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A**Z
A Chance to Meet Parmenides
On the Order of Nature (for a philosophical ascesis). By Parmenides, with translation and commentary by Raphael (Ashram Vidya Order). 2007. Aurea Vidya Foundation Inc. New York, N.Y. (131 p.) [...]Raphael's translation and commentary of Parmenides "On the Order of Nature" provides a key to understanding this ancient text, which exists only in fragments and whose meaning and purpose has baffled many academic philosophers. According to Raphael Parmenides has presented us with an overview of a spiritual journey (an ascesis), outlining the path itself and the goal - which is "Being" or the summum bonum of existence. With this interpretation Raphael shifts our focus from viewing Parmenides as an academic philosopher to one in which he is seen as a spiritual teacher who shows us the "way." This accords with appellation assigned to Parmenides by tradition as "one who has introduced the mortals to the straight path of wisdom."This small but pithy book contains an introduction to the text, interpretations of its two primary sections (concerned with "being" and "becoming"), and a translation (with English and Greek on facing pages), concluding with copious footnotes. Raphael helps makes sense of this work by the great Parmenides, outlining Parmenides' vision of "Being" as the ultimate principle and foundation of all things, and of "Becoming" which appears within being but which is not separate from it, and which we experience as every-day reality. This interpretation suggests that we have mistaken the effect for the cause (becoming for being) and that this mistake constitutes a spiritual misunderstanding of profound significance, one which is the source of our unhappiness and suffering.According to Raphael the ills of modern society are due to the fact that we do not have a shared vision of truth and of the goal of life. "On the Order of Nature" provides exactly this, presented in the voice of Dike (the Goddess of Truth and Mother of the World) who speaks to Parmenides and leads him on his journey. It will be up to the reader to decide if this is a fanciful, symbolic literary device on the part of Parmenides, or a description of actual realities.The book is noteworthy for a number of reasons. First, for its clear exposition and explanation of the fragments, knitting them into a coherent whole. Second, for it ample use of quotations that illustrate the meaning of the text, from both western and eastern sources. The selections from non-Greek sources, specifically the Hindu Upanisads, clearly indicate that there is a common truth that is the source of humanity's great spiritual traditions. Third, as is the case with Raphael's other books on Greek philosophy (Orpheus and the Initiatory Tradition and Initiation into the Philosophy of Plato), he reminds us that at the core of our Western philosophical tradition is an initiatory path of spiritual depth and wisdom rather than the immature musings of a primitive philosophy to be supplanted by more "modern" thinkers. If this is true, then only one who is himself a "knower of truth" can hold the key that will unlock their secrets. In this regard Raphael has performed an admirable service.Review by Micha-El (Alan Berkowitz). October, 2009On Raphael and His BooksRaphael's books demonstrate a deep inner understanding of the world's sacred traditions. He brings them alive and gives them a contemporary expression while remaining true to their original inspiration. Raphael reminds us that Occidental and Oriental sacred traditions are not to be approached academically or intellectually but rather, that they are living spiritual pathways to truth that remain relevant today. In his words, they are "realizative". His books provide the reader with the understanding and tools to follow these sacred paths, including Alchemy, Kabbalah, Orphism, and Platonism in the Western Tradition, and Yoga and the Advaita Vedanta of Sankara in the Eastern Tradition. Many of Raphael's books are original works of his own, others are translations and commentaries from Greek or Sanskrit of traditional sacred literature - including works and commentaries on Advaita Vedanta by Shankara, the Yoga Sutra's of Patanjali, and On the Order of Nature by Parmenides. These books have all been published by the Aureya Vidya Foundation ([...]. To date eleven have been made available in English and many more remain to be translated from the original Italian. A selection of Raphael's books are also available in German, French and Spanish.Raphael is recommended to all spiritual seekers who want to ground their search in ancient wisdom while seeking a contemporary expression that appeals to reasoned analysis and which integrates modern philosophy, science and psychology. His books challenge us to see these traditions, ourselves and the world differently, and to take our spiritual seeking seriously. If you are willing to do so, his books may be for you.By Micha-El (Alan Berkowitz). February, 2009
S**A
Original vision of an Indian Parmenides
Autor tried to put parmendies in somewhere between traditonal, rationalistic Greek philosphy and some hindu mysticism. the thesis is sound but the execution is lacklustre and solipcistic. the book is also extrmely short, as it features the entire parmendies poem itself (which is avaliable for free online) and a Greek glossary that explains the words.* if you want a better take on the same thesis as this book, I would recommend THE SHAPE OF ANCIENT THOUGHT by T. McEvilly instead.* if you want the technical glossary and translation of the poem, I would recommend PARMENIEDS AND MORTAL PHILOSOPHY by Vishwa Adluri instead.
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