animal imagery, bulls, and divine wildness05:58 Dionysus, Osiris, fruit, and the power of vegetation08:04 Alexander’s Dionysian journey and reports from India10:06 Why comparative mythology can feel academically unfashionable11:57 A recurring triad: sky father, earth mother, chthonic son13:52 Semele, Gaia, Demeter, and Baltic earth-goddess parallels18:05 Religious syncretism and Christianity’s pagan-era context19:51 Mystery-cult initiation, sacred drinks, and Christian practice22:01 Mary, goddess epithets, and the Roman religious landscape24:00 Christian growth, imperial pressure, and the Theodosian Code26:00 Eusebius’s case for Moses as the source of Greek wisdom27:56 Why Christianity appealed as an eastern, ancient religion30:00 Dating the Hebrew Bible and its Hellenistic literary style34:04 From mythic gods to stories framed as history35:57 Philo, Plato’s Timaeus, and the two Adams39:52 Flood traditions, Torah enforcement, and the twelve tribes44:02 Plato’s Laws, Jewish Platonists, and Zoroastrian parallels47:16 Did Persian ideas shape Jewish religious life?50:11 Philo, pagan gods, and early Christian imagery55:22 Where Jewish thinkers may have encountered Platonism01:00:10 Why Neil sees number as universal and discovered01:04:10 Objective beauty, virtue, and the search for truth01:08:19 Can universal philosophy honor local traditions?01:13:53 Neil’s path from Christianity through Gnosticism to Platonism01:18:46 Plato and Nietzsche as rival guides01:21:23 Atoms, quantum physics, and the return of Platonism01:24:41 Apollonian monism and the solar image of the Monad01:27:39 Platonism, Christian dogma, and dialectic over dogma

The conversation explores the concept of ritual purity, particularly in relation to modern distractions like technology and the importance of maintaining a sacred space for spiritual practices. The discussion delves into ancient practices of purification, the mental clutter of contemporary life, and how these elements affect one's connection to the divine. The conversation delves into the themes of reality perception, individual delusions, and the impact of technology on human connection. It explores the philosophical implications of these issues, emphasizing the importance of community, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of wholeness in a fragmented world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ritual Purity03:03 Modern Distractions and Rituals06:08 Ancient Perspectives on Purity08:59 Purification as a Path to Connection12:11 The Additive vs. Subtractive Approach15:07 Physical Rituals and Mental Engagement17:59 Creating Sacred Spaces20:57 Maintaining Ritual Purity at Home24:13 The Role of Aesthetics in Rituals26:55 The Intersection of Material and Spiritual Worlds30:05 Conclusion and Reflections on Purity42:52 The Illusion of Reality49:02 The Crisis of Individual Delusions54:21 The Pursuit of Wholeness01:01:34 The Role of Responsibility in Community01:06:25 The Importance of Shared Values

In this episode, Tom Rowsell shares his journey from paganism to philosophy, exploring the nature of pagan practices, the role of offerings, and the historical development of religious ideas from the Bronze Age to the Axial Age. Discover insights into ancient mythologies, the evolution of religious beliefs, and the influence of cultural and genetic factors on human thought. In this episode, Tom Rowsell and Eric Claussen explore the depths of pagan mythology, the importance of ancestor worship, and the impact of modern technology on spiritual practice. They discuss the roots of Indo-European gods, the significance of local spirits, and how to reconnect with the divine in everyday life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tom Rousell and his work00:06 Introduction to pagan mythology and practice01:55 Tom's journey from Catholic upbringing to paganism02:52 The roots of Indo-European gods and myths04:04 The significance of offerings in pagan rituals06:55 The development of religious ideas during the Bronze Age07:21 The significance of local spirits and sacred spaces10:02 Mythology as a conservative tradition11:59 How technology influences spiritual perception14:14 The relationship between belief and practice in paganism17:01 Starting pagan practice with ancestors20:06 The influence of the Axial Age and writing on religious development22:03 The distinction between myth stories and divine personalities25:04 The divergence of Indo-Iranic religions and myths27:04 The universal versus particular aspects of gods30:09 Genetics, IQ, and the development of ancient civilizations32:09 The importance of environment in spiritual practice35:06 The role of cities in cultural and philosophical progress37:01 The dangers of syncretism and cultural distortion40:07 The limitations of historical knowledge about ancient beliefs41:57 Practical advice for beginners in paganism44:45 Zoroaster and the reform of Indo-Iranic religion47:00 The role of sacred spaces like caves and tombs52:13 The influence of ancestral memory and lineage57:01 The impact of modern technology on spiritual focus01:01:56 The importance of environment and purification01:07:02 The future of paganism and cultural revivalhttps://www.survivethejive.co.uk/

