LIMINAL
[Philosophy]
(adj.) Designating states, concepts, or conditions that are indeterminate, ambiguous, or situated on the border of established categories.
LIMINAL
[Spirituality / Religion]
(adj.) Pertaining to thresholds between the profane and the sacred; denoting spaces, times, or conditions in which the divine or transcendent becomes perceptible.
LIMINAL
[Psychology]
(adj.) Phenomena that occur at the threshold of consciousness or perception; relating to states of transition in identity, awareness, or development.
LIMINAL
[Literature / Aesthetics]
(adj.) Evoking the uncanny, the ambiguous, or the "in-between"; descriptive of places, moments, or conditions resistant to fixed definition.
What Is Liminal?
Liminal is an invite-only dining club in LA for conversations on philosophical traditions and contemporary spiritual thought.
"Liminality is a realm of pure possibility, whence novel configurations of ideas and relations may arise." — Victor Turner
What Does A Liminal Dinner Party Look Like?
A Liminal dinner party is an occasion for earnest and well-mannered truth-seeking. Invitees are carefully selected in accordance with these ideals.
Purpose & Conversation
The 16th-century Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyū popularized the phrase 'ichi-go ichi-e,' which means 'one time, one meeting'; the idea that each encounter is unique and will never be repeated.
In this spirit, each Liminal dinner party centers on a unique guiding question that invites philosophical inquiry and exploration.
Some dinners may be more open-ended, while others may follow a more defined structure (for instance; thought experiments, imaginative challenges, etc.). Examples may include:
- The moral vocabulary of the West has atrophied in the last 50 years. Which myths are best suited to re-vitalise and encourage its people to be better?
- How might you design a religion to address both the present and the anticipated psychological challenges faced by Gen Z?
- In the 21st century, society has feminized in some ways and masculinized in others. Does it require more communion with symbols of the divine feminine and divine masculine?
The Dinner Itself
Dinners are held at the home of the host. Much like the collaborative nature of its philosophical explorations, the dinner is also collaborative. While the host will prepare dinner for all guests, any contributions to the dinner will be gratefully received.
What Is The Culture At A Liminal Dinner Party?
Earnest and well-mannered truth-seeking.
- We are truth-seeking: Each gathering has a unique, deliberate focus. We pursue the truth collaboratively, with eagerness and intellectual courage. We ask probing questions, and welcome any challenges that come our way.
- We are earnest: Each conversation is approached with curiosity. Perspectives are offered with sincerity and conviction - and they are heard without interruption. We follow the conversational thread, building upon the ideas of others.
- We are well-mannered: We honor our own personal moral frameworks. We exercise temperance, civility in discourse, and intellectual charity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Any Background In Philosophy Or Spirituality?
Not at all. Just be yourself. Come with genuine curiosity, intellectual openness, and the capacity for thoughtful discourse.
How Long Do Liminal Dinner Parties Typically Last?
Liminal dinners last between 2-3 hours. Members are asked only to attend if they can be present for the full duration of the event.
How Often Do Liminal Dinner Parties Take Place?
Dinners take place once every two weeks.
How Will I Be Notified Of A Liminal Dinner Party?
Members will receive invites to upcoming Liminal dinners via Partiful. The invite will arrive via SMS/email. Once received, members can RSVP to confirm their attendance. So that the host can anticipate and plan ahead, members are asked to RSVP as soon as they possibly can.
Do You Meet In The Same Location Each Time?
Not necessarily. A Liminal dinner takes place at the home of its host. Any member of Liminal may offer to host a dinner. This will always be displayed on the Partiful invite you receive for the dinner itself.
Is There A Cost To Attend?
No.
Can I Bring A Plus One?
Only those directly invited to join Liminal may attend dinners. Members wishing to recommend prospective participants may propose potential members for consideration by speaking with the evening's host.
May I Propose That I Host A Liminal Dinner Myself?
Yes. Individuals interested in hosting a Liminal dinner are encouraged to discuss their intentions with the evening's host. Each gathering must maintain consistency with Liminal's cultural ethos. Prospective hosts will engage in consultation with current hosts to ensure adherence to these principles.
Can I Suggest A Topic For An Upcoming Dinner?
Topic suggestions for upcoming dinners are encouraged and should be presented to the dinner's host before or after the gathering.
Is There An Attendance Policy For Liminal Members?
Liminal dinners are about meaningful conversation and meaningful friendship. Members who do not attend two consecutive gatherings without offering a reasonable explanation or providing advance notification will have their membership withdrawn to preserve space for more active participants.