Kybalion

The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy is a book that was authored by three individuals calling themselves The Three Initiates. The content of this book, according to the authors, is believed to be the essence of the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus.

Etymology

Little to nothing is known of the origin of the term beyond speculation. The first two syllables suggest a close relationship to the Hebrew Kabbalah, which is therefore suspected of having something to do with it.

General Description

The Kybalion was first published in December of 1908 and is now in the public domain. The book is included into Hermeticism with respect to its dedication, as are most books by Hermes.

The Authors

Little is known why the authors wished to remain anonymous, calling themselves the Three Initiates yet dedicated the book to Hermes Trismegistus. It is widely assumed that two of the authors were Paul Foster Case - who later founded the Builders of the Adytum - and William Walker Atkinson. Writing analysis and comparison with other works by these authors makes it appear exceedingly likely Atkinson wrote the first two chapters, and Case everything else.

The Seven Principles

The seven principles, or axioms as defined in the book are as follows:

Principle of Mentalism

The Principle of Mentalism embodies the truth that "All is Mind." This principle explains that the "ALL" as a substantial reality underlying all the outward manifestations and appearances which we know under the terms of "the material universe"; the "phenomena of life"; "matter"; "energy"; and in short, all that is apparent to our material senses. It also defines it as Spirit which is also unknowable and undefinable, but may be considered of as an universal, infinite, living mindKybalion page 26.

Principle of Correspondance

The Principle of Correspondance embodies the truth that there is always a correspondence between the laws of phenomena of the various planes of being and lifeKybalion page 28. As above, so below; as below, so above. This principle states that there is a harmony, agreement and correspondence between the aforementioned "planes". The planes are as follows:

The Great Physical Plane
The Great Mental Plane
The Great Spiritual Plane

Principle of Vibration

The Principle of Vibration embodies the truth that motion is manifest in everything in the Universe, that nothing rests, and everything moves, vibrates, and circles (page 137). This principle explains that the differences between different manifestations of Matter, Energy, Mind, and even Spirit, are the result of only different "vibrations"Kybalion page 30. The higher you are on the scale, the higher your rate of vibration will be. Here, The All is purported to be at an infinite level of vibration, almost to the point of being at rest. There are said to be millions upon millions of varying degrees between The All, and the objects of the lowest vibration Kybalion page 31.

Mental Transmutation is thought to be the practical application of this principle. To change your mental state-change your vibration. One may do this by an effort of Will, in the direction of deliberately fixing the "attention" upon a more desirable stateKybalion page 214.

Principle of Polarity

The Principle of Polarity embodies the truth that everything is dual, everything has two poles, and everything has its pair of oppositesKybalion page 32. Some of the many ways to explain this principle are as follows:

All manifested things have two sides, two aspects, or two polesKybalion page 149. Everything is and isn't at the same time; all truths are but half truths and every truth is half false; there are two sides to everything; opposites are identical in nature, yet different in degree; extremes meet; all paradoxes may be reconciledKybalion pages 149-150.

Principle of Rhythm

The Principle of Rhythm embodies the truth that in everything there is manifested a measured motion, a to and fro; a flow and inflow; a swing backward and forward, in short, a pendulum-like movementKybalion page 36. This principle explains that there is rhythm between every pair of opposites, or poles, and is closely related to the Principle of PolarityKybalion page 159. It can be seen that this Principle is how you get from one pole to the other, and not nessecarily poles of extremity (extreme opposites).

Principle of Cause and Effect

The Principle of Cause and Effect explains that there is a cause for every effect, and an effect for every causeKybalion page 38. It also states that there is no such thing as chance, that chance is merely a term indicating cause existing but not recognized or perceivedKybalion page 171. The principle is clarified in the chapter Causation.

Principle of Gender

The Principle of Gender embodies the truth that there is gender manifested in everythingKybaliob pages 39-40. It is stated the view of the authors does not relate to "sex", but to "beget; to procreate, to generate, to create, or to produce" in this respectKybalion page 183. Here, gender is manifested as the Masculine and Feminine Principles, and manifests itself on all planes.

Derivative Works

One derivative work has emerged from an esoteric organization by the name of Summum which, considering The Kybalion to be antiquated and incomplete, rewrote the text and incorporated a "grand" principle that Summum claims is the foundation underlying the existence of The All and the source from which the seven principles emanate.

Languages

A few organizations consider The Kybalion as the essential foundation of their beliefs and have translated the original text into many languages. Ultimately, The Kybalion itself claims to have influenced all major religions and philosophies ancient and modern alike.

Notes

References

http://www.gnostic.org/kybalionhtm/kybalion.htm

External links

Kybalion | Kybalion | Kybalion

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