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THE KYBALION - A Study Guide For Hermetic Philosophy - Full esoteric audiobook w/ Text + Images

Altrusian Grace Media・171 minutes read

The text explores the Hermetic philosophy, teachings of Hermes Trismagistus, mental transmutation, and the Hermetic principles like mentalism and correspondence. It emphasizes mastery, the mental nature of the universe, understanding the All, spiritual development, and the laws of rhythm, polarity, and gender in the mental and spiritual realms.

Insights

  • Hermetic philosophy, attributed to Hermes Trismagistus, has influenced various religions and philosophies globally, with teachings guarded by select initiates.
  • Hermes' teachings emphasize mental mastery over material elements, with the legend of the philosopher's stone symbolizing this concept.
  • The Kabalian serves as a key to understanding Hermetic teachings, emphasizing the importance of students benefiting from its doctrines.
  • The seven Hermetic principles, including Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender, form the foundation of Hermetic philosophy.
  • Mental transmutation, rooted in Hermeticism, allows control over material and mental conditions, with mental power recognized as a significant force.
  • The All, the fundamental reality behind the universe, is eternal and omnipresent, with the universe being a mental creation held within its infinite mind.
  • Mastery involves using higher forces against lower ones, transmuting the undesirable into the worthy, and understanding the paradox of the universe resulting from the principle of polarity.

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Recent questions

  • What is the core teaching of the Hermetic philosophy?

    The core teaching of the Hermetic philosophy revolves around the idea that all is mind, with the universe being mental. This principle emphasizes the mental nature of the universe and the laws that govern it. According to Hermeticism, mental transmutation can change conditions along the lines of matter, force, and mind, granting control over physical and mental elements. The Hermetic teachings also stress the importance of mastering mental states and conditions, akin to alchemical transformations, to achieve higher levels of consciousness and understanding.

  • How does the Hermetic philosophy view the universe?

    The Hermetic philosophy views the universe as a mental creation of the All, an infinite living mind that transcends mortal conceptions of life and mind. The All is described as eternal, infinite, immutable, and omnipresent, existing everywhere and in all things. The universe, held within the mind of the All, is considered a mental construct akin to how individuals create mentally without external materials. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness of all phenomena in the universe and the importance of understanding the mental nature of creation.

  • What are the seven Hermetic principles?

    The seven Hermetic principles are Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. These principles form the foundation of Hermetic teachings, guiding individuals on the path to mastery and understanding of the universe. Mentalism asserts that all is mind, while Correspondence highlights the harmony between laws and phenomena on different planes. Vibration explains the constant motion and energy in the universe, while Polarity emphasizes the duality and transmutation of opposites. Rhythm describes the cyclical nature of existence, Cause and Effect underlines the interconnectedness of events, and Gender manifests in all aspects of creation.

  • How does the principle of mentalism relate to modern science?

    The principle of mentalism, a core teaching of Hermetic philosophy, aligns with modern science's understanding of the universe as material or energy-based. Mental power is recognized as a significant natural force that can revolutionize life and practice. Mental transmutation, changing mental conditions akin to alchemical transformations, allows individuals to control material and mental elements. By acknowledging the mental nature of the universe and the power of mental states, individuals can influence their environment and achieve higher levels of consciousness.

  • What is the significance of understanding mental gender in Hermetic philosophy?

    Understanding mental gender in Hermetic philosophy is crucial for self-awareness, mental influence, and spiritual development. The concept of mental gender distinguishes between the masculine and feminine aspects of the mind, equating the masculine with willful and conscious elements, and the feminine with creative and subconscious aspects. By recognizing and harmonizing these principles within oneself, individuals can manifest personal magnetism, influence, and self-mastery. Mental gender also plays a role in psychic phenomena and mental influence, allowing for intelligent classification and study of mental states and vibrations.

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Summary

00:00

"Hermetic Philosophy: Master Key to Mystery"

  • The text is a study of the Hermetic philosophy of ancient Egypt and Greece by three initiates, narrated by Matthew Schmitz.
  • It presents the purpose of reconciling various occult knowledge fragments and providing a master key to open inner doors in the temple of mystery.
  • The Hermetic teachings, attributed to Hermes Trismagistus, have influenced various religions and philosophies worldwide.
  • Hermes is considered the master of masters in occultism, with his teachings forming the basis of esoteric knowledge across different lands.
  • The Hermetic teachings have been closely guarded and passed down through generations by a select few initiates.
  • The Hermetic philosophy originated in ancient Egypt, with Hermes Trismagistus being revered as the scribe of the gods and the thrice great.
  • Hermes' teachings were veiled in secrecy, with the principle of milk for babes, meat for strong men guiding their dissemination.
  • The Hermetic teachings were not tied to any specific country or religion to prevent the secret doctrine from becoming a rigid creed.
  • The Hermetic philosophy emphasizes mental mastery over material elements, with the legend of the philosopher's stone symbolizing this concept.
  • The Kabalian, a compilation of basic Hermetic doctrines, serves as a key to understanding the occult teachings, veiled in obscure terms for the uninitiated.

