In this Teach-In, Matthew Fox and Isa Gucciardi discuss the roots of shamanic practice in Christian and Buddhist thought through the lens of the visionary experiences that are essential to shamanic practice. Students have the opportunity to engage in the shamanic journey, an ancient practice used to establish contact with the unseen forces of nature, and also participate in a practice that brings the Cosmic Christ alive in one's Self.
We explore the parallels of Christian mysticism and the development of the oracle tradition in Himalayan Buddhism through the commonality of their shamanic origins. Reverend Dr. Fox explores how shamanism is reflected in John the Baptist, the historical Jesus, and Paul and in the encounter with the divine in Christian mystics such as Hildegaard von Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and Julian of Norwich. Reverend Dr. Gucciardi demonstrates how oracle traditions have informed and inspired Buddhist thinkers such as Tsonkhapa and Asanga.
About Our Instructors
"In identifying the over-all context of his work, Matt is sometimes considered to be fulfilling a prophetic role and this designation does indicate an aspect of the work of Matt....Yet there is, I believe, a more critical role that Matt is fulfilling within the Christian community, the role of Shaman."
--Dr. Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth
"With the authority born of experience and deep humility, Gucciardi masterfully weaves together spiritual insights from Buddhism and Shamanism with hypnotherapeutic and energy medicine practices to create a powerful force for healing.” Estelle Frankel, MFT is a psychotherapist and author of Sacred Therapy and The Wisdom of Not Knowing
Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi
Isa Gucciardi is the founding director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, a school for consciousness studies in Berkeley, CA. She is the creator of Depth Hypnosis, which combines shamanic practice and Buddhist philosophy to create a catalytic spiritual counseling model that brings the power of these ancient wisdom systems into the modern therapeutic setting. She is the author of Coming to Peace, The New Return to the Great Mother, and the forthcoming, Depth Hypnosis, a Path to Inner Transformation.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox
Matthew Fox is a best-selling author of over 35 books and has devoted 45 years to developing and teaching the tradition of Creation Spirituality. Rooted in ancient Judeo-Christian teaching, Creation Spirituality embraces today’s science and spiritual traditions as well as eco-justice, social justice, gender justice, and the arts. Fox has significantly contributed to revivifying awareness of great Christian mystics such as Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and Thomas Aquinas. He has instructed at many universities including Stanford and Holy Names.
Rev. Cameron Trimble, Host
Rev. Cameron Trimble is the CEO of Convergence, an international leadership consultancy. She serves as a senior consultant, a frequent speaker on national speaking circuits, is a pilot and an author. Her books include Liberating Hope: Daring to Renew the Mainline Church, Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight, and 60 Days of Faith. Trimble is also an adjunct professor teaching leadership and organizational development. She is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ.