The Law of Correspondence, in our opinion, reaches only to that aspect of THE ALL, which may be spoken of as "The Aspect of BECOMING." Back of that Aspect is "The Aspect of BEING" in which all Laws are lost in LAW; all Principles merge into PRINCIPLE--and THE ALL; PRINCIPLE; and BEING; are IDENTICAL, ONE AND THE SAME.
Therefore, Metaphysical speculation on this point is futile.
We go into the matter here, merely to show that we recognize the question, and also the absurdity of the ordinary answers of metaphysics and theology.
In conclusion, it may be of interest to our students to learn that while some of the ancient, and modern, Hermetic Teachers have rather inclined in the direction of applying the Principle of Correspondence to the question, with the result of the "Inner Nature" conclusion,--still the legends have it that HERMES, the Great, when asked this question by his advanced students, answered them by PRESSING HIS LIPS TIGHTLY TOGETHER and saying not a word, indicating that there WAS NO ANSWER.
But, then, he may have intended to apply the axiom of his philosophy, that: "The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding," believing that even his advanced students did not possess the Understanding which entitled them to the Teaching.
At any rate, if Hermes possessed the Secret, he failed to impart it, and so far as the world is concerned THE LIPS OF HERMES ARE CLOSED regarding it.
And where the Great Hermes hesitated to speak, what mortal may dare to teach?
But, remember, that whatever be the answer to this problem, if indeed there be an answer the truth remains that: "While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All." The Teaching on this point is emphatic.
And, we may add the concluding words of the quotation: "To him who truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge."
Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.
The passage declares metaphysical speculation on the Aspect of BEING 'futile' and notes that even Hermes indicated 'there WAS NO ANSWER,' aligning with the via negativa approach to the Absolute.
The Hermetic axiom that the structure of the cosmos is reflected at every scale — 'as above, so below; as within, so without' — making each level a legible map of the others.
The passage explicitly discusses the Law of Correspondence, noting its limits regarding 'The Aspect of BECOMING' versus 'The Aspect of BEING'.
The supreme God's radical concealment beyond ordinary knowledge or perception; the Hidden Father.
The passage describes Hermes pressing his lips tightly together to indicate 'there WAS NO ANSWER' and states 'THE LIPS OF HERMES ARE CLOSED regarding it,' emphasizing the concealment of ultimate truth.
Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.
The concluding quote states 'To him who truly understands this truth, hath come great knowledge,' implying a direct understanding rather than mere intellectual speculation.
Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.
The text references the axiom 'The lips of Wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding,' implying esoteric knowledge reserved for those with specific comprehension.
The practice of stilling the mind and speech to open receptivity to divine knowledge or presence.
The image of Hermes pressing his lips tightly together and saying not a word serves as a metaphor for the silence required when approaching the ultimate truth.
The doctrine that all existence is ultimately one substance or one divine reality; non-duality as a theological claim.
The text centrally asserts that 'THE ALL; PRINCIPLE; and BEING; are IDENTICAL, ONE AND THE SAME' and concludes with 'While All is in THE ALL, it is equally true that THE ALL is in All.'