19:37

The Kabalian: Hermetic Principles for Mastery

  • The original maxims, axioms, and precepts of the Kabalian are printed in italics, with proper credit given. Our own work is printed regularly.
  • The Kabalian emphasizes the importance of students benefiting from its teachings, following the path to mastery since the times of Hermes Trismegistus.
  • Chapter two introduces the seven Hermetic principles: Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender.
  • The Principle of Mentalism states that all is mind, with the universe being mental, explaining the mental nature of the universe and the laws of the mental universe.
  • The Principle of Correspondence highlights the correspondence between laws and phenomena on various planes, aiding in understanding hidden secrets of nature.
  • The Principle of Vibration asserts that everything is in motion and vibration, from the highest spirit to the grossest form of matter.
  • The Principle of Polarity explains that everything is dual, with opposites being identical in nature but different in degree, allowing for the transmutation of evil into good.
  • The Principle of Rhythm states that everything has its tides, with a pendulum-like movement, a flow and inflow, and a rise and fall, with the hermits finding ways to overcome its effects.
  • The Principle of Cause and Effect emphasizes that every cause has an effect and every effect has a cause, with nothing happening by chance, and the hermits understanding how to rise above ordinary cause and effect.
  • The Principle of Gender asserts that gender is manifested in everything, with masculine and feminine principles at work on all planes, essential for creation and regeneration.

40:35

Mental Transmutation: Hermetic Philosophy and Practice

  • Hermetic philosophy warns against lustful teachings that degrade the natural principle of gender, leading to ruin of mind, body, and soul.
  • Mental transmutation involves changing mental states, similar to alchemy transforming metals, and is a mental art rooted in Hermeticism.
  • Ancient Egyptians possessed comprehensive knowledge of astronomy, chemistry, and psychology, which modern science is slowly verifying.
  • Mental transmutation, changing mental conditions, is a form of practical mystic psychology, allowing control over material and mental conditions.
  • The principle of mentalism states that the universe is mental, and mental transmutation can change conditions along the lines of matter, force, and mind.
  • Mental transmutation grants control over physical conditions, such as natural elements, for advanced mental alchemists.
  • Mental transmutation operates on the mental plane, allowing for the transmutation of mental states and conditions, affecting oneself and others.
  • The Hermetic principle underlying mental transmutation is the basis for various practices like mental science, new thought phenomena, and psychic science.
  • The All, the substantial reality behind the universe, is eternal, infinite, immutable, and omnipresent, beyond human comprehension.
  • The All is the fundamental truth, existing everywhere and in all things, eternal, infinite, immutable, and absolute, with nothing existing outside of it.

01:00:34

"Reconciling Christian Science and Hermetic Philosophy"

  • The text discusses the reconciliation of Christian Science and Hermetic philosophy, emphasizing that matter is not the ultimate source of life and mind.
  • Modern science views matter as interrupted energy or force, leading to the abandonment of the theory of matter in favor of energy.
  • The All is described as infinite living mind, transcending mortal conceptions of life and mind, often referred to as Spirit.
  • The universe is held in the mind of the All, which is described as Spirit, representing the highest form of living mind.
  • The universe is a mental creation of the All, akin to how man creates mentally, without using external materials or reproducing itself.
  • The principle of gender is manifested on all planes of life, with the masculine and feminine aspects representing the creation process.
  • The All is above gender and all other laws, but when manifesting on lower planes, it follows the principle of gender in creation.
  • The universe is a mental creation of the All, existing within its infinite mind, with countless universes created and existing for aeons.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the universe as a mental creation of the All, with the principle of correspondence aiding in comprehension.
  • Mastery involves using higher forces against lower ones, transmuting the undesirable into the worthy, and understanding the paradox of the universe resulting from the principle of polarity.

01:19:53

"The All's Mental Creation: Absolute vs. Relative"

  • The universe is a mental creation of the All, with two poles of truth: absolute and relative.
  • Hermetic teachings emphasize the law of paradox, cautioning against half-truths and the error of omitting the other side of any question.
  • The universe is considered an illusion from the absolute viewpoint, contrasting with the All's nature.
  • Matter, though perceived as real, is ultimately an aggregation of atoms and units of force vibrating and in constant motion.
  • The mental images created in the mind of the infinite are very real to finite minds, existing on various planes of being.
  • The laws of the universe, though mental creations, are iron laws that govern all except the All.
  • The Hermetic principle of mentalism aligns with modern science's understanding of the universe as material or energy-based.
  • Mentalism recognizes mental power as a significant natural force, revolutionizing life and practice.
  • Mastery involves using higher forces against lower ones, transmuting the undesirable into the worthy.
  • The true meaning of life involves living up to one's best potential, following the path of wisdom and avoiding the folly of the half-wise.

