Hermes Trismegitus

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The Kybalion: Chapters 5 and 6

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The Kybalion
By The Three Initiates
The Yogi Publication Society Masonic Temple
Chicago, Illinois. 1912

We continue our reading of The Kybalion and explore the concepts of the Universe as Mental energy and the Paradox of Divinity. These two chapters set the basis from which all other principles follow. There are a large number of quotes taken directly from the book in this discussion which seems fitting given the subject. The philosophies presented  are such that they require support even within their presentation. Each concept in these chapters is dense with layer upon layer of meaning and without the seed of thought that offered the multi-faceted beauty of the resultant flower, the flower would cease to exist and become merely the imaginings of something whose existence would be undemonstrative. The concept of The All and its action of creation in the form of the mental at its highest level reaches well beyond the most philosophical of thinking about the relationship of creation and creator.

Chapters Five and Six

Chapter Five: The Mental Universe

“The Universe is Mental–held in the Mind of THE  ALL.”

The first statement made is “The ALL is SPIRIT”. Followed by the obvious question of “But what is Spirit?”. This singular question has been one posed by countless seekers upon every imaginable spiritual and religious path. So where do we try to form a reasonable concept of something that is all-inclusive of everything it is as well as everything we would arguably state it isn’t?

Spirit is referenced as the “the highest conception of Infinite Living Mind”. The idea of Living Mind is not merely a composite of the definition of life and the idea of mind. This Living Mind is the most pure form of the idea of creation that produces those products that are of life.

The next step is definition of what the Universe is. Following the thought that the ALL remains whole in its form(lessness), not using the distribution of parts of itself to create what is outside of itself each possibility is eliminated coming finally to rest on the concept of creation via mental means.

The process is taken via the lens of The Law of Correspondence: As Above, So Below and the means by which Man creates..

“ ….in which MAN creates? –he CREATES MENTALLY! And in so doing he uses no outside materials, nor does he reproduce himself, and yet his Spirit pervades the Mental Creation. Following the Principle of Correspondence, we are justified in considering that THE ALL creates the Universe MENTALLY, in a manner akin to the process whereby Man creates Mental Images. And, here is where the report of Reason tallies precisely with the report of the Illumined, as shown by their teachings and writings. Such are the teachings of the Wise Men. Such was the Teaching of Hermes. THE ALL can create in no other way except mentally, without either using material (and there is none to use), or else reproducing itself (which is also impossible).”

As I stated previously, the idea of Mentalism is one that I grew up with having a background in Metaphysics and New Thought as a child. The power of the mind to create and further more to effect manifest life is one I read about in the lives of the Siddhis and Ascended Masters and Yogis. We learn in many spiritual paths that the highest aspiration is that of the heart, albeit in alignment with the mind, but that all loving compassion is the place of creation. Taking this concept to another level, however brings o the form of pure mind, the pure essence of idea and the concept of that idea from which it can become manifest.

Continuing with the concept of creation The Law of Gender comes into play. It is within the dynamics of polarity, specifically gender, which enable the flow of force and form uniting to create a singular from what began singular in nature….

“ THE ALL is ONE–the Two Aspects are merely aspects of manifestation. The teaching is that The Masculine Principle manifested by THE ALL stands, in a way, apart from the actual mental creation of the Universe. It projects its Will toward the Feminine Principle (which may be called “Nature”) whereupon the latter begins the actual work of the evolution of the Universe, from simple “centers of activity” on to man, and then on and on still higher, all according to well-established and firmly enforced Laws of Nature.”

As we move deeper into the streams of Being that comprise the Universe and the Laws that govern it, the need for surrender to the rough currents in rhythm and pace with the exerted effort of moving through the currents strongly and securely becomes the task of testing. Each is subsumed by the other; each moving in accord with the cyclical nature of our existence within that of the Universe. Each maintaining its own ground until the two seamlessly and effortlessly co-mingle into a singular and limitless state of being.

“ ..and You shall go on, and on, and on, to higher and still higher planes of life, for aeons upon aeons of time. The Universe is your home, and you shall explore its farthest recesses before the end of Time. You are dwelling in the Infinite Mind of THE ALL, and your possibilities and opportunities are infinite, both in time and space. And at the end of the Grand Cycle of Aeons, when THE ALL shall draw back into itself all of its creations–you will go gladly for you will then be able to know the Whole Truth of being At One with THE ALL. “

This is the goal of purpose. The evolution of the Spirit informed by the Soul’s lessons and the continual creation of a new state of being. Each, in turn being the necessary ingredient for the other to ascend the ladder of creative evolutionary process.

