The songs of the 15th-century Indian poet, Kabir, carry the legacy of the âliving wordâ. His teachings and philosophy inspired communities and individuals, and his poems and music are said to represent his spiritual journey in his quest for truth. The simple power of his words, spoken and often sung in the colloquial tongue, carry resonance around the world even today. Scholars Purushottam Agrawal and Linda Hess invoke the iconoclastic mystic, in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy.
In this insightful biography, The Prophet Muhammad, academic and author Barnaby Rogerson portrays the Prophet as a leader who shaped not only Islam but also a message of peace and unity for the world. Rogerson explores the Prophet's profound spiritual journey, his role in uniting the region and his dedication to peace and justice, providing a deep understanding of his life and legacy in the context of a constantly transforming 6th-century world.
Frobisher Auditorium 1, Level 4, Barbican Centre 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
In The Book of Nanak, and his translation of Zafarnama, Navtej Sarna offers a deep exploration of the spiritual legacies of two Sikh Gurus - Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. Zafarnama, a letter written by Guru Gobind Singh, is a masterful piece of Persian verse that reflects the Guru's deep understanding of the need for spiritual reflection, divine justice, and the true meaning of valour and morality. In The Book of Nanak, Sarna traces the life of Guru Nanak, highlighting his timeless teachings of love, equality, and the omnipresence of one God. In conversation with academic and author Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, Sarna discusses the enduring power of faith and the universal values of justice, equality, and compassion
Founding Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Shaunaka Rishi Das, discusses his work on Hinduism. He examines why the Bhagavat Purana is regarded as one of the most influential texts in Indian literature. He further analyses the messages taught in it about love, poetry, and philosophy, and how they have helped shape the mindset of a civilisation.
Anand Georgeâs The 5,000-Mile Journey is a vibrant cookbook that highlights the healing properties of Southern Indian ingredients. Through recipes and stories, Anand explores how spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom support health and wellbeing while offering a deep dive into the medicinal benefits of these ingredients, providing chefs and home cooks with both flavour, nourishment and wellness.
Spiritual and religious heroes in the Buddhism of Tibet and the Himalayas are often either a yogin figure or a monastic figure. Two iconic representatives of these are Milarepa, a revenge murderer who succeeded in enlightened redemption as a yogin, and Karma Pakshi, a âchosen childâ who instigated the reincarnate lama (âTrulkuâ) traditions of Tibet, exemplified by the Karmapas and the Dalai Lamas. Andrew Quintman and Charles Manson, experts in the lives and literature of Milarepa and Karma Pakshi, compare and contrast the lives, biographies, spiritual songs, and the modern legacies of the two heroes.
Entrepreneur and author Jessica Jackley reflects on the power of spirituality, love, and family, in a conversation with Shomit Mitter. Drawing from her personal journey, she explores how embracing multiple traditions can deepen faith, foster understanding, and inspire a more inclusive spiritual path. A thought-provoking conversation on unity, belief, and connection.
Advaita Vedanta, one of the worldâs most ancient spiritualities, was taught by Adi Shankaracharya (788â820 CE) who traversed the length of India in his search for the ultimate truth. In a short life of 32 years, Shankaracharya not only revived Hinduism but also taught the principles and values of Advaita Vedanta. In Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism's Greatest Thinker, writer and former diplomat Pavan K. Varma engages thoughtfully and innovatively with the saintâs philosophy and spiritual practice of Advaita, and discusses why it is so relevant in our modern world to all cultures and practices.
Writer and scholar of religion, Reza Aslan, discusses the origins and evolution of Christianity. Through several acclaimed books, such as Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, he brings a bold, contemporary voice to examining religion, analysing early Christianity, and how the portrayal of Jesus has shifted across time. He also explores Jesus' life and mission, and how his life may have been different to the portrayal by the Gospel. In conversation with journalist and broadcaster Georgina Godwin.
