About
This retreat was recorded live October 11–15, 2018 at Cowichan Lake Research Station, BC, Canada. This purchase includes an MP3 audio download with a total running time of approximately 9 hours. In this Wisdom School, Matthew Wright offers an in-depth comparison of two great mystical traditions: Christianity and Sufism. Setting the historical background of Islam and the emergence of Sufism, Matthew introduces the teachings of Muhammad, Ibn al-Arabi, and other Sufi masters. In parallel, he explores the Wisdom Gospels of Thomas, Mary Magdalene, and Philip, highlighting the shared metaphysics and heart-centred practices that unite the two traditions. Themes include incarnation, witnessing, presence, purification of the heart, and self-knowing. Both Christianity and Sufism point toward the possibility of becoming a fully integrated human being—the Christos in Christianity and the Insan al-Kamil in Sufism. Through teachings, comparative study, and contemplative practices, participants are invited into a vision of mutual enrichment, interspiritual dialogue, and a unitive path that affirms diversity while leading into divine oneness. As this is a LIVE recording, you may notice some audio variability and background noise, specifically a fire crackling. Matthew Wright is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader. He serves as priest-in-charge at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, New York, and is recognized for his teaching in the Christian Wisdom tradition and his work in interspiritual dialogue. His retreats integrate the contemplative heart of Christianity with insights from Sufism, Buddhism, and evolutionary spirituality.