Select Works, Section 14

Division of the human being into three principles: spirit (pneuma), soul (psyche), and body/matter (hyle or soma).

The text distinguishes between the Separate Soul, the radiation Soul, and the Couplement (body/soul compound), aligning with a layered structure of the human being.

A form of meditation that uses imagery, imagination, or symbolic thought rather than purely empty stillness.

[auto] The passage prioritizes virtues springing from 'contemplative wisdom' over those from custom.

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

[auto] The passage centrally contrasts the true man with the brute body, stating the former goes 'pure of the body' while vices belong to the bodily Couplement.

Ontological opposition between two primal principles (light/darkness, truth/lie, spirit/matter) as the fundamental structure of reality.

[auto] A clear opposition is established between the Intellectual-Activity/Soul and the brute body/Couplement as distinct ontological states.

A chain of divine beings or principles flowing downward from a single transcendent source (the One or the Father), each level less perfect than the one above.

[auto] It describes the lower soul as a 'radiation [or emanation]' from the Separate Soul, indicating a hierarchical flow.

Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.

[auto] True virtues are linked to 'contemplative wisdom' rather than custom or practical discipline, emphasizing direct intellectual knowledge.

The divine spark or luminous quality residing within the human person, potentially recognisable through introspection.

[auto] Virtues belonging to the Intellectual-Activity are seated in the Separate Soul dwelling within the human being.

The claim that the divine realm is present inside the individual, accessible without external mediation.

[auto] The Separate Soul, representing the higher reality, is said to dwell 'here' within the human being even in its earthly state.

The merging of the individual soul or self with the divine, transcending personal identity.

[auto] The Separate Soul is described as the seat of virtues belonging to Intellectual-Activity, implying a union with that higher realm.

The soul's journey back to its divine origin, reversing the fall into matter through stages of purification or illumination.

[auto] The passage describes the soul's 'withdrawal' and 'emancipation' back to its higher state when it has wholly withdrawn.

The recognition of one's own true divine nature as the primary path to liberation; 'know thyself' as soteriology.

[auto] The text urges distinguishing the true self ('true man') from the composite personality ('We') that identifies with bodily experiences.

A staged journey of the soul upward through heavenly realms or levels of being toward the divine source.

[auto] The process of withdrawal and emancipation implies an upward movement away from matter toward the Separate Soul.