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theology

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human characteristics, emotions, or form to the divine; embodied divine imagery.

1,321 passages · 19 traditions
egyptian: 279 passagesegyptian279finnic: 219 passagesfinnic219greek_mystery: 173 passagesgreek_mystery173gnosticism: 122 passagesgnosticism122neoplatonism: 107 passagesneoplatonism107christian_mysticism: 68 passageschristian_mysticism68western_esoteric: 63 passageswestern_esoteric63jewish_mysticism: 48 passagesjewish_mysticism48mesopotamian: 48 passagesmesopotamian48celtic: 46 passagesceltic46platonism: 31 passagesplatonism31mandaean: 30 passagesmandaean30norse: 23 passagesnorse23renaissance_hermeticism: 21 passagesrenaissance_hermeticism21hermeticism: 20 passageshermeticism20taoism: 8 passagestaoism8zoroastrianism: 8 passageszoroastrianism8sufism: 6 passagessufism6buddhism: 1 passagebuddhism1
egyptian279
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 4 (part 17)
will show that about three-fourths of the whole may be found in the monuments of his ancestors. What principle guided each king in the selection of his texts, or whether the additions in each represent religious developments, it is impossi…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 4 (part 26)
The Chapter of not going in to the divine block a second time. Vignette: A man standing with his back to the block.[1] Chapter LI. The Chapter of not walking upside down in the underworld. Vignette: A man standing. Chapter LII.* The Cha…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 5 (part 1)
THE LEGEND OF OSIRIS. The main features of the Egyptian religion constant. The chief features of the Egyptian religion remained unchanged from the Vth and VIth dynasties down to the period when the Egyptians embraced Christianity, after t…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 6 (part 1)
THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL LIFE. Egyptian belief in a future life. The doctrine of eternal life in the VIth dynasty. The ideas and beliefs which the Egyptians held in reference to a future existence are not readily to be defined, owing to t…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 10 (part 3)
Lanzone, op. cit., tav. 336, No. 3.] {p. cx } scarabs which are found in tombs of all ages in Egypt, and also in the Greek islands and settlements in the Mediterranean, and in Phœnicia, Syria, and elsewhere. The seat of the god Kheper…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 10 (part 9)
De Iside et Osiride , § 14. 2. See Lanzone, op. cit. , p. 65. 3 Pyramid of Unas , l. 187. 4 See Le Nom antique de la Grande-Oasis (in Journal Asiatique , IX e Série, to i., pp. 233-40). 6 ###. Pyramid of Unas, l. 439.] {p. cxv…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 10 (part 18)
The charms against serpents in the pyramid texts of the Vth and VIth dynasties have their equivalents in the XXXIst and XXXIIIrd Chapters of the Book of the Dead, which are found on coffins of the XIth and XIIth dynasties;[2] and in the XVI…”
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 11 (part 1)
THE PRINCIPAL GEOGRAPHICAL AND MYTHOLOGICAL PLACES IN THE BOOK OF THE DEAD. Abtu , the Abydos of the Greeks (Strabo, XVII., i., 42), the capital of the eighth nome of Upper Egypt. It was the seat of the worship of Osiris, and from this fa…”
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finnic219
The Kalevala | Rune Ia
OF WAINAMOINEN. In primeval times, a maiden, Beauteous Daughter of the Ether, Passed for ages her existence In the great expanse of heaven, O'er the prairies yet enfolded. Wearisome the maiden growing, Her existence sad and hopeless, Thus…”
The Kalevala | Rune Ib
Surely would the winds destroy it, Far away the waves would wash it." Then the daughter of the Ether, Now the hapless water-mother, Raised her shoulders out of water, Raised her knees above the ocean, That the duck might build her dwelling,…”
The Kalevala | Rune Ic
Wainamoinen, old and trusty, Lingering within his dungeon Thirty summers altogether, And of winters, also thirty, Peaceful on the waste of waters, On the broad-sea's yielding bosom, Well reflected, long considered, How unborn to live and fl…”
The Kalevala | Rune IIa
'S SOWING. Then arose old Wainamoinen, With his feet upon the island, On the island washed by ocean, Broad expanse devoid of verdure; There remained be many summers, There he lived as many winters, On the island vast and vacant, well consi…”
The Kalevala | Rune IIb
Wainamoinen, old and trusty, Thought awhile, and well considered, How to kill the mighty oak-tree, First created for his pleasure, How to fell the tree majestic, How to lop its hundred branches. Sad the lives of man and hero, Sad the homes…”
The Kalevala | Rune IIc
Straightway to the oak-tree turning, Thither stalks the mighty giant, In his raiment long and roomy, Flapping in the winds of heaven; With his second step he totters On the land of darker color; With his third stop firmly planted, Reaches h…”
The Kalevala | Rune IId
Down from heaven came the eagle, Through the air be came a-flying, That he might this thing consider; And he spake the words that follow: "Wherefore, ancient Wainamoinen, Hast thou left the slender birch-tree, Left the birch-tree only stand…”
The Kalevala | Rune IIe
Here a few days pass unnoted And as many nights fly over. When the seventh day had journeyed, On the morning of the eighth day, Wainamoinen, wise and ancient, Went to view his crop of barley, How his plowing, how his sowing, How his labors…”
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greek_mystery173
