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On Wednesday, 19 March 2025, the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) was delighted to host The Learning of the Imagination: These Several Streams, a study day organised by the Temenos Academy in association with the University’s Harmony Institute. 

The event took place in the historic Old Hall on UWTSD’s Lampeter campus, bringing together distinguished scholars and an engaged audience for a profound exploration of imagination’s role in culture, poetry, and spirituality.

The University was particularly proud to welcome three esteemed speakers, each offering unique insights into the theme of imagination:

• Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and noted scholar, delivered a compelling presentation on Vernon Watkins and the Taliesin Tradition, examining the poet’s place within a lineage of visionary expression.
• Dr Valentin Gerlier, Lecturer at Schumacher Wild and Research Associate at the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, explored Imagination: The Ligature of Being, shedding light on the foundational role of imagination in shaping our understanding of existence.
• Jane Clark, a distinguished researcher in Islamic mysticism, presented The Eternal Youth: Vision and Imagination in the Work of the Poet and Mystic, Ibn ‘Arabi, offering a thought-provoking perspective on visionary poetics and spiritual insight.

The day was chaired by Fellow of the Temenos Academy and poet Hilary Davies, whose insightful guidance helped weave together the themes and reflections shared throughout the sessions. She reflected on the importance of the event, saying:
“It has been a pleasure to return to Lampeter for another inspiring study day with the Temenos Academy. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage with a wider audience beyond London, fostering conversation about the imagination’s profound influence on culture, creativity, and our shared human experience. Today’s discussions have reaffirmed the importance of poetry, philosophy, and spirituality in shaping how we understand and interact with the world around us.”

Dr Nick Campion, Associate Professor at UWTSD and Director of The Harmony Institute, also highlighted the significance of the event, commenting:
“It was a privilege for UWTSD to host this remarkable gathering of scholars and seekers. The discussions today highlighted the vital role of imagination in shaping our understanding of the world, a theme deeply aligned with our commitment to exploring the connections between wisdom, creativity, and human experience. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with the Temenos Academy in fostering such enriching dialogues.”

This event reaffirmed UWTSD’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and cultural enrichment, providing a space where ideas from multiple traditions could converge in meaningful dialogue.

For more information about future events, please visit www.uwtsd.ac.uk.

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076