Readings on Faiths: Darsan: Seeing the Divine Image in India
A Book Group Exploring the Diversity of Religion
| WHAT? | Learning Circle |
| WHEN? | January 6 – January 20, 2024 Meets weekly on Mondays 8:30 – 9:30 AM Pacific / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern |
| WHERE? | Online Via Zoom |
| WHO? | Terry Goddard |
Readings on Faiths Around the World is a book group that reads and discusses books covering the vast diversity of world faiths. Of course, the standard seven world religions will be included but we will also explore less well-known religious/spiritual groups including Afro-Caribbean, Bahá’í, Humanist, Jain, Pagan, Zoroastrian, and more. The only prerequisite needed for this group is a desire to learn more about the world’s religious traditions.
Please come to each session having read the assigned section and be prepared to participate in the discussion with the group. Future books to be discussed, and dates will be provided here as the sessions are scheduled.
Upcoming
Our next offering at Process and Faith is Diana L. Eck’s book, Darśan: Seeing the Divine Image in India. Eck describes the role of the visual image that is essential to Hindu tradition and culture, helping us to better understand the religion of Hinduism. She writes that “When Hindus go to the temple, their eyes meet the powerful, eternal gaze of the eyes of God. It is called Darśan, “seeing” the divine image, and it is the single most common and significant element of Hindu worship.” The concept of Darśan is intended both as a means of “seeing” the divine but also as way in which the divine “sees” the worshipper.
. . . Hindu thought is most distinctive for its refusal to make the one and the many into opposites. For most, the manyness of the divine is not superseded by oneness. Rather, the two are held simultaneously and are inextricably related.
–Diana L. Eck, Darśan: Seeing the Divine Image in India
How to Join/Access
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
Once you have an account and are logged in, return to this page, and click on the Enroll in Group button near the top. You will be then automatically enrolled and sent an email confirmation with additional information.
Previously Read
About the Facilitator
Terry Goddard has a PhD from Chicago Theological Seminary in the history of religion. He is retired professor of history and religion. Terry writes a blog, many of which address Loren Eiseley and his thought as well as religious topics.
How to Join/Access
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
Once you have an account and are logged in, return to this page, and click on the Enroll in Group button near the top. You will be then automatically enrolled and sent an email confirmation with additional information.