01:38:22

"The Hermetic Teaching: Universe's Mental Nature"

  • The Hermetic teaching reveals the universe's mental nature, held in the mind of the All, with the concept that "all is in the All" and "the All is in all."
  • The principle of correspondence is illustrated to explain how the All is imminent in every part of the universe, akin to a creator being present within their creation.
  • The law of paradox clarifies the relationship between the All and its mental universe, emphasizing the dual nature of existence.
  • The process of mental creation of the universe involves the All projecting its will to begin creation, leading to involution and evolution stages.
  • The outpouring of divine energy initiates creation, followed by the in-drawing stage where individualization occurs, leading to the return of developed units of life to the source.
  • The Hermetic teachings describe the process of evolution as the All awakening from meditation, starting the manifestation of material, mental, and spiritual planes.
  • Spiritual development is defined as recognizing, realizing, and manifesting the spirit within oneself, leading to advancement in the spiritual scale of life.
  • The question of why the All creates universes remains unanswered, with various speculations suggesting motives like love, pleasure, or manifestation of power.
  • The All is seen as acting freely, without internal or external influence, with its actions being its own reason, law, and act.
  • The principle of correspondence highlights the harmony and correspondence between the physical, mental, and spiritual planes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all phenomena in the universe.

01:57:39

Degrees of Life: Mental, Higher, Physical Planes

  • The three great planes represent different degrees of life manifestation: mental, higher mental, and physical.
  • A plane is not a physical place but a degree of dimension in a scale of vibration.
  • The fourth dimension is the dimension of vibration, determining the degrees or planes based on rates of motion.
  • The higher the rate of vibration, the higher the plane and manifestation of life.
  • The three great planes are not actual divisions but arbitrary terms aiding in the study of universal activity.
  • The great physical plane includes all related to physics, matter, and energy, classified under energy by Hermetic philosophy.
  • The seven minor physical planes include matter a, b, c, ethereal substance, and various forms of energy.
  • The plane of energy a includes heat, light, magnetism, electricity, and other forms of energy.
  • The plane of energy b comprises higher forms of energy not yet discovered by science, essential for certain mental phenomena.
  • The plane of energy c contains energy highly organized, almost divine, available only to beings of the spiritual plane.

02:16:45

"Hermitists explore spiritual planes and vibrations"

  • Advanced souls have chosen to help the race progress rather than be absorbed by the universe, but they are still subject to its conditions and are mortal.
  • Only the most advanced hermitists can understand the inner teachings about spiritual planes, which are higher than mental planes and difficult to describe.
  • The term "spirit" for hermitists refers to living power, essence of life, and inner essence, distinct from its common religious connotations.
  • Spiritual power can be used for good or evil, following the principle of polarity recognized by many religions.
  • Misuse of high spiritual powers leads to a fall back into material existence, with a lingering memory of lost spiritual heights.
  • Fallen angels legends reflect the reality of souls losing spiritual balance due to selfish power-seeking on spiritual planes.
  • The principle of correspondence, "as above, so below," applies to all planes, physical, mental, and spiritual, with all seven hermetic principles in operation.
  • The principle of vibration, the third hermetic principle, states that everything in the universe is in constant motion and vibration.
  • Matter and energy are forms of vibratory motion, with different rates and modes of vibration creating the diversity of manifestations.
  • Mental states, thoughts, emotions, and desires all have corresponding vibrations that can affect others through induction, leading to phenomena like telepathy and mental influence.

02:35:40

"Universal Laws of Polarity and Rhythm"

  • The principle of polarity teaches that opposites can be reconciled, with thesis and antithesis being identical but varying in degree.
  • Spirit and matter are two poles of the same thing, with intermediate planes representing different degrees of vibration.
  • Heat and cold are identical in nature, with the difference being a matter of degrees shown on a thermometer.
  • Light and darkness, love and hate, courage and fear, and other pairs of opposites exist with countless degrees between them.
  • Mental states can be transmuted by changing their polarity along the lines of polarization.
  • Mental influence can be achieved by inducing a certain mental state in another person, changing their polarity in that class of mental states.
  • The principle of rhythm, closely connected with polarity, manifests as a measured motion, a flow and inflow, a pendulum-like movement, and a tide-like ebb and flow.
  • Rhythm is universal, applying to physical, mental, and spiritual planes, with manifestations in the creation and destruction of worlds, rise and fall of nations, and mental states of man.
  • The law of neutralization allows individuals to rise above the swing of the rhythmic pendulum on the unconscious plane, avoiding being affected by negative swings.
  • The law of compensation, part of the principle of rhythm, counterbalances swings to the right with swings to the left, ensuring a measure of compensation in all phenomena.

