About
This retreat was recorded live June 21–26, 2017 on Holy Isle, Scotland, and released in 2018. This purchase includes an MP3 audio download with a total running time of approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955) was a Jesuit priest, mystic, and renowned paleontologist who devoted his life to bridging the scientific and spiritual dimensions of human existence. In this Wisdom School, Cynthia Bourgeault presents Teilhard’s vision in a way that makes his profound insights accessible and urgently relevant for our own time. Cynthia first introduces Teilhard’s way of seeing, which integrates evolutionary science with contemplative perception. She then guides participants through his key concepts: cosmogenesis, complexity-consciousness, convergence, and Christ Omega. Teilhard envisioned evolution not as random or chaotic but as having a purposeful trajectory toward greater complexity, consciousness, and unity through differentiation in the personal. While Teilhard’s language can be daunting, Cynthia clarifies his vision and identifies three resources for anchoring deep hope today: trusting the cosmic trajectory, trusting evolution’s progression toward a higher collectivity, and trusting the abiding presence of the Spirit. She also challenges participants to move beyond individual self-realization, face the fear of convergence, and embrace embodiment as central to the path. As this is a LIVE recording you may notice some audio variability and background noise. Cynthia Bourgeault is a modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, and internationally known retreat leader. She is the author of numerous books, including The Wisdom Jesus and The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three, and is recognized for her pioneering work in integrating the Christian contemplative path with other global streams of wisdom.