The Way of Hermes: New Translations of The Corpus Hermeticum and The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius - Softcover

Clement Salaman; Dorine Van Oyen; William D. Wharton; Jean-Pierre Mahe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0892811862 ISBN 13: 9780892811861

Publisher: Inner Traditions, 2004

Synopsis

Paperback edition of the recent translation of the esoteric masterpiece, including the first English translation of The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius

· A resource for scholars and religious seekers alike

· The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius provides new insights into the actual workings of the gnostic spiritual path

The Corpus Hermeticum, a powerful fusion of Greek and Egyptian thought, is one of the cornerstones of the Western esoteric tradition. A collection of short philosophical treatises, it was written in Greek between the first and third centuries C.E. and translated into Latin during the Renaissance by the great scholar and philosopher Marsilio Ficino. These treatises were central to the spiritual work of hermetic societies in Late Antique Alexandria (200-700 C.E.) and aimed to awaken gnosis, the direct realization of the unity of the individual and the Supreme.

In addition to this new translation of The Corpus Hermeticum, which seeks to reflect the inspirational intent of the original, The Way of Hermes includes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered manuscript of The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius, a collection of aphorisms used by the hermetic student to strengthen the mind during meditation. With the proper mental orientation, a state of pure perception can be achieved in which the true face of God appears. This document is of enormous value to the contemporary student of gnostic studies for its insights into the actual workings of this spiritual path.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY

“The excellence of the soul is understanding; for the man who understands is conscious, devoted, and already godlike.”
Hermes to Tat

“My discourse leads to the truth; the mind is great and guided by this teaching is able to arrive at some understanding. When the mind has understood all things and found them to be in harmony with what has been expounded by the teachings, it is faithful and comes to rest in that beautiful faith.”
Hermes to Asclepius

The Corpus Hermeticum, a powerful fusion of Greek and Egyptian thought, is one of the cornerstones of the Western esoteric tradition. A collection of short philosophical treatises, it was written in Greek between the first and third centuries A.D. and translated into Latin during the Renaissance by the great scholar and philosopher Marsilio Ficino. These writings, believed to be the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, were central to the spiritual work of Hermetic societies in Late Antique Alexandria (200-700 A.D.), and aimed to awaken gnosis, the direct realization of the unity of the individual and the Supreme.
 
In addition to this new translation of The Corpus Hermeticum, which seeks to reflect the inspirational intent of the original, The Way of Hermes includes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered manuscript of The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius, a collection of aphorisms used by the hermetic student to strengthen the mind during meditation. With the proper mental orientation, a state of pure perception can be achieved in which the true face of God appears. This document is of enormous value to the contemporary student of gnostic studies for its insights into the actual workings of this spiritual path.

CLEMENT SALAMAN is the editor of the English translation of The Letters of Marsilio Ficino. DORINE VAN OYEN is a lecturer on Hermetic studies in Amsterdam. WILLIAM D. WHARTON teaches Classical history, languages, and philosophy in Boston. JEAN-PIERRE MAHE is Correspondent of the Acad魩e des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, Paris.

About the Author:

Clement Salaman is the editor of the English translation of The Letters of Marsilio Ficino. Dorine van Oyen is a lecturer on hermetic studies in Amsterdam. William D. Wharton teaches classical history, languages, and philosophy in Boston. Jean-Pierre Mahé is correspondent of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, Paris.

About this edition

• Publisher: Inner Traditions
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0892811862
• ISBN 13: 9780892811861
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 132