**The Virtual Silk Road: A network of new and well trodden spiritual paths**
The Silk Road was the most important trade route from ancient times. It was a network of different routes, which was over 6,400 km long. This network of trade routes spanned across the Eurasian and African continents. The Silk Road brought not only economic benefits, but played a key role in the development of the religious, philosophical and cultural-political interactions between the East and West. The routes were both a network of land and sea routes connecting the ancient world. We could see it as the 'internet' of the ancient world. Thus, I would like to invite you to join us on our journey across distant lands. To stop overnight in caves, taverns, and campsites along the way. You will meet many religions, many familiar, whilst other beliefs systems you may never have encountered before. This server is part of a larger project in discussing religion and philosophy; it is a place for all who are seeking after truth. Wisdom has been at work from before the foundations of the cosmos, and it is Holy Wisdom who has inspired the many prophets, sages, philosophers, and mystics throughout history. Wisdom is also at work today, and therefore we encourage you to share your path and practices so that we may better inform our beliefs.
This Discord Community is focused on the study of religion and philosophy that has its roots in the ancient world. Initially, we intended to look at the works of Bardaisan and the Bardaisanite community. However, we now feel that there is a need to look more broadly at the Eurasian continent as a whole. There are common threads that can be found within all the different traditions that grew out of this region; a broader perspective, in this respect, can aid us in developing a more in-depth understanding of how the Silk Road has shaped the major religions of our world today.
The wealth of spiritual wisdom that has grown out from this region is fascinating. Thus, this Discord server aims to provide a space where we can discuss and study the works of not only Bardaisan, but the traditions that influenced his thought. This will lead us into other religious movements such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity; other major religions such as Manichaeism and Islam.