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 5 (part 4)
Now Nature is called in these hymns, or rather initiations πολυμήχανε μῆτερ, or much-mechanic Mother, and παντοτεχνεσ or universal Artist; and Minerva is denominated μητερ τεχνῶν, or Mother of Arts. Likewise Nature is expressly called ἀθαν…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 5 (part 6)
Sebazius and Jupiter evidently agree, for Sebazius is expressly called ὐι# ( ) Κρονυ, son of Saturn. And Amphietus is celebrated as moving in concert with the circling hours, Ἐυάζων κινῶν τε χορῦσ ἐνὶ κυκλάσιν ὥραις which corresponds with…”
Orphic Hymns | Front Matter, p. 6 (part 1)
THE INITIATIONS OF ORPHEUS . p. 109 TO MUSÆUS * ATTEND Musæus to my sacred song, And learn what rites to sacrifice belong. Jove I invoke, the earth, and solar light, The moon's pure splendor, and the stars of night; p. 110 Thee Neptune,…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn V. PROTOGONUS, Or the FIRST-BORN (part 2)
For Phanes is not only among the intelligible Gods, but also among the intellectual ones; in the demiurgic order, and among the super-mundane and mundane Gods. And Night and Heaven in a similar manner: for the peculiarities of these are re…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn XI. HERCULES (part 1)
XI. TO HERCULES. The FUMIGATION from FRANKINCENSE. HEAR, pow'rful, Hercules untam'd and strong, To whom vast hands, and mighty works belong, Almighty Titan, prudent and benign, Of various forms, eternal and divine, Father of Time, the th…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn XII. SATURN
XII. TO SATURN. The FUMIGATION from STORAX. ETHERIAL father, mighty Titan, hear, 1 Great fire of Gods and men, whom all revere: Endu'd with various council, pure and strong, To whom perfection and decrease belong. Consum'd by thee all forms…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn XV. JUNO
XV. TO JUNO * . The FUMIGATION from AROMATICS. O Royal Juno of majestic mien, Aerial-form'd, divine, Jove's blessed queen, Thron'd in the bosom of cærulean air, The race of mortals is thy constant care. p. 141 The cooling gales thy pow'r al…”
Orphic Hymns | Hymn XVIII. THUNDRING JOVE
XVIII. TO THUNDRING JOVE. The FUMIGATION from STORAX. O Father Jove, who shak'st with fiery light The world deep-sounding from thy lofty height: From thee, proceeds th' ætherial lightning's blaze, Flashing around intolerable rays. Thy sacre…”
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gnosticism122
Gospel of Philip | Section 1d
When the child is grown, however, then the father turns over all he possesses. THE LOST Those who have gone astray are those born of the spirit. And they are usually lost because of the spirit. So from one single breath of spirit the fir…”
Gospel of Philip | Section 1e
If you say, “I am a Roman,” no one will be upset. If you say, “I am Greek, a barbarian, a slave, a freeman,” no one will be troubled. But if you say, “I am a Christian,” they will tremble. I wish I had that title. The world will not end…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 44
Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the father will be forgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven either on earth or in heaven."…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 57
Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is like a man who had good seed. His enemy came by night and sowed weeds among the good seed. The man did not allow them to pull up the weeds; he said to them, 'I am afraid that you will go intending t…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 69
Jesus said, "Blessed are they who have been persecuted within themselves. It is they who have truly come to know the father. Blessed are the hungry, for the belly of him who desires will be filled."…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTa
But it happened after that Jesus rose out of those who (are) dead, and he spent eleven years speaking with his disciples, and teaching them only as far as the Places of the First precept (Law?), and as far as the Places of the First Mystery…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTc
And all the Angels with their Archangels and with all the Powers of the Height were all hymning unto the inner part of the inner parts. So that all the earth heard their voices, not ceasing even unto the nine of the morrow. But the discip…”
Pistis Sophia | Document FIRSTd
It happened while I am sitting being distant from you [9 ] a little upon the mountain of the Olives, thinking of the arrangement of the service concerning which they sent me, that it was finished: and the Last mystery dispatched not to me m…”
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neoplatonism107
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
Hermes, the God who presides over language, was formerly very properly considered as common to all priests; and the power who presides over the true science concerning the Gods 18 is one and the same in the whole of things. Hence our ancest…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter Va
In the next place, let us direct our attention to the solution of your inquiries. There is, therefore, the good itself which is beyond essence, and there is that good which subsists according to essence; I mean the essence which is most an…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVa
After this, you pass on to another division into contraries, viz. the division of Gods with reference to dæmons. For you say, “ that the Gods are pure intellects ;” but you propose this opinion as an hypothesis, or you narrate it as a dog…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XVIIIa