In this episode, Aidan McMillan from the Asatru Folk Assembly shares insights on building pagan communities, the importance of ritual, infrastructure, and community outreach, and how to navigate challenges and criticism while fostering authentic spiritual growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Aidan McMillan and the AFA01:59 History and foundation of the Asatru Folk Assembly03:59 Building and maintaining Hofs and land spaces07:04 The significance of old churches and land graves09:55 Continuity and restoration of pagan traditions14:59 Community rituals and their divine significance19:55 The importance of infrastructure and land ownership24:58 Engagement with local communities and outreach30:01 Dealing with criticism and external challenges35:00 The role of public identity and authenticity40:04 Proselytizing and community growth strategies44:57 The importance of land spirits and land rituals50:01 The future of pagan revival and community diversity guest linksrunestone.org

In this episode, Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and Eric explore the intersection of Platonism, theurgy, and modern spiritual practices. They discuss the importance of lineage, the role of science in spirituality, and the future of religious communities in the West.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the convergence of East and West spiritual traditions02:05 Odysseus's background in Platonism and Buddhism04:12 The concept of the Platonic polity and justice07:04 Modern categories versus ancient philosophical principles09:01 The divine order and its relation to dualism and non-dualism12:46 The One in Platonism and its relation to nothingness in Zen16:01 The Forms and their relation to Buddhist phenomenology18:50 Emanation, Trikaya, and metaphysical similarities21:47 The balance between metaphysics and phenomenology in practice25:09 The evolution of Buddhist metaphysics and early texts29:54 The concept of Dharmakaya and bliss in Buddhism35:04 Plotinus, mysticism, and contemplative practices39:56 The non-self doctrine and its deeper implications44:55 The importance of practice and direct insight50:10 Theurgy, self-emptying, and divine communication55:05 Erotic union and the divine in Platonism and Tantra01:00:11 The perennial structure of consciousness and awakening57:12 The cycle of activity and the eternal return58:45 The difference between manifestation and reincarnation58:52 The ego's role in spiritual practice and potential dangers01:00:11 Connecting with lineage across Eastern and Western traditions01:01:09 Experiential understanding of texts and the importance of realization01:02:06 Signs and phenomenology in spiritual experiences01:03:00 Dealing with daimonic and divine appearances01:04:27 The guidance of teachers and the value of lineage01:05:25 The future of religion and the rise of intentional communities01:07:25 Tantra and the recognition of the mind's nature01:09:29 Reviving lost lineages through theoretical and experiential knowledge01:11:18 The importance of direct experience over reconstruction01:12:24 Science as a spiritual science and the integration with spirituality01:13:00 The evolution of scientific paradigms and consciousness01:15:34 The potential unification of science and non-dual awareness01:19:01 The coming axial age and the evolution of spiritual thought01:20:52 The role of local communities and decentralized spirituality01:23:13 The shift from materialism to consciousness-centered science01:26:36 The importance of experiential and phenomenological approaches01:29:45 The new era of spiritual science and collective awakening01:34:25 The perennial philosophy and non-centralized spiritual networks01:40:38 Personalized revelation and signs of divine contact01:44:25 The core of spiritual practice: heart, experience, and direct contact01:46:00 The revival of tradition through personal experience and lineage01:50:54 The importance of discernment and authentic divine contact01:51:01 Where to find Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and closing remarkshttps://t.me/platonicbuddhismhttps://substack.com/@odysseusbourniasvarotsishttps://www.youtube.com/@LogosAndDharma

