The perennial tradition was defined by Aldous Huxley in his book The Perennial Philosophy. In essence, he said this teaching is immemorial and universal. This would make sense if the Holy Spirit is guiding all of history.

The perennial philosophy recognizes again and again in different religions and in different ways and with different languages that there is a Divine Reality substantial to the world of things. There is something eternal, there’s something transcendental to the world of things, lives, souls, and minds. The goal of human existence is quite simply to experience union with that Reality, ideally on every level. Jesus, of course, says the same (Mark 12:30), and in fact, equates love of others, love of self, and love of God throughout his teaching.

Adapted from a non-published talk at a conference in Assisi, Italy, May 2012

Prayer:
“That all may be one” (John 17:21)