This engaging discussion explores the ways love is defined through the perspectives of three world religions: Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. The takeaway is that love in a sacred context is more than a concept or a feeling — it’s a powerful force that encompasses our relationship with the Divine, with others, and with our world.

Speakers include:

Thupten Jinpa, former monk who obtained the Geshe Lharam degree from Shartse College of Ganden Monastic University, South India; a published author and English translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama; adjunct professor in religious studies at McGill University; and a committee member at Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education

Brother Paul Quenon, longtime monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani who had his initial formation with Thomas Merton as his Novice Master; a poet, photographer and author whose memoir, In Praise of the Useless Life, received a Catholic Press Award for memoirs

Omid Safi, scholar of Rumi and the Sufi path of Radical Love; professor of Islamic Studies at Duke University; author whose works include Memories of Muhammad, a biography of the Prophet Muhammad; host of the podcast, “Sufi Heart” and founder of “Illuminated Tours,” through which he leads treks to Turkey, Morocco and Umrah

Watch the full session — entitled “Why Is Love Sacred?”:    • Wisdom Session: Why Is Love Sacred? |...  

About the Festival of Faiths: 

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the Festival of Faiths is a nationally acclaimed, multi-day festival that hosts spiritual practitioners, thought leaders and movement makers.

The 2023 Festival of Faiths, Sacred Hearts, Sacred Minds: Embodying Love, celebrated the power of love to cultivate meaningful connections, strengthen communities and transform lives. Festival sessions explored contemporary concerns through the lens of faith and tapped into our unique capacity for love and compassion in order to envision a more loving future.

Connect with the Festival of Faiths — and join us on this journey of conversation, understanding and spiritual nourishment: 

Website: https://festivaloffaiths.org/ 
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