Your next inquiry doubts, “ how some of the Gods are beneficent, but others malefic .” This opinion, therefore, is assumed from the predictors of nativities. It is, however, entirely remote from the truth. For all the Gods are good, and i…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIXa
In the next place, therefore, we shall answer your question, “ What it is which conjoins the Gods that have a body in the heavens with the incorporeal Gods. ” What this is, therefore, is evident from what has been before said. For 72 if t…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter XIXb
And secondary genera, indeed, remain with invariable sameness in the one of such as are primary; but the primary impart from themselves union to the secondary genera, and all of them possess in each other the communion of an indissoluble co…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter I
It is also necessary to demonstrate to you, in what dæmons, heroes, and souls differ from each other, and whether this difference is according to essence, or according to power, or according to energy. I say, therefore, that dæmons are prod…”
Iamblichus: On the Mysteries | Chapter II
It follows, therefore, that in the next place we should define the energies of them. And those of dæmons, indeed, must be surveyed as occupied about the world, and more widely extended in their effects; but those of heroes as less extended,…”
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christian_mysticism68
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 1, Section 1j
143 143 God is above Time. For the Nameless Goodness is not only the cause of cohesion or life or perfection in such wise as to derive Its Name from this or that providential activity alone; nay, rather does It contain all things beforehan…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 13, Section 1e
But be these matters as God wills 513 513 This anthropomorphic phrase is not inconsistent with the conceptions D. has been expounding; because he regards the limits of individual human capacities, etc., as timelessly existent in the Super-…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 13, Section 1f
Thus in the form “1 x 1” the first figure represents the unity underlying all numbers, the second figure represents unity as a particular number among other numbers. The first figure may thus be taken as a symbol of the Godhead, the second…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 4, Section 1k
and all things are moved by a longing for the Beautiful and Good, to accomplish every outward work and form every act of will. And true reasoning will also dare to affirm that even the Creator of all things Himself yearneth after all thing…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 4, Section 1m
See also the translator’s note on ἔρως . Ed .] And in the “Introductions’ of Scripture 310 310 ἐν ταῖς προεισαγωγαῖς τῶν λογίων. Apparently this was a title of the books ascribed to Solomon. The present reference is Wisdom viii. 2 . th…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 4, Section 1n
And the Divine Yearning brings ecstasy, not allowing them that are touched thereby to belong unto themselves but only to the objects of their affection. This principle is shown by superior things 106 through their providential care for the…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 9, Section 1a
162 CHAPTER IX Concerning ” Great ,” ” Small ,” ” Same ,” ” Different ,” ” Like ,” “ Unlike ,” ” Standing ,” ” Motion ,” ” Equality .” 1. Now , since Greatness and Smallness are ascribed to the Universal Cause, and Sameness and Difference,…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 9, Section 1c
For just as, supposing we were in thought to represent the soul itself in bodily shape, and represent this indivisible substance as surrounded by bodily parts, we should, in such a case, give the surrounding parts a different meaning suited…”
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western_esoteric63
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies Which Have Influenced Modern Masonic Symbolismp
In an oracle delivered to the King of Cyprus, Serapis described himself thus: ''A god I am such as I show to thee, The Starry Heavens are my head, my trunk the sea, Earth forms my feet, mine ears the air supplies, The Sun's far-darting, bri…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Stones, Metals and Gemse
As representing the power that fabricated the lower, or Demiurgic, sphere, the tablets of stone were sacred to Jehovah in contradistinction to the tablets of sapphire that signified the potency that established the higher, or celestial, sph…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Ceremonial Magic and Sorceryd
For the third time I asked my question and he answered, 'I am as swift as human thought.' 'You shall serve me,' I replied. This spirit was faithful for a long time, but to tell you how he served me is not possible in a document of this len…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Elements and Their Inhabitantsc
"Yet," he adds, "the Elementals are not spirits, because they have flesh, blood and bones; they live and propagate offspring; they cat and talk, act and sleep, &c., and consequently they cannot be properly called 'spirits.' They are beings…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Elements and Their Inhabitantse
