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 reading group in SF for conversations on philosophical traditions and contemporary spiritual thought.
Request an invitation"Liminality is a realm of pure possibility, whence novel configurations of ideas and relations may arise." — Victor Turner
What Does A Liminal Reading Group Look Like?
A Liminal reading group 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 reading group centers on a selected paper, essay, or passage at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and literature, paired with a unique guiding question that invites inquiry and exploration.
Some gatherings 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 Gathering Itself
We are currently speaking with potential venues in San Francisco for Liminal's inaugural gathering. Like the philosophical explorations themselves, the reading group is collaborative, and members are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and questions to the discussion.
What Is The Culture At A Liminal Reading Group?
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 Reading Group Meetings Typically Last?
Liminal meetings last 2 hours. Members are asked only to attend if they can be present for the full duration of the event.
How Often Do Liminal Reading Group Meetings Take Place?
Meetings take place once every two weeks.
How Will I Be Notified Of A Liminal Reading Group Meeting?
Members will receive invites to upcoming Liminal meetings 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.
Where Will Liminal Gatherings Take Place?
We are currently speaking with potential venues in San Francisco for our inaugural gathering. The venue will be shared with invited members in the Partiful invitation.
Is There A Cost To Attend?
No.
Can I Bring A Plus One?
Only those directly invited to join Liminal may attend meetings. Members wishing to recommend prospective participants may propose potential members for consideration by speaking with the host.
May I Propose That I Host A Liminal Reading Group Meeting?
Yes. Individuals interested in hosting a Liminal meeting are encouraged to discuss their intentions with the current 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 Meeting?
Topic suggestions for upcoming meetings are encouraged and should be presented to the host before or after the gathering.
Is There An Attendance Policy For Liminal Members?
Liminal reading group meetings 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.