Theosophical Society of Detroit – Friday, December 7, 2018. 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Q&A. 27745 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, MI 48072.
Frederick Glaysher spoke about the long journey of modernity during the last 130 to 150 years in search of a universal conception of spirituality. Glaysher discusses the book The World’s Parliament of Religions, 1893, and key influential speakers and groups represented at The Parliament in Chicago, including Vivekananda, Brahmo Samaj, the Unitarian Church, and the Theosophical Society, highlighting and surveying Madame Blavatsky’s emphasis on Universal Brotherhood and the study of comparative religion. Further currents include Dara Shikoh, Rammohan Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, Abdul-Baha, Rumi, Kabir, poets and mystics, Emerson. Among other seeking souls touched on, Evelyn Underhill, Arnold Toynbee, Micea Eliade, Joseph Campbell, and Huston Smith.
Black Elk and Chief Seattle, Troy Interfaith Group’s Authors’ Night, Troy, Michigan. 11 minutes. Hosted by Central Woodward Christian Church, Troy, Michigan. October 1, 2018.
Epic Poetry Reading and Introductory Talk at The Theosophical Society of Detroit. Includes several cantos and Q&A. 27745 Woodward Ave, Berkley, Michigan 48072. July 11, 2018. 46 minutes.
Epic Poetry Reading, Frederick Glaysher, Farmhouse
Frederick Glaysher reading two excerpts from The Parliament of Poets: An Epic Poem, at The Farmhouse, Village of Franklin, Michigan. March 22, 2018. Hosted and Introduced by the poet Diane DeCillis. On the moon, Black Elk and Chief Seattle, and the poet-prophet Job of the Old Testament. 15 minutes. https://youtu.be/qJhEsquCBz8
We human beings need a new vision and understanding of life on this planet, to help bring us together, to see and feel and understand our common humanity, to step back from the brink of self-destruction.
If the old exclusivisms evolved into the exclusivism of the Enlightenment, from the moon, together, we can see universality.
As a global epic tale, I am speaking to the entire planet, not merely the Western world.
SYNOPSIS
The Parliament of Poets is set partly on the moon at the Apollo 11 landing site, the Sea of Tranquility, and around the world.
Frederick Glaysher at The Farmhouse
Apollo calls all the poets of the nations, ancient and modern, East and West, to assemble on the Moon to consult on the meaning of modernity. The Parliament of Poets chooses one of its own, the Poet of the Moon, and sends him on a Journey to the seven continents to learn from all of the spiritual and wisdom traditions of humankind. On Earth and on the Moon, the poets teach him a new global, universal vision of life.
One of the major themes is the power of women and the female spirit across cultures.
The book has twelve chapters, each with three to five cantos, more than forty throughout. To suggest the scope of the book, it is set partly on the moon and in Australia, India, Cambodia, Burma, Tibet, China, Japan, Africa, France, England, Russia, the Middle East, Central and South America.
REVIEWS
“A remarkable poem by a uniquely inspired poet, taking us out of time into a new and unspoken consciousness…” —Kevin McGrath, South Asian Studies, Harvard University, author on the Mahabharata.
“A great epic poem of startling originality and universal significance, in every way partaking of the nature of world literature.” —Hans Ruprecht, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, author on Goethe, Borges, etc.
Frederick Glaysher. Photo by ML Liebler. March 22, 2018
“Mr. Glaysher has written an epic poem of major importance… Truly a major accomplishment and contribution to American Letters.” —ML Liebler, Poet, Department of English, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
“Very readable and intriguingly enjoyable. A masterpiece that will stand the test of time.” —Poetry Cornwall, No. 36, England, UK
“Glaysher is really an epic poet and this is an epic poem! Glaysher has written a masterpiece… I strongly recommend his poem.” —The Society of Classical Poets
“And a fine major work it is.” —Arthur McMaster, Department of English, Converse College, Spartanburg, South Carolina, in Poets’ Quarterly
“So well written. It’s almost like a stepping stone into all this world lit that people might otherwise never touch.” —Kerrytown BookFest, Ann Arbor, Michigan
“I am in awe of the brilliance of this book! Food for the soul, and answers to humanity’s most pressing problems, right where they belong, in the epic poetry of all the teachers, magicians, prophets, shamans, and poets of all time… Everyone must read this book, especially if you enjoy literature, wisdom, and philosophy.” —Anodea Judith, Novato, California, author of The Global Heart Awakens
As a universal interfaith story, The Parliament of Poets tells the tale of a journey toward cosmos, Christian and spiritual unity, “Spiritual, Not Religious.” Continue reading →
As a universal interfaith story, The Parliament of Poets tells the tale of a journey toward cosmos, Christian and spiritual unity. “Spiritual, Not Religious.” Continue reading →
Apollo calls all the poets of the nations, ancient and modern, East and West, to assemble on the moon to consult on the meaning of modern life. The Parliament of Poets sends the main character, the Poet of the Moon, on a Journey to the seven continents to learn from all of the spiritual and […]
A series of two different performances and six lectures, reviving the storytelling role of the ancient Greek rhapsode, and evoking a new global, universal vision of life. Continue reading →