Chapter Six: The Divine Paradox

“The half-wise, recognizing the comparative unreality of the Universe, imagine that they may defy its Laws—such are vain and presumptuous fools, and they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements by reason of their folly. The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe, use Law against laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph. Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces against the lower-escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher. Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master.”

Moving into the next chapter and having opened to the perspective that creation is formed from the mental process we come to what is considered the Divine Paradox.

“What Hermeticists know as “the Law of Paradox” is an aspect of the Principle of Polarity. The Hermetic writings are filled with references to the appearance of the Paradox in the consideration of the problems of Life and Being.”

We have an idea of the nature of polarity and it being the manifest form of the All’s Infinite Mind and the slippery slope of philosophical pursuits when the attempt to pigeon-hole the truisms into one side or another occurs. The first paradox that we are presented with is the illusory state of the world of existence. This is not a new concept to some streams of spiritual path with the sole intent being that of piercing through the veils of illusion and seeing the state of the existence as it is and thus ending the cycle of incarnation into physical form.

“The first thought that comes to the thinking man after he realizes the truth that the Universe is a Mental Creation of THE ALL, is that the Universe and all that it contains is a mere illusion; an unreality; against which idea his instincts revolt….schools of thought. From the Absolute point of view, there is nothing Real except THE ALL, no matter what terms we may use in thinking of, or discussing the subject. Whether the Universe be created of Matter, or whether it be a Mental Creation in the Mind of THE ALL–it is unsubstantial, non-enduring, a thing of time, space and change. We want you to realize this fact thoroughly, before you pass judgment on the Hermetic conception of the Mental nature of the Universe. Think over any and all of the other conceptions, and see whether this be not true of them.”

By definition these two terms are designated as:

Absolute- A state off perfection independent from anything to support that state

Relative- Those things needing further clarification and dependent on something else to help formulate definition.

Using these definitions we can see where both are applicable to our understanding of the Universe. Even if we view the Universe as a state of unreality that is ever-changing in its form and thus revealing of its relativity, this view is in itself an absolute conclusion that has been formulated from something needing more clarity.

“Absolute Truth has been defined as “Things as the mind of God knows them,” while Relative Truth is “Things as the highest reason of Man understands them.” And so while to THE ALL the Universe must be unreal and illusionary, a mere dream or result of meditation,–nevertheless, to the finite minds forming a part of that Universe, and viewing it through mortal faculties, the Universe is very real indeed, and must be so considered. In recognizing the Absolute view, we must not make the mistake of ignoring or denying the facts and phenomena of the Universe as they present themselves to our mortal faculties–we are not THE ALL, remember.”

The reminder is one of timeliness and grace. The enjoyment and fullest expression of what we have as our resources as the first and foremost path to absorbing and being absorbed by that, which is ultimately greater than our comprehension may allow.

“We may only see through the unreality of this world and the Universe after having risen through the various planes of evolution and been reabsorbed into the Infinite Mind of the ALL.”

I repeat my impression of the duality of the Mental Universe and the All from the previously mentioned chapter (5). As we move deeper into the streams of Being that comprise the Universe and the Laws that govern it, the need for surrender to the rough currents in rhythm and pace with the exerted effort of moving through the currents strongly and securely becomes the task of testing. Each is subsumed by the other; each moving in accord with the cyclical nature of our existence within that of the Universe. Each maintaining its own ground until the two seamlessly and effortlessly co-mingle into a singular and limitless state of being.

“Nor do the Laws of Nature become less constant or effective, when we know them, likewise, to be merely mental creations. They are in full effect on the various planes. We overcome the lower laws, by applying still higher ones–and in this way only.”

The admonition is one given against the arrogance of man to presume him/herself to have “arrived” spiritually at a point of exception from the Universal Laws. This state is one to which many a seeker falls prey as the Universe appears to welcome the traveller into its elitist “club” of mysteries. In the desire to become one with the Universe and thus the All that created it perception narrows rather than expands as one small area of knowingness is replaced by another that although vaster in its reach is still only a piece of the greater source that contains it and conceptualized its form from a state of formlessness.

“The Hermetic Principle of Mentalism, while explaining the true nature of the Universe upon the principle that all is Mental, does not change the scientific conceptions of the Universe, Life, or Evolution. In fact, science merely corroborates the Hermetic Teachings. The latter merely teaches that the nature of the Universe is “Mental,” while modern science has taught that it is “Material”

The Paradox is one of Finite Cognition and Infinite expression. This scientific conclusion, which is based upon human concepts about the material (or manifest) state of the world, is the first rung on the ladder of the evolutionary expanding of man’s consciousness. This expansion is shaped and formed by what we think and the conclusions we draw from that thought process. I return again to the premise that we are Divine beings having a physical experience.

