We find ourselves drawn to the idea of the “perennial tradition” – the constant themes and truths that seem to recur across all the world’s great spiritual and wisdom traditions when they reach their deepest and most mature expression. There is something undeniably powerful about recognizing the core metaphysical principles that these diverse traditions point toward – a divine reality that underlies and permeates all of existence, an intimate connection between the human soul and this divine ground, and a purpose for humanity to reunite with the transcendent source from which we arose.
At the same time, we know the perennial tradition is not saying that all religions are therefore teaching the exact same thing with different words and symbols. That overly reductive view can dishonor the profound richness, diversity, and unique cultural genius contained within each tradition’s particular expressions of the great mysteries. As the mystic poet Rumi proclaimed, we should not “shatter all the jugs” or erase the sacred containers that have carried the living waters of wisdom throughout the ages. The perennial tradition instead invites us to drink deeply from these many wells while seeing that underneath, the “water is one.”
We are struck by how this increasingly globalized era has allowed unprecedented access and cross-pollination between the world’s religions and philosophies in a way never before seen in human history. It does seem there is an urgent spiritual evolution happening – a profound meeting of traditions and a dawning recognition of the common truths buried like seed paradoxes within each of our heritage wisdoms. Suddenly, the doctrines that once divided us as upholders of this or that tradition begin to reveal themselves as variant expressions of universal principles clothed in diverse cultural garments.
Yet we know this recognition of common ground is not the final word, but in fact where the journey truly begins to deepen. For the perennial tradition ultimately points beyond conceptual beliefs and formulations toward the living spiritual experience that gives rise to all religion – a direct, unmediated communion with the powers and presences that allow the material universe to blossom forth. The skillful doctrines and mythopoetic narratives of our traditions were never meant to merely bind us to their forms, but to symbolically compact and transfer the living spiritual energies from generation to generation. They beckon us toward transformation.
We are struck by how the Christian doctrine of the Trinity – three persons in one Godhead – paradoxically models the very nature of the perennial tradition itself. It demonstrates how unity and diversity can co-exist, with the One Divine Reality manifesting in multiplicity while remaining fundamentally non-dual. This paradoxical thinking becomes key for holding the creative tensions integral to authentic spiritual life. For just as the Divine is one-and-many, so too is the spiritual path one of making that which was unconscious conscious, of embodying unity amidst the diverse perspectives and models of reality.
The perennial tradition reveals that all reality, physical and metaphysical, is inscribed with paradox.As soon as we try to possess or systematize the ultimate Mystery within rigid doctrinal frameworks, we domesticate and diminish it. And so our shared wisdom traditions beckon us into a humble posture of remaining ever-open, ever-growing. We are all merely beginners when it comes to fathoming the boundless depths of the One Source that manifests all worlds, all beings, all times and spaces. The frontiers of the Mystery are forever receding before us in an endless unfolding of deeper realizations, subtler levels of knowing, vaster fields of insight and love. Authentic spirituality becomes a perennial conversation.
We find ourselves grateful for the rich plurality of visionary paths, for the manifold faces and expressions of the Divine providing different entry points for different human types and cultures. Though the journey leads to a unified essence at the deepest levels, the routes toward that indivisible center multiply infinitely at the surface to match the wondrous diversity of humanity itself. We cherish this variegated abundance – the breathtaking spectrum of symbols, stories,
practices, deities, cultural motifs, and revelatory experiences. For within this plurality is contained the full rainbowed radiance of the One Light, endlessly refracted into wisdom’s countless prismatic hues so that all may perceive, each according to their utmost need and highest capacity.
This is why the way forward, both personally and collectively, can only be a perennial conversation – an ongoing respectful dialogue where we drink deeply from each other’s wells while adding our own unique streams. In this sacred exchange, we allow the universal wisdoms.
- There’s a divine reality that holds everything together.
- The same Reality that is the divine DNA of the cosmos is also the divine DNA of the human soul.
- Our best guidance comes from connecting the divine DNA, in the human soul, back with the divine DNA evident all around us, in the natural world, and the cosmos.
Summary
The “perennial philosophy” refers to the underlying metaphysical, psychological, and ethical principles that recur across major religious and wisdom traditions. It recognizes a divine reality underlying all existence, the human soul’s connection to that reality, and humanity’s purpose being to reunite with the transcendent ground of being. The preferred term “perennial tradition” includes these constant themes and truths found in mature world religions, recognizing that we are participants in something greater than just observers. In today’s unprecedented globalized era, people from diverse backgrounds are increasingly recognizing similar universal truths, suggesting an evolution and widespread transformation happening urgently. However, saying “all religions believe the same thing” risks erasing the unique gifts of different cultures and traditions, as unity does not require uniformity. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity models how to hold the paradox of the One and the Many – diversity within unity – which is key to the perennial tradition. Mystery is not something unknowable but endlessly understandable, requiring humility to remain open to its ongoing revelation across traditions. Conversation and listening across traditions, not dismissing differences, is vital going forward to avoid conflicts rooted in religious prejudices. The path is a “perennial conversation.”
Key Points
1. The “perennial philosophy” refers to underlying metaphysical, psychological, and ethical principles that seem to recur across major religious and wisdom traditions. It recognizes a divine reality, the human soul’s connection to that divine reality, and humanity’s purpose being to reunite with the transcendent ground of being.
2. The term “perennial tradition” is preferred, which includes the constant themes and truths recurring in mature world religions. It recognizes that we are participants in something greater than just observers.
3. In today’s globalized world, people from diverse backgrounds are increasingly recognizing similar universal truths in an unprecedented way, suggesting evolution and widespread transformation happening urgently.
4. However, saying “all religions believe the same thing” can erase the unique gifts of different cultures and traditions. Unity does not require uniformity.
5. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity models holding the paradox of the One and the Many – diversity within unity. Paradoxical thinking is key to the perennial tradition.
6. Mystery is not unknowable but endlessly understandable. Humility is needed to remain open to the ongoing revelation of mystery across traditions.
7. Conversation and listening across traditions, not dismissing differences, is vital to avoid conflicts rooted in religious prejudices. The path forward is a “perennial conversation.”