"The Poetics of Mystical Experience"with Janaka Stucky

3910 Los Feliz Boulevard,Los Angeles CA 90027

17 May, 2023

Description

"The Poetics of Mystical Experience"with Janaka Stucky Published in 2019, Ascend Ascend was written over the course of twenty days coming in and out of trance states brought on by intermittent fasting and somatic rituals while secluded in the tower of a 19th century church. The book-length poem is rooted in the Jewish mystical tradition of Hekhalot literature, which chronicles an ascent up the Kabbalistic Tree of Life to witness the “chariot of God.” Through this work and other related texts we will discuss how literature functions as a valid vessel for mystical experience, as well as how the mechanics of mystical literature can lead beyond semantic values to induce a suspension of consciousness—in turn offering an induction into the same transformational conditions that they document. Janaka Stucky is a mystic poet, performer, and founding editor of the award-winning press Black Ocean. He is a two-time National Haiku Champion, and is the author of four poetry collections including Ascend Ascend (2019). His writing has appeared in a variety of publications such as The Huffington Post and Poetry Foundation—and has been profiled in The Believer, Vice, and BOMB Magazine. He incorporates esoteric & occult influences to develop a trance poetics, which he has taught or performed in over 60 cities around the world—including the PRS Library in 2019. You can learn more about him and his work at janakastucky.com Members of the PRS community who also attend Janaka's ritual performance at Hollywood Forever on May 18th, will receive a limited edition silk-screened meditation card. Tickets to that event can be found here. Ticket Price: $15 (in-person and Zoom option available) Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions. PRS EVENT POLICIES * We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. * Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers. * We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats. * Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events. * No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed. * There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds. * We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. * PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code. * Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events. * Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events. REFUND POLICIES All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.