Iain McGilchrist, author of ‘The Master and his Emissary’, and Stephen Batchelor, author of books on secular Buddhism, draw on their personal experiences of appreciating and practising the arts to discuss the ways in which they can contribute to our inspiration and development. Both they and some members of the audience share some moving examples of moments of inspiration from the arts. This video was recorded on Zoom at the Virtual Festival of the Middle Way, 18th-19th April 2020. The chair is Robert M. Ellis.
All posts by Robert M Ellis
Jung’s Red Book – Festival Talk
Carl Jung’s Red Book contains an extraordinary personal account of engagement with archetypal figures in a series of induced visions. Robert M. Ellis, who has a forthcoming book on the subject, explains how it can also be an inspiring resource for the Middle Way. This talk was given on Zoom on 19th April 2020, as part of the Virtual Festival of the Middle Way. It is followed by questions from the audience.
Society, Mindfulness and the Middle Way: Festival talk by Vishvapani Blomfield
Meditation and mindfulness are spreading through society, prompting talk of a ‘Mindfulness Movement’. Drawing on Vishvapani’s experience of both Buddhism and Mindfulness, this talk suggests that – for all the movement’s limitations – these developments represent a significant new focus on the mind and mental states that has the potential to create a new kind of social change.
Vishvapani Blomfield is the Buddhist contributor to Thought for the Day and the author of ‘Gautama Buddha’. He works with the Welsh Government on bringing the mindfulness into the Welsh Health and Education systems.
This talk was given at the Virtual Festival of the Middle Way, conducted on Zoom on 18th April 2020, with Nina Davies as chair. The talk is followed by discussion.
The Christian Middle Way: Festival Talk
Here is Robert M. Ellis’s recent talk on the Christian Middle Way at the Virtual Festival of the Middle Way, 18th-19th April 2020, (followed by discussion). His powerpoint can also be downloaded.
Introduction: what is the Middle Way
Here is the edited video from the first session of the Virtual Festival of the Middle Way: What is the Middle Way? There is also a copy of the powerpoint and saved chat.