The imagination of the Greeks peopled the regions of earth and sea with divinities, to whose agency it attributed the phenomena that our philosophy ascribes to the operation of natural law." Thus, in behalf of the plant it worked with, the…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Elements and Their Inhabitantsf
By this it is not meant that they themselves are of such disposition, but rather that they have special control over elements of similar consistency. The gnomes marry and have families, and the female gnomes are called gnomides . Some wea…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Elements and Their Inhabitantsg
Some inhabit waterfalls, where they can be seen in the spray; others are indigenous to swiftly moving rivers; some have their habitat in dripping, oozing fens or marshes; while other groups dwell in clear mountain lakes. According to the p…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Elements and Their Inhabitantsh
The salamanders are as varied in their grouping and arrangement as either the undines or the gnomes. There are many families of them, differing in appearance, size, and dignity. Sometimes the salamanders were visible as small balls of lig…”
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jewish_mysticism48
The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha) | 1c
And to it also pertain the following names, namely, the name) IH, Yah (whensoever it is written in full with A in this manner:) IVD HA, Yod Ha (and containeth the number of the numeral powers of the letters of the Tetragrammaton, namely, 26…”
The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha) | 1e
31: "And He was wise above every man." Because these are not classed with man. 21. (But when it is said) "And the Tetragrammaton gave him wisdom," then is understood the supernal He . (Because he gave unto him the influx of the wisdom of…”
The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha) | 1h
35: "Ye shall not do iniquity in judgment, in dimension, in weight, and in measure." (Where these four are mystically intimated.) 37. (There is one) rigorous judgment (of severity),another that is not rigorous (that is, of the kingdom). T…”
The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha) | 1i
And IVBL, Yobel , "jubilee," is H, He (the first He of the Tetragrammaton); and He is the spirit rushing forth over all (because the mother is the world to come, when in the resurrection all things will receive the spirit); and all things s…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Page 3 (part 8)
Of special interest here is the mention of the Garden of Righteousness, and the Tree of Wisdom (xxviii.-xxxvi.). Much that is written in these chapters may appear p. xxi pointless and uninspiring; but we must bear in mind the purpose that…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter I
p. 31 BOOK OF ENOCH I-XXXVI I-V. Parable of Enoch on the Future Lot of the Wicked and the Righteous CHAPTER I. 1. The words of the blessing of Enoch, wherewith he blessed the elect ⌈⌈ and ⌉⌉ righteous, who will be living in the day of tribu…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XIV (part 1)
CHAPTER XIV. 1. The book of the words of righteousness, and of the reprimand of the eternal Watchers in accordance with the command of the Holy Great One in that vision. 2. I saw in my sleep what I will now say with a tongue of flesh an…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XIV (part 2)
None of the angels could enter and could behold His face by reason of the magnificence and glory and no flesh could behold Him. 22. The flaming fire was round about Him, and a great fire stood before Him, and none around could draw nigh H…”
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mesopotamian48
Adapa and the Food of Life | Section 1a
ADAPA AND THE FOOD OF LIFE . TABLET NO.1 He possessed intelligence . . . , His command like the command of Anu ... He (Ea) granted him a wide ear to reveal the destiny of the land, He granted him wisdom, but he did not grant him eterna…”
Adapa and the Food of Life | Section 1b
Adapa, For whom art thou clad in a mourning garment?" In the country two gods have vanished; therefore am I clad In mourning garments." "Who are the two gods, who have vanished from the land?" "Tammuz and Gishzida." They looked at one anoth…”
The Descent of the Goddess Ishtar into the Lower World | Section 1a
Return to Ancient Near East index Return to Main Index DESCENT OF THE GODDESS ISHTAR INTO THE LOWER WORLD [From The Civilization of Babylonia and Assyria, M. Jastrow, 1915] To the land of no return, the land of darkness, Ishtar, the daught…”
The Descent of the Goddess Ishtar into the Lower World | Section 1b
"Why, O gatekeeper, dost thou remove the girdle of my body, studded with birth-stones?" "Enter, O lady, for such are the decrees of Ereshkigal." The sixth gate, he bade her enter, opened it wide, and removed the spangles off her hands and f…”
Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation | 1j
Tutu [Marduk] is "He who created them anew"; Should their wants be pure, then are they satisfied; Should he make an incantation, then are the gods appeased; Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth their onslaught! Let him therefor…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet I — The Tyranny of Gilgamish and the Creation of Enkidu | Tablet I, Section 1a
THE EPIC OF GILGAMISH. THE FIRST TABLET OF THE TYRANNY OF GILGAMISH, AND THE CREATION OF ENKIDU. . He who (the heart of) all matters hath proven let him [teach] the nation, [He who all] knowledge possesseth, therein shall he [school] all…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet I — The Tyranny of Gilgamish and the Creation of Enkidu | Tablet I, Section 1b
