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The present volume, first published at the close of World War II, and based on a series of articles on initiation originally written between 1932 and 1938 for Le Voile d'Isis (later renamed tudes Traditionnelles), is unique in giving a comprehensive account both of the conditions of initiation and of the characteristics of organizations qualified to transmit it. Gu non's distinction between the initiatic and the mystical paths-the first requiring a formal relationship with a master, a set of show more specific contemplative techniques, and a chain-of-transmission stretching back to the origin of the tradition in question, the second generally lacking these elements-led to some controversy between those who accept this distinction and others who believe that initiatory and mystical spirituality are one and the same. The book presents such central principles as the dangers and barrenness of syncretism, the often dire consequences of fostering 'psychic powers', and the superiority of sacerdotal initiation (into the Greater Mysteries) over 'royal' initiation (into the Lesser Mysteries), though both are necessary parts of the initiatic path. This last point precisely defines the rift between Gu non and Julius Evola, whose elevation of royal initiation over sacerdotal must be seen, according to Gu non's criteria, as a modern-day echo of the ancient revolt of the warrior caste against the priestly one. Whoever follows Gu non's argument will realize that a romantic warrior mysticism held no fascination for him, and is in fact explicitly contrary to his principles. But pre-eminently, Perspectives on Initiation provides indispensable points of reference for anyone attempting to distinguish between 'initiatic', 'pseudo-initiatic', and 'countert-initiatic' spiritualities in these profoundly uncertain times. show lessTags
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158+ Works 3,058 Members
Rene Guenon (1886-1951) was one of the founders of the Perennialist or Traditionalist school of comparative religious thought. In a time of unquestioning belief in the dogmas of progress and evolution, Guenon issued a devastating critique of the modern world. A pioneering philosopher and orientalist, he also provided the intellectual keys for a show more reclamation of the West's spiritual riches through an exposition of the Eastern metaphysical doctrines. show less
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- Considerazioni sull'iniziazione
- Original title
- Aperçus sur l'Initiation
- Alternate titles
- Beschouwingen omtrent de inwijding
- Original publication date
- 1946
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
- Genres
- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy
- DDC/MDS
- 291.38 — Religion Other religions [Formerly: General Religious Topics] [formerly: Public worship and other practices. Relocated to 203] Formerly: Ritual. Relocated to 203.8]
- LCC
- BL615 .G7913 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Religions. Mythology. Rationalism Religions. Mythology. Rationalism Worship. Cultus
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 78
- Popularity
- 407,053
- Rating
- (4.50)
- Languages
- English, French, Italian, Spanish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 9
