Intitiation into the Philosophy of Plato

PLATO is an exponent in the West of the ancient Tradition that goes back to Orpheus, and he is regarded as the father of Western Philosophy. While over the centuries the concept of philosophy has become an exercise of the empirical mind which can offer only opinions, not Truth, Plato’s philosophy (love of learning-wisdom-knowledge) is of an initiatory order. It is a conversion to Being, an initiation into the supreme Good.In the study of Plato’s thought there have been various interpretations. These can be ascribed to two fundamental approaches: one focusing on Plato’s “writing”, the other on the “oral” essence of Plato’s teaching. In this book, going beyond these two approaches, RAPHAEL offers an introduction to Plato’s thought aimed at ‘realizing’ Plato’s teaching about being a real philosopher, “one who sees the Whole”, while leaving the task of meditating on Plato’s texts to the reader. Raphael also draws a comparison between Plato and Shankara, the codifier of Advaita Vedanta, suggesting that there is only one universal Tradition of the Mysteries. Finally, he sheds light on how Plato’s philosophy is meant to transform man and society. In this sense, approaching Plato’s teaching with sacred humility and due aspiration will benefit the disciple who seeks realization.