Gilgamish leaveth no son to his father, [his arrogance swelling] (Each) day and night; aye, he is the shepherd of Erech, [the high-wall’d], 25. He is their shepherd . . . masterful, dominant, subtle . . . Gilgamish leaveth no maid to…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet I — The Tyranny of Gilgamish and the Creation of Enkidu | Tablet I, Section 1c
"Gilgamish [dwelleth] in Erech, [my son, whom no one] hath vanquish’d, [(Nay, but) ’tis his strength is greatest (the length and breadth) of the country] [Like to a double of Anu's own self], his strength is [enormous], [Go, set] thy face […”
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celtic46
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINa
King Arthur was at Caerlleon upon Usk; and one day he sat in his chamber; and with him were Owain the son of Urien, and Kynon the son of Clydno, and Kai the son of Kyner; and Gwenhwyvar and her handmaidens at needlework by the window. And…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINc
The man looked upon me, and he smiled and said, ‘If I did not fear to distress thee too much, I would show thee that which thou seekest.’ Upon this I became anxious and sorrowful, and when the man perceived it, he said, ‘If thou wouldest ra…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINe
So I returned along the road by which I had come. And when I reached the glade where the black man was, I confess to thee, Kai, it is a marvel that I did not melt down into a liquid pool, through the shame that I felt at the black man’s de…”
The Mabinogion | Tale THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAINf
And Owain made it known to him, and said, “I am in quest of the Knight who guards the fountain.” Upon this the yellow man smiled, and said that he was as loth to point out that adventure to Owain as he had been to Kynon. However, he descri…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWCk
“Behold,” said he, “I am the knight through whom thou art in trouble, and he shall repent it, who has treated thee thus.” Thereupon, behold a knight rode up, and he inquired of Peredur, if he had seen a knight such as he was seeking. “Hold…”
The Mabinogion | Tale PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWCn
And Peredur put on garments like those that Gwalchmai wore, and they went together unto Arthur, and saluted him. “Behold, lord,” said Gwalchmai, “him whom thou hast sought so long.” “Welcome unto thee, chieftain,” said Arthur. “With me th…”
The Mabinogion | Tale GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN{
Thereupon she raised a loud and piercing shriek, and her lamentations were much greater than they had been before, for she considered in her mind that had Geraint been alive, he durst not have struck her thus. But, behold, at the sound of…”
The Mabinogion | Tale GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN}
And Geraint called for his horse and his armour, and he accoutred both himself and his horse. And all the hosts went forth until they came to the side of the hedge, and the hedge was so lofty, that it reached as high as they could see in t…”
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platonism31
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1c
They are two, and yet they grow together out of one head or stem; and I cannot help thinking that if Aesop had noticed them, he would have made a fable about God trying to reconcile their strife, and when he could not, he fastened their hea…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1‡
And upon the earth are animals and men, some in a middle region, others dwelling about the air as we dwell about the sea; others in islands which the air flows round, near the continent: and in a word, the air is used by them as the water a…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1o
Zeus, the mighty lord, holding the reins of a winged chariot, leads the way in heaven, ordering all and taking care of all; and there follows him the array of gods and demigods, marshalled in eleven bands; Hestia alone abides at home in the…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1r
But he whose initiation is recent, and who has been the spectator of many glories in the other world, is amazed when he sees any one having a godlike face or form, which is the expression of divine beauty; and at first a shudder runs throug…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1s
You may believe this, but not unless you like. At any rate the loves of lovers and their causes are such as I have described. Now the lover who is taken to be the attendant of Zeus is better able to bear the winged god, and can endure a h…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1u
And the beloved when he has received him into communion and intimacy, is quite amazed at the good-will of the lover; he recognises that the inspired friend is worth all other friends or kinsmen; they have nothing of friendship in them worth…”
Plato: Republic | Section 1j
And if a necessity be laid upon him of fashioning, not only himself, but human nature generally, whether in States or individuals, into that which he beholds elsewhere, will he, think you, be an unskilful artificer of justice, temperance, a…”
Plato: Republic | Section 1b
You mean the sun, as you and all mankind say. May not the relation of sight to this deity be described as follows? How? Neither sight nor the eye in which sight resides is the sun? No. Yet of all the organs of sense the eye is the most…”
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mandaean30
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 1
p. 35 PORTENTS AT JOHN'S BIRTH (§ 18). 1 In the Name of Great Life may hallowed Light be glorifed. A CHILD was planted out of the height, a mystery revealed in Jerusalem. 2 The priests saw dreams; chill seized on their children, chill se…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 4
Yahyā proclaims in the nights, Yōhānā on the Night's evenings. 4 YAHYĀ proclaims in the nights and says: "Through my Father's discourses I give light and through the praise of the Man, my creator, I have freed my soul from the world and fr…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 5
The Sun opened his mouth and spake unto Yahyā: 2 "Thou hast three [head-] bands [and] a crown which equals in worth the whole world. Thou hast a ship of mashklil , 3 which sails about here on the Jordan. Thou hast a great vessel which sails…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 8
[What follows is presumably the beginning of the Letter.] Gnosis of Life 8 who is far from the height [writes]: "I have come unto thee, O Soul, whom Life has sent into this world. In robes of the Eight 9 went I into the world. I went in t…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 10
"A blind man who writes a letter: a villain who has become virtuous. He abandoned wantonness and abandoned theft and reached unto faith in almighty Life. "A desolate house who ascends again to the height: one of position who has become hum…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 11
[? Gnosis of Life speaks (cp. § 29):] "Let me warn you, my brothers, let me warn you, my beloved! Let me warn you, my brothers, against the . . . who are like unto the cross. They lay it on the walls; then stand there and bow down to the b…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 13
"If thou knowest," he makes answer unto her, "that this does never happen, why dost thou press me with asking: When dost thou return? I go hence and return not. Happy the day when thou dost still see me. If there were a going-away and retur…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 14
When Enishbai heard this, she cried out and she said: "Of all these names which you name, will I not give him one; but the name Yahyā-Yōhānā will I give him, [the name] which Life's self has given unto him." When the Jews heard this, they…”
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norse23
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1b
Hail to the giver! | a guest has come; Where shall the stranger sit? Swift shall he be who, | with swords shall try The proof of his might to make. [1. This stanza is quoted by Snorri, the second line being omitted in most of the Prose…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1g
The stanza-form is so irregular as to show either that something has been lost or that there have been interpolations. The manuscript indicates no lacuna; Gering fills out the assumed gap as follows: "Certain is that which is sought from r…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1h
In a brother's slayer, | if thou meet him abroad, In a half-burned house, | in a horse full swift-- One leg is hurt | and the horse is useless-- None had ever such faith | as to trust in them all. 89. Hope not too surely | for early harve…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1i
50 Foul scorn was my meed | from the crafty maid, And nought from the woman I won. * * * 103. Though glad at home, | and merry with guests, A man shall be wary and wise; The sage and shrewd, | wide wisdom seeking, Must see that his speech…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1j
On his ring swore Othin | the oath, methinks; Who now his troth shall trust? Suttung's betrayal | he sought with drink, And Gunnloth to grief he left. * * * 111. It is time to chant | from the chanter's stool; By the wells of Urth I was,…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1m
I ween that I hung | on the windy tree, Hung there for nights full nine; With the spear I was wounded, | and offered I was To Othin, myself to myself, On the tree that none | may ever know What root beneath it runs. [138. In the manuscrip…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1n
Knowest how one shall write, | knowest how one shall rede? Knowest how one shall tint, | knowest how one makes trial? Knowest how one shall ask, | knowest how one shall offer? Knowest how one shall send, | knowest how one shall sacrifice…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1o
A sixth I know, | if harm one seeks With a sapling's roots to send me; The hero himself | who wreaks his hate Shall taste the ill ere I. 153. A seventh I know, | if I see in flames The hall o'er my comrades' heads; It burns not so wide |…”
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renaissance_hermeticism21
Agrippa: The Philosophy of Natural Magic, Chapter VI — Of the Wonderful Natures of Water, Air and Winds | Chapter VI, Section 1d
And as these resemblances are reflected back to the sight, so also sometimes to the hearing, as is manifest in the Echo. But there are more secret arts than these, and such whereby any one may at a very remote distance hear and understand…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialogueg
"Steals it from me," he says of Jealousy, not simply in order that it may not be present to me; removing it from my eyesight, but in order that good may not be good, but an acute evil; sweet, not sweet, but an agonized longing; while the he…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Third Dialogueb