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of presuppositionalism, the Tag argument, and their connections to Platonic epistemology. We explore how these arguments shape apologetics and the philosophical foundations of knowledge and truth. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Platonic philosophy, epistemology, and theology, exploring how these ideas underpin arguments for God's existence and the nature of reality. We also discuss common misconceptions and strategic approaches in philosophical debates.Chapters00:00 Exploring Platonic Epistemology03:04 Understanding Presuppositionalism and TAG06:08 Critique of Presuppositional Arguments08:49 The Role of TAG in Apologetics11:58 Knowledge and Intelligibility14:55 The Impossibility of the Contrary17:48 The Nature of Being and the One21:02 The Trinity and Its Implications24:08 Separation of Theology and Metaphysics45:34 Theological Foundations and Presuppositions48:00 Universalism vs. Particularity in Theology51:35 Logos and the Nature of Knowledge54:00 Understanding Knowledge: Justified True Belief01:00:09 Agrippa's Trilemma and the Limits of Justification01:06:01 Knowledge vs. Belief: A Platonic Perspective01:09:57 The Nature of Knowledge and Its Conveyance01:14:57 Language and the Challenges of Philosophical Discourse01:24:30 The Nature of Knowledge and Belief01:27:03 Common Ground in Arguments01:29:08 The TAG Argument and Its Implications01:30:58 Critiquing the Trinity and Coherence01:33:59 Truth vs. Coherence in Arguments01:36:10 Exploring the TAG Argument Further01:38:51 Understanding Transcendence and Universals01:51:56 The Relationship Between the Many and the One02:04:58 Reflections on Metaphysics and Reality02:10:00 Platonism as a Religious Worldview

In this episode, Collin Conkwright discusses his spiritual journey, the concept of universalism, and the importance of experiential religion. He explores the nature of spiritual phenomena, the role of dogmatism, and the potential of parapsychology and UFOs to expand our understanding of reality. In this engaging conversation, Collin Conkwright explores the mysteries of consciousness, spiritual dimensions, and universal principles that underpin reality. Delving into topics like near-death experiences, the nature of gods, and the fall of the soul, this dialogue offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the potential for a new understanding of spirituality.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Exploration02:53 The Quest for Universal Truths05:56 Understanding Universalism and Its Misconceptions08:48 Experiential Religion and Spiritual Realism11:56 The Balance of Dogmatism and Experience15:02 The Role of Religious Literacy18:10 Bridging Materialism and Spirituality21:07 The Future of Dogmatic Religions24:06 Experiential Origins of Religious Beliefs26:54 Modern Phenomena and Ancient Wisdom29:59 The Importance of Direct Experience33:10 High Stakes vs. Low Stakes Experiences45:53 Exploring Spiritual Realism and Synchronicity51:32 The Nature of Spiritual Beings and Phenomena57:58 The Intersection of Spirituality and UFOs01:06:25 Universalism and the Nature of Deities01:14:49 Universal Laws and the Nature of Time01:21:15 The Nature of Time and Collective Consciousness01:24:44 The Fall of the Soul: Ignorance and Illusion01:27:49 Experiencing Forgetfulness: The Journey of the Soul01:30:40 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth01:35:50 The Shift from Materialism to Consciousness01:39:10 Religious Literacy and the Need for Nuance01:44:31 The Future of Spirituality: Balancing Dogma and Freedomhttps://www.youtube.com/@americanesoterichttps://a.co/d/0bGTxd1t

Discover how the trajectory of Western philosophy from Plato to Nietzsche reveals the shifting ideas of being, becoming, and nihilism. Join Eric as he chats with Mark Anderson, a philosophy professor and author, about the core themes that have shaped philosophical thought through the ages and their relevance today.Mark Anderson's background and focus on Plato and NietzscheThe structure and themes of his new book, A Concise History of Western PhilosophyThe metaphysics of being and becoming from Parmenides to PlotinusHow medieval thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas integrated Platonic ideasThe shift introduced by William of Ockham and the rise of modernityNietzsche's radical critique of being and his notion of nihilismThe psychological and metaphysical aspects of nihilism and its implications for contemporary cultureThe idea of the eternal return and its relation to meaning and purposelessnessThe importance of living philosophy and integrating it into everyday lifeTimestamps:00:00 - Introducing Mark Anderson and the scope of the episode02:05 - Mark's journey into philosophy: from art to academia04:13 - The influence of Plato and Nietzsche in Anderson’s work07:15 - The structure of Anderson’s new book and its focus on Platonism09:13 - Tracing the history of being from Parmenides to Plotinus12:54 - The shift to becoming and the rise of nominalism with Occam19:12 - The impact of modernity and nihilism in contemporary thought23:23 - Philosophy as a way of life and the philosopher artist27:21 - The environment of Plato’s Greece and the sophists32:50 - The metaphysics of forms and the influence of Parmenides and Heraclitus36:59 - The debates over the nature of reality and flux in Plato and Heraclitus44:16 - The concept of the ultimate good and its connection to Platonic metaphysics52:25 - Aquinas and the Christian reinterpretation of Platonism62:55 - The revolutionary ideas of William of Ockham and the shift toward modern science73:49 - Hume’s problem of induction and the flux of experience84:50 - Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics and the notion of the will to power93:45 - The concept of the eternal return and its implications for meaning98:01 - The difference between metaphysical and psychological nihilism102:01 - Nietzsche’s depiction of nihilism as the death of God and the rejection of being107:15 - The “Yes-sayer”: embracing nihilism and transforming it into life-affirmation113:34 - The ongoing tension between being and becoming in culture and history120:00 - Final thoughts: imagining Nietzsche and Plato togetherResources & Links:https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/concise-history-of-western-philosophy-9781350555976/

