To Go Beyond Thought, an Interview with Karen Armstrong
One bright spring day, Parabola met with Karen Armstrong in her suite at the Parker Meridian hotel in Manhattan. The petite, friendly 62-year-old British ex-nun, arguably the most influential commentator on religion in the English-speaking world, was on tour to…
The Gates of Paradise
In the following passage from his new autobiography, Becoming Who You Are, Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow) relates to David Kopacz, M.D., some of his extraordinary shamanic experiences.– The Editors Some people call me a shaman or a medicine man.…
Wonder is a Level Within Us: A conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael Shuchat
Parabola reached out recently, via a Zoom link, to Raphael Shuchat at his home in Israel. We had met him with his family at a vacation spot in upstate New York in summer 2021, not far from his original home…
Make This Moment a Diamond
Father Guidalberto Bormolini asks people to take a new view of death—and life. After training as a lute maker, he became a priest and monk and studied extensively about both ancient and modern spiritual and religious teachings. He has created…
Pure Gold
The Bhagavad Gita—the “Song of Spirit”—has been a living scripture and moral doctrine, a veritable “golden rule” of Indian civilization for thousands of years. Its seven-hundred verses are a sacred dialogue between the Lord Krishna in his role as Cosmic…
A Touch of Divine Grace: A Conversation with Mother Teresa, by Lex Hixon
In April 1976, Mother Teresa spoke before the United Nations. The following day, she was interviewed by spiritual teacher and radio host Lex Hixon. What follows are some of Hixon’s…
Stroked
“Are you sick?” Jai asked. When I couldn’t articulate a response, Jai said to tap with the phone, once if I was okay, twice if I needed help. I kept…
Friendship
For several years, journalist Judith Valente and Trappist monk Paul Quenon exchanged letters on essential topics. Here is one exchange. —The Editors Dear Brother Paul, There are many things about…
“A Wing And A Prayer,” An Interview with Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
Katharine Jefferts Schori in 2008 (Wikipedia) On Nov. 4, 2006, at a ceremony in Washington’s National Cathedral, Katharine Jefferts Schori became the presiding bishop of the…
Meditation and Service: A Conversation with Nipun Mehta
Nipun Mehta. Photograph by Richard Whittaker Photographs by Richard Whittaker Nipun Mehta was born in Ahmedabad, India, in 1975. When he was twelve, his family moved…
A Conversation with Alexandra Isles
Patty de Llosa: The theme for this issue of Parabola is “Seeing,” so can you tell me how you come up with an idea and then turn it into a visual action?…
Earth as Goddess: A conversation with African healer and guide Baba Mandaza Augustine Kademwa
Baba Mandaza Augustine Kademwa, from Zimbabwe, was born a Svikiro (in Shona, his native tongue), a carrier of many earth and water spirits, and a Mondhoro (Lion), one who is…
To Go Beyond Thought, an Interview with Karen Armstrong
One bright spring day, Parabola met with Karen Armstrong in her suite at the Parker Meridian hotel in Manhattan. The petite, friendly 62-year-old British ex-nun, arguably the most influential commentator…
Longing for Wholeness: An Interview with Satish Kumar
Photograph of Satish Kumar courtesy of The Resurgence Trust Satish Kumar: When you accept the state of being a stranger, you are no longer a stranger.…
Wonder is a Level Within Us: A conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael Shuchat
Parabola reached out recently, via a Zoom link, to Raphael Shuchat at his home in Israel. We had met him with his family at a vacation spot in upstate New…
Conscience
In the autumn of 1971, John G. Bennett inaugurated the International Academy for Continuous Education at Sherborne House, Gloucestershire, England. From that time until his death three and one-half years…
Common Sense, An Interview with Peter Kingsley
From Parabola Volume 31, No. 1, “Coming To Our Senses,” Spring 2006. This issue is available to purchase here. If you have enjoyed this piece, consider subscribing. OVER 2,500 YEARS AGO,…
Moving Toward Hope: A Conversation with Elaine Pagels
Gospel of Thomas and The Secret Book of John. Codex II The Nag Hammadi manuscript. 2011 As a young scholar, Elaine Pagels breathed new life into the dusty subject of…
To Try To Have Some Healing, A Conversation with Silas Hagerty
Silas Hagerty. Photo by and courtesy of Richard Whittaker Silas Hagerty was a young filmmaker in his twenties when I met him at a Servicespace retreat.…