It is not a fury of black bile which sends him drifting outside of judgment, reason, and acts of prudence, and tossed by the discordant tempest, like those who, having violated certain laws of the divine Adrastia, are condemned to be scourg…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Third Dialogueh
In which generation finding themselves once more through the changes which permutably succeed, they return again to the superior forms. Cic . So that they mean, that souls are impelled by the necessity of fate, and have no proper counsel…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Fourth Dialoguea
. Tansillo . Thus is described the discourse of heroic love, in all which tends to its own object, which is the highest good; and heroic intellect, which devotes itself to the study of its own object, which is the primal verity, or absolu…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Fifth Dialoguea
. I. Cic . Now show me how I may be able for myself to consider the conditions of these enthusiasts, through that which appears in the order of the warfare here described. Tans . Behold how they carry the ensign of their affections or…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Fifth Dialoguei
It seems to me, that it means that his particular intelligence is to the universal intelligence ever the same—that is to say, the one is ever illuminated by the other, over the whole hemisphere; notwithstanding that to the inferior powers,…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Fifth Dialoguen
Of necessity, one is according to the sum of the other, seeing that where things are finite it may result in this, that it is more wise than beautiful or good, more good and beautiful than wise, more wise and good than powerful, and more po…”
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hermeticism20
Corpus Hermeticum 1: Poimandres | Section 1d
Thou seem'st, He said, O thou, not to have given heed to what thou heardest. Did I not bid thee think? Yea do I think, and I remember, and therefore give Thee thanks. If thou didst think [thereon], [said He], tell me: Why do they merit d…”
Corpus Hermeticum 1: Poimandres | Section 1e
To the first zone he gives the Energy of Growth and Waning; unto the second [zone], Device of Evils [now] de-energized; unto the third, the Guile of the Desires de-energized; unto the fourth, his Domineering Arrogance, [also] de-energized;…”
Corpus Hermeticum 5: The Discourse of Hermes to Asclepius | Section 1a
Though Unmanifest God Is Most Manifest 1. I will recount to thee this sermon (logos) too, O Tat, that thou may'st cease to be without the mysteries of the God beyond all name. And mark thou well how that which to the many seems unmanifest…”
Corpus Hermeticum 9: The Decalogue | Section 1b
But I return once more to the Discourse (Logos) on Sense. That sense doth share with thought in man, doth constitute him man. But 'tis not [every] man, as I have said, who benefits by thought; for this man is material, that other one subs…”
Corpus Hermeticum 10: The Sermon on the Mount | Section 1a
The Key <This longer tractate presents itself explicitly as a summary or abridgement of the General Sermons (CH II-IX), and discusses the Hermetic view of knowledge and its role in the lives and afterlives of human beings. The attentive re…”
Corpus Hermeticum 10: The Sermon on the Mount | Section 1c
For that the soul who hath no knowledge of the things that are, or knowledge of their nature, or of Good, is blinded by the body's passions and tossed about. This wretched soul, not knowing what she is, becomes the slave of bodies of stran…”
Corpus Hermeticum 11: The Hymn | Section 1a
Mind Unto Hermes <This complex text is written as a revelation from the divine Mind - the "Man-Shepherd" of CH I - to Hermes, concerning the nature of God and the universe. Difficult enough in its own right, it has been made rather more so…”
Corpus Hermeticum 11: The Hymn | Section 1c
It must, then, be that such a one as this must be some one who's wholly One. 9. For as the many motions of them [all] are different, and as their bodies are not like, yet has one speed been ordered for them all, it is impossible that ther…”
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taoism8
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 6
The valley spirit dies not, aye the same; The female mystery thus do we name. Its gate, from which at first they issued forth, Is called the root from which grew heaven and earth. Long and unbroken does its power remain, Used gently, and wi…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 25
There was something undefined and complete, coming into existence before Heaven and Earth. How still it was and formless, standing alone, and undergoing no change, reaching everywhere and in no danger (of being exhausted)! It may be regarde…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 59
For regulating the human (in our constitution) and rendering the (proper) service to the heavenly, there is nothing like moderation. It is only by this moderation that there is effected an early return (to man's normal state). That early re…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 79
When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)? Therefore (to guard against this)…”
The Writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters) | Book 126 (part 7)
People came to see it in crowds as in a market place, but the mechanic did not look round at it, but held on his way without stopping. One of his workmen, however, looked long and admiringly at it, and then ran on to his master, and said t…”
The Writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters) | Book 128 (part 5)
