This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ancientfutures.substack.comWere the all-embracing visions of William Blake shaped by Indian philosophy? 🪷A new book by Mark Vernon explores what inspired Blake alongside his influence. Although he died 200 years ago, he was a prophet for our times, perceiving the spirit of some of the issues we're still grappling with – from rapid technological change to mass discontent and estrangement from nature.Blake is probably best known as an artist and writer, but he was also a mystic and an intellectual critic. Disillusioned by creeping materialism, he sought to awaken an expansive perspective in which everything is holy – which sounds like ideas in the Bhagavad Gītā.Our conversation explores these parallels, as well as Blake’s Christian roots, and how there’s often more to famous quotes – from “the doors of perception” to “dark Satanic Mills” – than first meets the eye. Above all, we reflect on the transformative power to imagine and how it might transport us into eternity.Like Blake, Mark has wide-ranging interests, working as a writer, broadcaster and therapist. His books cover ancient philosophy, spiritual intelligence, Dante’s Divine Comedy and many other topics. You can find out more about him here.🎓 Join me on The Path of Knowledge for a year-long guide to yogic wisdom.🧘♂️ I also have a Swiss retreat in September, exploring a mix of discussion and practice.🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated!
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