Grow, reflect, act together.
The New School is Commonweal’s learning community and podcast. Together, we explore life’s big questions, offering events and publications in Commonweal’s areas of focus: finding meaning in a changing world, growing inner and community resilience, advocating for justice, and stewarding the natural world.
Conversations for meaningful change
Be in the room during conversations with inspiring thought- and action-leaders of our time. Explore life’s big questions in a “slow conversation” setting, reflect on different worldviews, and find connection in a welcoming community.
Comparing Religions
Jeffrey J. Kripal and Host Michael Lerner
Part of the The Secret Body Series
In part 12 of this series, Host Michael Lerner talks with author Jeffrey J. Kripal about his book Comparing Religions: The Study of Us That Changes Us, a comprehensive guide to the comparative study of religion in the 21st century.
Jeffrey J. Kripal holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. In this series, Jeffrey talks with Host Michael Lerner about his body of work—more than 13 groundbreaking books about the mystical and the erotic, the relationship of mind and matter, and parapsychological phenomena.
Michael has been reading, talking, and meeting with Jeffrey for more than a year now, immersing himself in the consciousness worldview that Jeffrey presents in his books and teaching. Follow Michael’s journey through these conversations.
Events that bring us together
Join live gatherings—online or in person—to share stories, reflect, and build community. From famous to quietly fabulous, our speakers and hosts are doing inspiring things in the world, and every voice is welcome.
Our Genuinely Unprecedented Moment in History
Wednesday, Oct 28
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm PDT
In Commonweal Library or on Zoom
$15 suggested donation, no one turned away
Richard Tarnas and Host Michael Lerner
The crisis of our current moment in time demands that we do our utmost to see through a glass darkly. In this conversation, Richard Tarnas will join Host Michael Lerner to discuss insights and perspectives that might help shed light on the current turning point in human evolution.
Trust in the Life Forces of Unity
Sunday, November 8
1 pm – 4 pm PST
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
$25 suggested donation, no one turned away
Orland Bishop and Host Jaune Evans
Join us as we welcome back visionary healer and community leader Orland Bishop for a conversation in ritual space with Host Jaune Evans.
The Poem as This Moment’s Response
Sunday, December 6
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm PST
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
$25 suggested donation, no one turned away
Jane Hirshfield and Host Michael Lerner
As the winter solstice approaches—a time for contemplation, exchange, and renewal—and Commonweal nears the end of our 50th year celebrations, this conversation with Jane Hirshfield and Host Michael Lerner will attend to how we might best address ourselves to the invitations of precipice and turn: with a spirit of permeability, imagination, and embrace of change.
Lines of inquiry that expand your worldview
Immerse yourself in a line of thought or inquiry at your own pace—building resilience and sparking new insights. Follow the journey of our Visiting Scholars, our favorite topics, and our favorite guests at Commonweal’s New School.
Words that inspire action
From thoughtful articles to creative zines and published books, the spirit of our community is captured in the sharing of ideas, stories, and practices that nurture resilience, wisdom, and care for the world.