“We do not live in a world of dreams, but in a Universe which while relative, is real so far as our lives and actions are concerned. Our business in the Universe is not to deny its existence, but to LIVE, using the Laws to rise from lower to higher–living on, doing the best that we can under the circumstances arising each day, and living, so far as is possible, to our biggest ideas and ideals.”

As we come ever nearer to the realization of that Divinity we shatter the veils that are the first layer of the illusory state of our existence. There are many more that will follow but, in conclusion…

“We are all on The Path–and the road leads upward ever, with frequent resting places.”

Next Post: Chapters 7, “The All” in All and Chapter 8, The Planes of Correspondence

Resource:

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The Kybalion by The Three Initiates

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The Kybalion By The Three Initiates The Yogi Publication Society Masonic Temple Chicago, Illinois. 1912 Introduction: I have many favorite books that I return to frequently to refresh the information in my mind. So, naturally when I thought about the first book to discuss on this blog, The Kybalion came in front and center. Specifically, The Hermetic Laws outlined in The Kybalion are ones that I use in all of my personal work and refer to often in my teaching. The success and usefulness of this small volume is found in the statement made as part of the introduction to the book:

“Our intent is not to erect a new Temple of Knowledge, but rather to place in the hands of the student a Master-Key with which he may open the many inner doors in the Temple of Mystery through the main portals he has already entered.”

This thought of a universal application for the material contained is further supported here:

“The student of Comparative Religions will be able to perceive the influence of the Hermetic Teachings in every religion worthy of the name, now known to man, whether it be a dead religion or one in full vigor in our own times. There is always certain correspondence in spite of the contradictory features, and the Hermetic Teachings act as the Great Reconciler.”

These principles or Universal Laws were presumed to be set forth by Hermes Trismegistus, scribe of the Gods and also known in his form as Deity by the name Toth. We are told that:

“(But) among these great Masters of Ancient Egypt there once dwelt one of whom Masters hailed as “The Master of Masters.” This man, if “man” indeed he was, dwelt in Egypt in the earliest days. He was known as Hermes Trismegistus. He was the father of the Occult Wisdom; the founder of Astrology; the discoverer of Alchemy. The details of his life story are lost to history, owing to the lapse of the years, though several of the ancient countries disputed with each other in their claims to the honor of having furnished his birthplace-and this thousands of years ago. The date of his sojourn in Egypt, in that his last incarnation on this planet, is not now known, but it has been fixed at the early days of the oldest dynasties of Egypt–long before the days of Moses. The best authorities regard him as a contemporary of Abraham, and some of the Jewish traditions go so far as to claim that Abraham acquired a portion of his mystic knowledge from Hermes himself.”

Although there may be discourse of disagreement about who and what culture is responsible for these precepts, regardless of their origin they have served as the basis for most of the occult and mystical teachings throughout the ages and their influence is still the foundation of many Western and Eastern Traditions to this day.

Chapters One and Two

Chapter One: The Hermetic Philosophy The Kybalion’s authorship is simply stated as The Three Initiates. Who these initiates were has been the subject of much speculation and the publication of the material in 1912 by the Yogi Publication Society Masonic Temple has posed even further queries. Nonetheless, these seven tools are at the core of Western Hermetics and form the Universal Laws governing all magickal and alchemical working. The Kybalion is subtitled a Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece, and is dedicated to Hermes Trimegistus and his teachings that were offered and upheld as staples in the training of initiates of hermetic studies.

“To Hermes Trismegistus Known by the Ancient Egyptians as “The Great Great” and “Master Of Masters” This little volume of hermetic teaching is reverently dedicated”

The time-honored concept that when the student is ready the teacher shall appear and the doors shall be opened is affirmed in Chapter One:

“Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide” and “When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with Wisdom.”

So, in that spirit and assuming all are ready to broaden their perspectives or deepen what is already known, I’d like to share these principles with you, offer my understanding of them and hopefully whet your appetite to read more of this fascinating and essential book. Chapter Two: The Seven Hermetic Principles

“ The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open.”

My intent is to share with you the thoughts that presented (1.) as I meditated upon each of these principles and possibly serve to pique your own curiosity, fan the flame in your search for the truth and provide stepping stones towards your own deepening of Divine Understanding. They are outlined as below: 1. The Principle of Mentalism 2. The Principle of Correspondence 3. The Principle of Vibration 4. The Principle of Polarity 5. The Principle of Rhythm 6. The Principle of Cause and Effect 7. The Principle of Gender Each works collaboratively as well as independently of the other; something of the paradigm that is prevalent in much of esoteric study. As we move through subsequent chapters each of these concepts will be further elaborated upon, but for now a simple introduction to their basic nature will suffice.

The Principle of Mentalism

THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental.