02:53:47

Law of Compensation: Balancing Pleasure and Pain

  • The swing to the left rhythm compensates the law of compensation, where movement in one direction leads to movement in the opposite direction or pole, balancing each other out.
  • Examples on the physical plane include the pendulum of a clock swinging equally left and right, seasons balancing, and tides following the same law.
  • Objects hurled upwards return to the same height, showcasing the law's consistency.
  • Mental states are also subject to this law, with individuals experiencing pleasure and pain in balance based on their temperament.
  • The law of compensation dictates that before enjoying pleasure, one must have experienced a proportionate degree of pain.
  • The law extends to the lives of individuals, where possessions or lacks are balanced, and everything has both pleasant and unpleasant aspects.
  • The law of compensation ensures that one generally pays a price for what they possess or lack, maintaining balance.
  • The law operates in all aspects of life, ensuring balance and counterbalance, even if it takes multiple lifetimes for the pendulum of rhythm to swing back.
  • The principle of cause and effect, a hermetic teaching, emphasizes that every cause has an effect and vice versa, with nothing happening by chance.
  • The law of cause and effect underlies all scientific thought, with disputes mainly focusing on operational details rather than the principle itself.

03:11:56

Hermetic Philosophy: Gender and Creative Principles

  • The Hermetic teachings emphasize that everything embodies masculine and feminine principles, with gender manifesting on all planes of existence.
  • Gender, as per Hermetic philosophy, is distinct from sex, with gender referring to creation and production, while sex pertains to physical distinctions.
  • Scientifically, the principle of gender is evident in the clustering of negative corpuscles around positive ones to form atoms, aligning with ancient Hermetic teachings.
  • The so-called negative pole in electricity, now termed cathode, is the source of new forms and energies, contrary to its misleading name.
  • Feminine corpuscles detach from masculine ones to create new atoms, showcasing the principle of gender in action.
  • The union of feminine and masculine corpuscles results in the birth of a new atom, with the feminine principle driving the creative process.
  • The principle of gender operates on all planes, with both masculine and feminine energies necessary for creative work.
  • In the mental realm, the Hermetic philosophy discusses mental gender, equating the masculine mind with the objective and conscious aspects, and the feminine mind with the subjective and subconscious elements.
  • The Hermetic teachings prompt students to introspect and recognize the duality of the mind, distinguishing between the "I" and the "me" aspects within consciousness.
  • By understanding the nature of the "me" as composed of feelings, habits, and bodily consciousness, individuals can gain insights into mental influence and self-awareness.

03:30:18

"Mental Gender: Unveiling the Self Within"

  • The student learns to separate the concept of "me" from the physical body, identifying it more with mental states and feelings within.
  • Through mental effort, the student can change internal feelings and states, realizing that the "me" remains constant.
  • After a process of mental concentration and analysis, the student can set aside personal mental states and belongings into a separate mental collection.
  • The student discovers a dual aspect of the self - the "me" as a mental womb capable of generating mental offspring, and the "I" as the willful aspect able to witness and direct mental creations.
  • The "I" and "me" represent the masculine and feminine principles of mental gender, with the "I" being the active will and the "me" the creative aspect.
  • The feminine principle receives impressions and generates mental creations, while the masculine principle energizes and directs the creative process.
  • Many individuals rely heavily on the feminine principle, allowing external influences to shape their thoughts and actions.
  • Strong individuals manifest the masculine principle, dominating their own minds and influencing others through their willpower.
  • Personal magnetism and influence stem from the harmonious coordination of the masculine and feminine principles in one's mind.
  • Understanding mental gender, vibration, and suggestion is crucial in comprehending psychic phenomena and mental influence, allowing for intelligent classification and study.

03:48:32

Mastering Mental Alchemy: The Hermetic Principles

  • Mental transmutation involves changing one's mental state and polarity, following the Hermetic axiom that mind, like metals and elements, can be transformed from one state to another. Mastery of polarization is crucial for mental alchemy, allowing individuals to affect their environment by changing their own polarity and that of others through study and practice.
  • The principle of rhythm, as explained by the Hermitis, involves the swing of the mental pendulum between different moods and emotions. By polarizing on the higher self and rising to a higher plane of consciousness, individuals can overcome the operation of rhythm and remain steadfast in their positive polarity.
  • Self-mastery involves refusing to be swayed by mood swings and emotions, affirming one's superiority and staying polarized on the positive pole. By understanding and applying the law of counterbalance, individuals can maintain equilibrium and overcome the lower laws of cause and effect.
  • Advanced Hermitis rise to a higher plane of causation through the practice of polarization, enabling them to counterbalance the laws of lower planes and become causes instead of being merely caused. By mastering their moods and feelings, they can escape the influence of external causes and become players in the game of life instead of pawns.
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