Select Works of Plotinus · 213 of 752 · tr. Thomas Taylor

Select Works, Section 215

Section 1 1. Some Existents [Absolute Unity and Intellectual-Principle] remain at rest while their Hypostases, or Expressed-Idea, come into being; but, in our view, the Soul generates by its motion, to which is due the sensitive faculty- that in any of its expression-forms- Nature and all forms of life down to the vegetable order. Even as it is present in human beings the Soul carries its Expression-form [Hypostasis] with it, but is not the dominant since it is not the whole man (humanity including the Intellectual Principal, as well): in the vegetable order it is the highest since there is nothing to rival it; but at this phase it is no longer reproductive, or, at least, what it produces is of quite another order; here life ceases; all later production is lifeless. What does this imply? Everything the Soul engenders down to this point comes into being shapeless, and takes form by orientation towards its author and supporter: therefore the thing engendered on the further side can be no image of the Soul, since it is not even alive; it must be an utter Indetermination. No doubt even in things of the nearer order there was indetermination, but within a form; they were undetermined not utterly but only in contrast with their perfect state: at this extreme point we have the utter lack of determination. Let it be raised to its highest degree and it becomes body by taking such shape as serves its scope; then it becomes the recipient of its author and sustainer: this presence in body is the only example of the boundaries of Higher Existents running into the boundary of the Lower.

Themes

◆Inner Lightanthropology

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

The passage mentions that each outgrowth bears a 'trace of the common source', implying a divine presence within created things.

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◆Logoscosmology

The divine reason, word, or ordering principle through which the universe was created; mediates between the transcendent God and the material world.

Providence is described as an 'act upon something below', functioning as a mediating principle between the higher and lower realms.

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◇Divine Simplicitytheology

The doctrine that God has no parts, divisions, or composite attributes; pure undivided being.

[auto] The Principle is described as 'internally unmoved' and a 'single thing', indicating a lack of internal division or composition.

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◇Emanation Hierarchycosmology

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] The passage explicitly describes a flow from a single unmoved Principle to multiplicity, establishing a hierarchy of higher and lower levels.

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◇Monadcosmology

The absolutely simple, undivided first principle from which all multiplicity and existence flows.

[auto] The text describes a 'Principle' that is 'internally unmoved' and from which all particular things push forth as from a single root.

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◇Opposites Transcendedanthropology

The dissolution of binary oppositions (male/female, inner/outer, above/below) as a mark of spiritual completion.

[auto] The text states that the Principle 'resumes all under a unity', transcending the distinction between superior and inferior within itself.

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◇Unity Of Beingtheology

The doctrine that all existence is ultimately one substance or one divine reality; non-duality as a theological claim.

[auto] The passage asserts that the Principle is where 'all things exist together and the single thing is All', emphasizing ultimate ontological unity.

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Related passages · 6 parallels

◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 6, Section 1a

“144 CHAPTER VI Concerning ” Life .” 1. Now must we celebrate Eternal Life as that whence cometh very Life and all life, 392 392 The Godhead, though called Eternal Life, is really supra-vital, because life implies differentiations, and the…”

Both passages discuss the concept of life and its origin from a higher, divine source. They explore the hierarchy of existence and the derivation of life from a supreme principle, though they use different terminology and frameworks.

◆hermeticism|Corpus Hermeticum 1: Poimandres|Section 1b

“But when He raised His head, I see in Mind the Light, [but] now in Powers no man could number, and Cosmos grown beyond all bounds, and that the Fire was compassed round about by a most mighty Power, and [now] subdued had come unto a stand.…”

Both passages discuss the emanation of the divine into the material world, with a hierarchical structure originating from a single, unchanging principle. They also explore the relationship between the higher and lower realms, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of all things.

◆hermeticism|Corpus Hermeticum 4: The Epistles|Section 1c

“It is Itself Its Source, since It may have no other Source. The Oneness then being Source, containeth every number, but is contained by none; engendereth every number, but is engendered by no other one. 11. Now all that is engendered is…”

Both passages discuss the concept of a singular, divine source or principle from which all things originate and derive their existence. They emphasize the hierarchy and interdependence of the higher and lower, as well as the imperfection and divisibility of created things compared to the perfection of the source.

◆jewish_mysticism|The Book of Concealed Mystery (Siphra Dtzenioutha)|1b

“If the reader turn to the introduction, to the Table showing the Sephiroth arranged in three pillars, he will see that Malkuth is, as it were, the antithesis of Kether; and hence it is said that "Malkuth is Kether after another manner." And…”

Both passages discuss the relationship between higher and lower realms or principles, emphasizing a hierarchical structure and the interconnectedness of all things. Plotinus speaks of the One and its emanations, while the Kabbalistic text discusses the Sephiroth and their relationships, both reflecting a mystical understanding of the universe's structure.

◆taoism|Tao Te Ching|Chapter 16

“The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state). When thin…”

Both passages discuss the concept of returning to a primordial state or root, emphasizing the importance of stillness and the natural cycle of growth and decay. They also touch on the idea of unity with a higher principle or Tao.

◆taoism|The Writings of Chuang Tzu (Inner Chapters)|Book 128 (part 7)

“With these views, how should they know wherein death and life are to be found, or what is first and what is last? They borrow different substances, and pretend that the common form of the body is composed of them 1 . They dismiss the thou…”

Both passages explore the nature of existence, life, and death, and the relationship between the higher and lower realms. They discuss the transformation of beings and the indeterminate nature of existence, though from different cultural and philosophical perspectives.