Recorded Lectures

8 Explorations in Eastern Mysticism: Taoism
                            
A four-lecture, eight-CD course,  focusing on the poetically enigmatic mystic philosophy of Taoism, with many insights from Western mysticism included as points of correlation and comparison.

Although the focus is Taoism, Dr. Hourihan covers other subjects  related to spirituality as well. For more detailed information a full course outline is available.

Since the original audiocassette tapes were recorded for personal use the sound quality varies, which is one reason we are offering audio clips here as well as a Free Sampler, which is representative of the sound quality and range of ideas covered. *Listen to one or both of the following excerpts (MP3s) from this course:

Or to receive a  FREE CD SAMPLER, click here. The Sampler includes five excerpts: Excerpts 1 & 2 above and three others. Please note: this offer is restricted to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

Part I gives a general background to the emergence of Taoism. Dr. Paul discusses poems or stanzas in the text, The Way of Life by Lao Tzu (Blakney translation), as well as subjects such as: the meaning of "the Way" and the soul mate relationship. Part I Outline.

Part II continues to cover selected poems from the text, The Way of Life, and expands on themes such as the masculine and feminine, the necessity for balance between the two, and the artist compared to the Creator. Part II Outline. 

These lectures originally made up the second part of a two-part course entitled "Explorations in Eastern Mysticism." Since Sufism was the main subject in the first part, there will be references comparing the different approaches of Taoism and Sufism. The Sufism lectures are on hold for future publication.

This course is recommended for those already acquainted with mystical ideas and spiritual practice and for those who would like to become so.

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly recommend that you listen to the excerpts or request a free CD sampler before ordering CDs, since the lectures were originally recorded by one of Dr. Paul's students and the sound quality varies.
 

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Additional Order Information

Dr. Paul's Lectures

From the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, Dr. Paul Hourihan gave many courses and talks in southern Ontario, Canada on the subjects of mysticism and great mystics. Fortunately, a student and friend taped the lectures of a dozen courses presented in the 1980s in Guelph, Ontario, and has made them available to us.

We have started the process of converting these valuable teachings to CD format. We will be offering audio clips of excerpts on the web of each course as it is becomes available.

Since the lectures were recorded for personal use, the sound quality varies, but the special mood created by the talks, and the atmosphere of the classroom setting are maintained.

Dr. Paul's students, who have had access to these lecture tapes in the past, have received much benefit from listening to them again and again.