If we think in terms of consciousness and creation, the primal formless state of the Limitless All (or creator) is that of AM (existence). When observation and awareness is directed towards that AM, the I comes into being which stimulates the creation of something more than itself. This creative process begins with informed awareness, the mental aspect being the primary building block. Pure thought forms the concept which then can be acted upon by emotion and will. It is from this principle that the subsequent six principles emanate.

The Principle of Correspondence

As above, so below As below, so above

And in recent times the addition of “as within, so without” is the quintessential axiom that gives definition to the macrocosm and the microcosm being connected by similarities of dynamic and basic nature. It is this principle that inspires us to connect with our higher nature because of the reflection we see of it in the lower and physical realms. It is this principle that gives us pause to reflect on the impact we have at a larger scale based upon the inner workings of our own systems. To correspond is to affirm the “sameness” of a thing that will call to itself that of a similar nature.

The Principle of Vibration

Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.

This principle states that all of form is in a constant state of movement. Inertia is the non-movement form that remains vibration of a sort, nonetheless. Resonating with similar patterns of vibration attunes us to the subtleties held in each increment of dynamic. Vibration produces sound. Sound permeates our worlds. And it is the vibration of a sound that we respond to physically, energetically and etherically. Our breath and the subtlest of our movements disrupt the waves of vibration surrounding us as it sets into motion its own pattern of vibration.

The Principle of Polarity

Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled.

The Law of Polarity is the Universe filling what would be the void. It is the recognition of one state of being because of the acknowledgement of its polarized or opposite state of being. Each of these states is one in the same except for minute and un-observable differences that become more overt as the scale between each widens. Emptiness is the absence of fullness just as fullness is the absence of emptiness. They are both lacking in what the other has abundance of. Similar to the Principle of Correspondence, like attracts un-like that is simultaneously also alike as defined by the degree of its difference.

The Principle of Rhythm

Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.

I see this as the companion to vibration and to some degree a subset of the Principle of Correspondence. Rhythm provides the container or boundaries (or the lacking there of) and vibration provides the quantifier or needed disruption to produce the resultant cyclical rhythm. Expansion requires a state of contraction (as the necessary point of tension) to enable it to expand anew. Either state if held too long, would result in over compensation of the other, causing a new cycle of rhythm to be established. Stillness or inertness is simply an illusion; which relates back to the connection to the Principle of Vibration once again. The illusion is that of non-movement, which although it may appear unable to be measured is a lower and longer wave of motion or rhythm that may not be perceptible unless we are in resonance with its rate of vibration.

The Principle of Cause and Effect

Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law.

For every action there is a reaction. This is a basic principle that we drill into our children so they will be responsible adults. There is no discrimination between good or bad, just simply response that becomes the cause that has an effect that becomes the cause of a new effect, ad infinitum. This is the principle that causes us to hesitate, pause and think before we react so that we can respond instead. This is the premise that we are not insignificant in the larger scale of the Universe, be(the)cause if we did not exist the overall result of what we consider to be the Universe would not be the same definition we have of it since we would not be part of it.  This is the principle that keeps us up at night trying to problem solve the best resolution to the difficult choice we must make. Each action creates a different chain of reactions in response to what issued forth initially catalyzing the cause.

The Principle of Gender

Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes.

Gender and polarity are often points of confusion. Although gender is an aspect of polarity it is a dynamic point of differentiation in its own right. Gender spans more than the physical dissimilarities that separate a man from a woman. Its energetic principle is one of expansion and contraction moving in a rhythmic force of release and receipt. On the Qabalistic Tree of Life the Pillar that provides Form is the Feminine Gender. This is the gender of receipt, contraction and boundary. The Pillar that provides Force is that of the Masculine. This is the gender of release, expansion and expulsion of formlessness. Both working rhythmically are the necessary actions for the eventual manifestation in Malkuth, the physical world. It is the container of the feminine egg that receives the insemination of the masculine sperm; the two quickening into the first stirrings of human life. In Conclusion: We don’t have to look too far to find these principles running through every level of our existence. Recognizing them is just the first step. As we explore their deeper meanings, formulate our own definitions and begin to apply the dynamics of their energies, the magick and mysteries of our place in the mind of the All will begin to reveal itself affirming that we are co-creators in the Great Work. In the next post we will begin the process of looking with deeper scrutiny at the individual Laws and their inherent impact and interaction with one another.

Next Post: Chapters 3, Mental Transmutation and Chapter 4, The All

Reference: 1. Excerpted in part from the post: The Universal Laws of the Kybalion (The Magickal Pen)

Resource:

If you would like to follow along, this text may be purchased at Amazon or is available free on line at: The Internet Sacred Text Archive

 

5.1.2014- A note from one of my friends that The Kybalion, as well as several other books can be downloaded from Itunes for those of you with IPads!