In all theurgic rites there is a double character put forward; the one as a human being, the other as participating of a superior nature and exalted to the order of divinities. In the former, the priest makes the invocation as a man and supplicates the superior beings; in the other, he commands the powers of the universe, for through the ineffable symbols, he is in some manner invested with the sacred character of the gods.
Iamblichus, Theurgia
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Math and Myth
This is an update of my previous definitions of math and myth. It's interesting to see the progress of my definitions over time.
Mathematics is the journey from matter to spirit.
Myth is the record of the sequence of events along that journey.
Mathematics is the journey from matter to spirit.
Myth is the record of the sequence of events along that journey.
A Way Back
The universe is a fact.
Or is it?
Perhaps it is rather an eventuality -- an eventuality of certain facts or principles upon which it stands.
Science is an endeavor to gain understanding -- precisely the study of what stands under this eventuality we call the universe. The universe is then seen as an eventuality of certain ethereal principles that have no basis in the reality accessible through our 5 senses.
For example, "extension" is known as "line" and has no counterpart in 5-sense experience. It is rather a principle, a fact, and because it is a fact, it is actually more real than any material object -- because it is a cause of, rather than an effect of, the sphere of existence called matter.
"Singularity" is known as "point" and has no counterpart in 5 sense experience. It is, rather, a principle, a fact, and because it is a fact it is actually more real than any of its effects in the sphere of existence called matter.
Or is it?
Perhaps it is rather an eventuality -- an eventuality of certain facts or principles upon which it stands.
Science is an endeavor to gain understanding -- precisely the study of what stands under this eventuality we call the universe. The universe is then seen as an eventuality of certain ethereal principles that have no basis in the reality accessible through our 5 senses.
For example, "extension" is known as "line" and has no counterpart in 5-sense experience. It is rather a principle, a fact, and because it is a fact, it is actually more real than any material object -- because it is a cause of, rather than an effect of, the sphere of existence called matter.
"Singularity" is known as "point" and has no counterpart in 5 sense experience. It is, rather, a principle, a fact, and because it is a fact it is actually more real than any of its effects in the sphere of existence called matter.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Math is Myth
I do not mean that mathematics should be discredited -- quite the contrary.
Mathematics is the philosophic contemplation of sublime truths.
Mythology is the objectification of man's inner life, his inner experience.
Both consequently involve the unfolding of man's spiritual self into his conscious awareness -- the very point and purpose of human life.
Math is myth.
Mathematics is the philosophic contemplation of sublime truths.
Mythology is the objectification of man's inner life, his inner experience.
Both consequently involve the unfolding of man's spiritual self into his conscious awareness -- the very point and purpose of human life.
Math is myth.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Questions
What if we're actually 'bigger' than our conscious minds?
What if we're actually 'bigger' than our physical bodies?
In other words, what if these realities are only a PART of who we are?
If so, the rapture of the theatre, of music, even of a good T.V. program, would represent a welcome repose from our conscious minds.
If so, then sleep, one of our most vital daily rituals, would represent a welcome repose from the equally encumbering influence of our physical bodies.
What if we're actually 'bigger' than our physical bodies?
In other words, what if these realities are only a PART of who we are?
If so, the rapture of the theatre, of music, even of a good T.V. program, would represent a welcome repose from our conscious minds.
If so, then sleep, one of our most vital daily rituals, would represent a welcome repose from the equally encumbering influence of our physical bodies.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Jesus: Who Understands These?
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
- Luke 22:36
- He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Monday, March 02, 2009
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