On the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans and Assyrians - Softcover

Iamblichus

Softcover

ISBN 10: 188456464X ISBN 13: 9781884564642

Publisher: Sema Institute, 2006

Synopsis

This volume, On the Mysteries, by Iamblichus (Abamun) is a unique form or scripture out of the Ancient Egyptian religious tradition. It is written in a form that is not usual or which is not usually found in the remnants of Ancient Egyptian scriptures. It is in the form of teacher and disciple, much like the Eastern scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita or the Upanishads. This form of writing may not have been necessary in Ancient times, because the format of teaching in Egypt was different prior to the conquest period by the Persians, Assyrians, Greeks and later the Romans. The question and answer format can be found but such extensive discourses and corrections of misunderstandings within the context of a teacher - disciple relationship is not usual. It therefore provides extensive insights into the times when it was written and the state of practice of Ancient Egyptian and other mystery religions. This has important implications for our times because we are today, as in the Greco-Roman period, also besieged with varied religions and new age philosophies as well as social strife and war. How can we understand our times and also make sense of the forest of spiritual traditions? How can we cut through the cacophony of religious fanaticism, and ignorance as well as misconceptions about the mysteries on the other in order to discover the true purpose of religion and the secret teachings that open up the mysteries of life and the way to enlightenment and immortality? This book, which comes to us from so long ago, offers us transcendental wisdom that applied to the world two thousand years ago as well as our world today.

About this title

Book Description:

Taylor's translation of Iamblichus' Greek text into English was first published in 1821. The Syrian-born Iamblichus (third century) is considered one of the great Neoplatonist philosophers. In this work, divided into 10 sections, he gives a complete canon of pagan religious thought and belief and explains their background.

About the Author:

The translator of this work, Thomas Taylor, is known for his authoritative translations of the Platonists; he was practically the sole source of Neo-Platonic thought in the transcendentalist movement of New England. Iamblichus' "Life of Pythagoras" was a constant source of inspiration to the transcendentalists and a major influence on their writings throughout the Nineteenth Century. Taylor's work was enthusiastically acclaimed by Emerson, who referred to the translator as "a Greek born out of his time, and dropped on the ridicule of a blind and frivolous age."

About this edition

• Publisher: Sema Institute
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 188456464X
• ISBN 13: 9781884564642
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 403