In this enlightening conversation, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya explores the deep connections between Sanatana Dharma and Platonism, discusses the nature of God, devas, and the future of traditional spirituality, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and authentic practice.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sanatana Dharma and Acharya Pravartaka05:16 Exploring the Parallels Between Platonism and Sanatana Dharma10:08 Understanding Brahman: Nirguna and Saguna20:33 The Nature of Devas and Mahadevas29:38 The Mortality of Gods and Their Cosmic Role32:33 The Nature of Gods and Reincarnation34:33 Worshiping the Gods: Imitating Goodness38:12 Pythagorean Parallels: Philosophy and Practice43:28 Building Spiritual Communities49:02 The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Movements55:40 Envisioning a Golden Age: A New Civilization01:00:07 The Future of Abrahamic Faiths in a New Era01:04:02 The Vedic Jesus vs. The Pauline Jesus01:09:46 Critique of Nietzsche and His Influence01:15:53 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Spirituality01:20:46 The Importance of Ethnicity and Community01:26:10 Decentralization and Local Governance01:32:07 The Role of Individualism in Community LifeLinksWebsite - https://dharmacentral.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/dharmanation

The conversation delves into the exploration of Platonism, its influence on philosophy and religion, and its intersection with Christianity. It covers the early philosophical interests of the speaker, the rediscovery of Plato and Neoplatonism, the understanding of Plotinus and Proclus, the influence of Christianity on Neoplatonism, the concept of forgiveness in Platonism and Christianity, the impact of Platonism and Christianity on society, and the early Christianity and Platonism as mystery schools. The conversation delves into the topics of reincarnation in Christianity, eschatological views, the dating and composition of the Old Testament, the philosophical approach to Christianity and pagan ideas, Paul's letters and divine inspiration, metaphysics and theology in Platonism, and henology and personality in Platonism. The influence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology is a recurring theme throughout the discussion. The conversation delves into the ontological dependence in Platonism, the analogy of light and color, the relationship between musical tones and forms, the symbolic nature of distinctions and attributes of God, the essence-energies distinction, the careful approach of Proclus in theology, abridged concepts and simplification in theology, the divine shard and reunification in Platonism, the fall of the soul and the divine shard, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the free will aspect and theurgy, the problem of the one and the many in Platonism, the question of existence and the first principle, the superposition of all categories in the first principle, the stable ontological state of reality, the fall of the soul and the regress of will, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the decline and the perspective of the fall, the free will aspect and the fall of the soul, the puzzle of the fall of the soul and theurgy, the divine shard and the process of negation, and the will to continue being and divine antinomy. The conversation delves into the nature of will and its connection to the divine, exploring the concept of the one in relation to essence and existence. The discussion provides insights into the complexities of these philosophical concepts and their implications for understanding the nature of reality and existence.TakeawaysPlatonism and its influence on philosophy and religionThe intersection of Platonism and Christianity Reincarnation in ChristianityInfluence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology Ontological dependence in PlatonismUnity that transcends all three aspects of being The nature of will and its relationship to the divineThe concept of the one in relation to essence and existenceChapters00:00 Introduction to Platonism and Early Philosophical Interests06:04 Understanding Plotinus and Proclus13:07 Platonism, Christianity, and Forgiveness20:25 Platonism, Christianity, and Societal Impact26:02 Early Christianity and Platonism as Mystery Schools35:48 Reincarnation in Christianity and Theodosian Christianity41:03 Dating and Composition of the Old Testament46:21 Paul's Letters and Divine Inspiration55:32 Henology and Personality in Platonism01:05:17 Ontological Dependence in Platonism01:11:06 The Distinction in Forms and Participation01:17:06 The Fall of the Soul and the Divine Shard01:22:41 The Question of Existence and the First Principle01:28:15 The Free Will Aspect and the Fall of the Soul01:33:34 The Nature of Will and the Divine01:45:27 The One in Relation to Essence and Existence