delivered by distinguished international presenters
The Schuon Lectures
The Frithjof Schuon Lectures are an annual series featuring distinguished international scholars who explore the perennial philosophy and the spiritual, metaphysical, and religious insights of Frithjof Schuon. The lectures seek to draw thoughtful audiences to Schuon’s writings, promote scholarly engagement across disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, theology, and religious studies, and foster inter-religious dialogue by showing how a perennialist understanding of the world’s great traditions can deepen faith and illuminate the meaning and purpose of human life.
Sign up for the 2026 lecture series
Location for 2026 lectures:
Deer Park Manor
1501 E. Hillside Drive - Bloomington, IN 47401
and online
Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy
Frithjof Schuon (1907–1998) stands as one of the foremost voices of the Perennial Philosophy, the timeless metaphysical insight that the world’s major religious traditions share a common spiritual truth. Born in Basel and lived for decades in France, Switzerland, and later the United States, Schuon was a philosopher, author, poet, and painter whose works continue to inspire seekers, scholars, and spiritual practitioners.
At the heart of Schuon’s thought is the conviction that beneath the outer diversity of religions lies a universal core of metaphysical reality, an unchanging Truth from which all authentic paths draw their vitality. His writings explore religion, metaphysics, sacred art, and the inner life with rare depth, insisting that genuine spirituality combines doctrine, contemplative practice, moral virtue, and the beauty that awakens the heart.
Michael Oren Fitzgerald
Author
Michael Fitzgerald
2026 Lecture Series
Michael Oren Fitzgerald is an American author, editor, publisher, documentary filmmaker and lecturer whose work bridges traditional wisdom, indigenous cultures, and perennial philosophy. He has written and edited more than twenty books and three documentary films that have received more than 45 awards and been published in seven languages. Fitzgerald has spoken widely at international conferences, colleges, and high schools, sharing insights from his deep engagement with Plains Indian culture and spiritual thought, and he frequently lectures on topics that explore cultural wisdom, spirituality, and the human condition. He is the adopted son of Thomas Yellowtail, one of the most respected American Indian spiritual leaders of the 20th century, and the executor of the estates of both Frithjof and Catherine Schuon.
Upcoming Lectures 2026
April 13th
Bloomington, IN
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Day 1: What Spiritual Insights Can We Learn from the Plains Indians
The voices of tribal spiritual leaders and 90 illustrations present key cultural and spiritual values of their traditional world. We then trace the encounter of that primordial world with modernity. Native insights help us understand our own circumstances.
April 14th
Bloomington, IN
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Day 2: Are Perennialists against the modern world?
Our assessment of scientism, modern cosmology and transformist evolution will be followed by a comparison to the Perennialist point of view, including the doctrine of cosmic cycles. That background allows us to consider if our society is experiencing a perpetual, forward progress toward a material utopia and an enlightened humanity. We will end the day pondering the wisdom of an American Indian paragon.
April 15th
Bloomington, IN
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Day 3: What is the Role of Art in the Spiritual Life?
We explore Schuon’s insights on the role of art and beauty as a support for the spiritual life. The presentation includes two short film clips and more than 350 visual images, spanning millennia and continents. The lecture includes illustrations of the errors in profane modern art, often presented in a side-by-side comparison with sacred art. The goal is to convey an existential understanding of what Schuon called “the sense of the sacred” that transcends the limitations of verbal expression. We then consider Schuon’s practical advice on how art can be a support for the spiritual life.
April 16th
Bloomington, IN
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Day 4: Make Your Choice
Each person should decide “what are my core beliefs and how do I want to live my life? We consider:
• Are we in a similar circumstance to 19th century Plains Indians?
• What are Schuon’s recommendations to resist modernism? This discussion includes Schuon’s concept of “esoteric ecumenism.”
• How do we live up to the responsibility of the human state? We first answer the question: “what is the human state?” Then we review Schuon’s advice to serious seekers for the spiritual life.
We close with words of wisdom from a Sun Dance chief and Schuon.
Selected Books on Frithjof Schuon
