← Home
Select Works of Plotinus · 472 of 752 · tr. Thomas Taylor

Select Works, Section 447 (part 2)

We may take it as proved that the emanation of the Transcendent must be a Not-One something other than pure unity, but that it is a multiplicity, and especially that it is such a multiplicity as is exhibited in the sequent universe, this is a statement worthy of deliberation: some further enquiry must be made, also, as to the necessity of any sequel to the First.
Themes
Apophatic Theologytheology

Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.

It characterizes the utterly undifferentiated principle by what it does not do (makes no enquiry), aligning with negative description.

All passages →
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.

The phrase 'before it is [effectively] Intellect' suggests a prior ontological stage in the hierarchy of being.

All passages →
Divine Simplicitytheology

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

[auto] It explicitly debates whether the knowing principle can remain simplex or must become dual during cognition.

All passages →
Inner Silencepraxis

The practice of stilling the mind and speech to open receptivity to divine knowledge or presence.

[auto] It describes the self-perception of the intellect as occurring in silence despite its internal duality.

All passages →
Monadcosmology

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

[auto] The text references the 'utterly undifferentiated' principle that remains self-centred, describing the simple first cause.

All passages →
Self Knowledgesoteriology

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

[auto] The passage centrally analyzes the conditions and nature of the intellect's act of self-knowing and self-perception.

All passages →
Related passages · 1 parallel
christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 2, Section 1k
Indeed, He is not an unity in this sense, and doth not participate in unity nor possess it; 224 224 These two phrases well express the meaning of the title “Beyond things and supernally infusing Unity” (ὑπερηνωμένη), which I have generally…”
Both passages discuss the concept of unity and multiplicity in relation to a transcendent divine principle. They explore how the One can manifest as many, and the nature of this emanation or differentiation.