Dze-sze 1 , Dze-yü 1 , Dze-1î 1 , and Dze-lâi 1 , these four men, were talking together, when some one said, 'Who can suppose the head to be made from nothing, the spine from life, and the rump-bone from death? Who knows how death and birt…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 54
What (Tao's) skilful planter plants Can never be uptorn; What his skilful arms enfold, From him can ne'er be borne. Sons shall bring in lengthening line, Sacrifices to his shrine. Tao when nursed within one's self, His vigour will make true…”
The Writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters) | Book 128 (part 11)
243:4 Men at a very early time came to believe in the existence of their spirits after death, and in the existence of a Supreme Ruler or God. It vas to the Tâo that those concepts were owing. 243:5 The primal ether out of which all things…”
zoroastrianism8
Avesta (Gathas) | Ahunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXVIII, Section 1b
(And) do thou, O (Divine) Righteousness, bestow (upon me) that sacred blessing which is constituted by the attainments of the Good Mind (within my soul) 3 ; and do thou also, O Piety! grant unto p. 22 [paragraph continues] Vî s tâspa and…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Ahunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXXI, Section 1a
1. These doctrines (therefore) we are earnestly declaring to You as we recite them forth from memory, words (till now) unheard 1 (with faith) by those who by means of the doctrinal vows 2 of the harmful Lie are delivering the settlements o…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Ahunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXXI, Section 1b
as the one to be adored with the mind in the creation, as the Father of the Good Mind within us, when I beheld Thee 7 with my (enlightened) eyes as the veritable maker of our Righteousness, as the Lord of the actions of life 8 ! 9. Thine,…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Ushtavaiti Gatha, Yasna XLIII, Section 1c
when with the Good Mind's grace Thy Sraosha (Obedience) approached me, (and said): Let the quiet and long-enduring better mind with understanding teach (thee); let not a foremost 5 man p. 106 conciliate the wicked (as sycophant desiring ai…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Ushtavaiti Gatha, Yasna XLIV, Section 1b
This I ask Thee, O Ahura! tell me aright, how to myself shall I hallow 7 the Faith of Thy people, p. 116 which the beneficent kingdom's lord hath taught me, even the admonitions which He called Thine equal, hath taught me through His loft…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Spenta Mainyu Gatha, Yasna XLVII, Section 1
11. And to this 1 (man, His chosen saint), Ahura Mazda will give 2 both the two (greatest gifts, His) p. 148 [paragraph continues] Universal Weal and Immortality, by means of His bountiful Spirit, and with His Best Mind, from (the desire to…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Spenta Mainyu Gatha, Yasna L, Section 1a
Y. XLIX, 12 1 . What aids of grace hast Thou for Thine invoking Zarathu s tra, (O Ahura Mazda!) to grant him through Thy Righteous Order? Yea, what (aids of 2 grace hast thou for me as) through Thy Good Mind given (within my soul), for m…”
Avesta (Gathas) | Vohu Khshathra Gatha, Yasna LI, Section 1a
1. The good Government (of Ahura 1 ) is to be chosen (among all wished-for things 2 ) as that lot which most of all brings on (our happiness). Actions that oppress us it opposes 3 , through the holy Order (which pervades it), and with the…”
sufism6
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | PROLOGUEa
HEARKEN to the reed-flute, how it complains, Lamenting its banishment from its home: "Ever since they tore me from my osier bed, My plaintive notes have moved men and women to tears. I burst my breast, striving to give vent to sighs, And t…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY IV
Another Tyrannical Jewish King. A certain Jewish king, the same who is referred to in the Sura "Signs of the Zodiac," I made up his mind to utterly exterminate the Christian faith, and with that view he set up a huge idol, and issued comman…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY VIa
Omar and the Ambassador. The hare, having delivered his companions from the tyranny of the lion, in the manner just described, proceeds to improve the occasion by exhorting them to engage in a greater and more arduous warfare, viz., the st…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY VIIIa
The Harper. In the time of the Khalifa 'Omar there lived a harper, whose voice was as sweet as that of the angel Israfil, and who was in great request at all feasts. But he grew old, and his voice broke, and no one would employ him any lo…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY IXd
I knew of myself what ye thought, But I desired that ye should speak it; As this boasting of yours is very improper, So shall my mercy be shown to prevail over my wrath: O angels, in order to show forth that prevailing, I inspired that pret…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY VIIa
The Merchant and his Clever Parrot. There was a certain merchant who kept a parrot in a cage. Being about to travel to Hindustan on business, he asked the parrot if he had any message to send to his kinsmen in that country, and the parrot…”
buddhism1
Vajrakkhedika (Diamond Cutter) | Section 1o
Bhagavat said: 'What do you think, O Subhûti, has the Tathâgata the bodily eye?' Subhûti said: 'So it is, O Bhagavat, the Tathâgata has the bodily eye.' Bhagavat said: 'What do you think, O Subhûti, has the Tathâgata the heavenly eye?' Subh…”