Iamblichus: On the Mysteries · 112 of 218 · tr. Thomas Taylor

Chapter XVI

Farther still, therefore, we must not disdain to add what follows; that we frequently perform something to the Gods who are the inspective guardians of body, and to good dæmons, for the sake of the necessary use of the body; as, for instance, when [by sacrifices] we purify it from ancient stains, or liberate it from diseases, and fill it with health, or remove from it heaviness and torpor, or procure for it any other good. In this case, therefore, we evidently 253 must not busy ourselves with the body in an intellectual and incorporeal manner. For the body is not adapted to participate of modes of this kind; but, obtaining things which are allied to itself, it is meliorated and purified by bodies. The rites of sacrifices, therefore, will necessarily, for a purpose of this kind, be corporeal-formed; partly cutting off what is superfluous in us; partly supplying us with that of which we are in want; and partly leading into symmetry and order such things in us as are immoderately disturbed. We also frequently engage in sacred operations, entreating superior beings to grant us such things as are adapted to the wants of human life. And these are such as preserve the body in health, or pertain to those things which we procure for the sake of the body.

Themes

◆Body As Obstacleanthropology

The material body viewed as a prison, tomb, or source of error that hinders spiritual knowledge and return.

The text explicitly states that the body is not adapted to participate in intellectual modes and must be purified through corporeal means.

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◆Ritual Puritypraxis

The maintenance of a state of cleanliness—physical, moral, or spiritual—required for encounter with the divine.

The passage centrally discusses purification of the body from ancient stains and diseases through sacrifices and rites.

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◆Theurgypraxis

Iamblichean ritual practice that engages the gods directly through consecrated material symbols and actions, on the premise that divine power descends into properly prepared matter — distinct from philosophical contemplation alone.

The text describes performing rites of sacrifice to engage with gods for bodily health and purification, aligning with Iamblichean theurgical practice.

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Related passages · 3 parallels

◆egyptian|The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani)|Chapter 43 (part 44)

“The preservation of the corruptible body too was in some way connected with the life in the world to come, and its preservation was necessary to ensure eternal life; otherwise the prayers recited to this end would have been futile, and the…”

Both passages discuss the importance of the body in religious rituals and the need for its preservation and purification. They share a conceptual parallel in the belief that the body requires specific treatments to ensure health and continuity in the afterlife.

◆platonism|Plato: Timaeus|Section 1

“Just as a body which has a leg too long, or which is unsymmetrical in some other respect, is an unpleasant sight, and also, when doing its share of work, is much distressed and makes convulsive efforts, and often stumbles through awkwardnes…”

Both passages discuss the importance of maintaining balance and harmony between the body and the soul or higher self. They emphasize the need for rituals or practices to achieve this balance, whether through sacrifices and corporeal rites in Iamblichus or through a combination of physical and intellectual exercises in the second passage.

◆platonism|Plato: Timaeus|Section 1

“Wherefore of all modes of purifying and reuniting the body the best is gymnastic; the next best is a surging motion, as in sailing or any other mode of conveyance which is not fatiguing; the third sort of motion may be of use in a case of e…”

Both passages discuss the purification and care of the body and soul, emphasizing the importance of appropriate rituals or practices to maintain health and harmony. They share a conceptual parallel in the idea of aligning bodily and spiritual practices with divine or natural principles.