Ep272: Mystical Path of Sufism - Professor William Rory Dickson

In this episode I am joined by Dr. William Rory Dickson an associate professor of Islamic Religion and Culture at The University of Winnipeg and author of “Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy”.

Professor Dickson recalls his Christian upbringing, teenage atheism, and how powerful psychedelic experiences saw him embark on a religious search.

Professor Dickson recounts his initial explorations of Tibetan Buddhism, his conversion to Islam, and how his dissatisfaction with conservative and Salafi revivalist trends saw him embrace the Sufi path.

Professor Dickson also explains the history of Sufism; considers the influence of Ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Neo-Platonic thought; reflects on the role of language proficiency in the study of religions; and addresses common misconceptions about Sufism and Islam.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Upcoming book
01:42 - Religious upbringing
03:39 - Becoming a precocious atheist
04:36 - Late teen mystical experiences
05:29 - Rebellious teen years and interest in Japan
06:29 - Working as a social worker in child protection
07:57 - Drawn to academia
08:29 - Returning to graduate school in late 20s
09:58 - Becoming a professor
11:02 - Psychedelics as spiritual doorways
13:10 - Lessons from trauma
14:24 - Spiritual reading and engaging with Tibetan Buddhism
17:42 - Passion for reading
18:42 - From Tibetan Buddhism to Islam
20:44 - Dissatisfaction with local mosque Islam
22:50 - Friends and family reactions to conversion to Islam
23:52 - Involvement with Salafi Muslim revivalist movements
24:53 - First flush of fundamentalism
26:26 - Burning out, renewed spiritual exploration, and seeking a teacher
28:37 - Meeting Ngak’chang Rinpoche of the Aro gTer
31:32 - Gradual or sudden conversion to Islam?
32:23 - The role of Arabic language study
35:05 - Is source language study necessary to really understand and practice religions?
37:08 - Three idiots on an island
38:04 - Language skills and scholarship
40:21 - Decay of language skills in academia
41:59 - Shift from textual study to lived religion
44:56 - Elite vs popular Sufism
47:44 - Common misconceptions about Sufism and Islam
49:53 - Rich mystical philosophy and the post-colonial dilemma
51:17 - Meeting Sufi teachers and the question of Islamic identity
53:26 - Origin story of Sufism
57:515 - Historical perspective of Sufism and connections to Ancient Egypt, Neo-Platonism, and Persia
58:35 - Enoch as a progenitor of the mystical tradition
59:51 - Inner circle perspective
01:00:52 - Evolution and methods of Sufism
01:03:43 - Diversity of Sufi forms through cultural adaptation
01:06:28 - Ibn ‘Arabi
01:07:58 - Methods and metaphors
01:09:11 - Overwhelmed by the visceral presence of love
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To find our more about Professor William Rory Dickson, visit:
https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/experts-guid...

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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James