This talk explores the Sufi understanding of the heart as the seat of true intelligence. It traces how, through a process of self-purification, the heart is made receptive to gnosis, meaning spiritual knowledge. Central to it is a distinction of profound import: the difference between gnosis, which can be gained only through direct, intimate experience, and the discursive knowledge gained by means of rational thought. To bring these ideas to life, this talk draws not only on theoretical treatises, but also on stories, poems and artworks by some of the greatest Sufi masters, vividly illustrating how they articulate the tradition’s epistemological claims.

Please, note:

• the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
• the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
• This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
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SPEAKER – TAMARA FALCONE

Tamara Falcone is a multinational, British-born writer with a BA in Philosophy and Islamic Studies from Tübingen University. Specialising in the Sufi tradition, she is particularly fascinated by its teachings on gnosis, the unity of being, and the lesser and greater struggle. Her engagement in interreligious dialogue inspired her to write a thesis on jihad, examining both its spiritual and martial dimensions. In a weekly series, launched recently on Substack, she translates her thesis research for a wider audience.

In her personal writing, she explores connection, cultural identity and self-knowledge. Beyond this, she is also an avid journaller, meditator, and lover of poetry and literature, as well as a weightlifting enthusiast.

You can connect with her at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarafalcone/ or
https://substack.com/@tamarafalcone.

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