If Plato and his student Aristotle were both initiates (which it is alleged) then how is it that they disagree on the nature of the soul? Plato asserts that the soul (or Form) is prior and independent of the physical body and is capable of transmigration (reincarnation) whereas Aristotle rejects this notion and asserts that the soul is not and cannot be independent of the body and therefore it cannot transmigrate from one body to another.
As initiates are supposedly privy to the mysteries of nature how is it they disagree on this pretty fundamental philosophical tenet? Either one is right and the other is wrong. Both cannot be right which means one cannot be an initiate, no? If so, who was right and who was wrong?
As initiates are supposedly privy to the mysteries of nature how is it they disagree on this pretty fundamental philosophical tenet? Either one is right and the other is wrong. Both cannot be right which means one cannot be an initiate, no? If so, who was right and who was wrong?
Accepted Answer
Firstly, let us clarify this word "initiate." By way of analogy, let us compare with the word "explorer." Let us look at two people, and call them both explorers. Now, if one has only explored around their house, and another has explored the whole world, from the bottoms of the oceans and even gone into space, to other planets, is it fair to really consider them equal "explorers?" Just so with the word "initiate." Saying someone is an "initiate" is very vague and leads to useless assumptions.
Regarding the gentlemen you inquired about, I would also point out that what is known by society about them is based on a few copies of ancient documents, often of dubious authorship or origin. Can we really know the spiritual level of a person by looking at a few old pieces of paper, moreover one that has been translated and interpreted relentlessly for centuries? If this were so, what could be said of each of us in the coming centuries? What will they determine by looking at our bills, receipts, etc? I shudder to think of it!
Ot worse, if they look at what others have said of us!
To answer your inquiry, here is a quote from Samael Aun Weor.
I have found no reference indicating that Aristotle was an initiate. Perhaps he was, perhaps not. Either way, the argument you described (which, incidentally, may not even have been from him) lacks integrity, and does not stand up under analysis.
In this tradition we always recommend resolving such questions through analysis of your own experience. It is not hard to confirm that the soul is independent of the body.
Regarding the gentlemen you inquired about, I would also point out that what is known by society about them is based on a few copies of ancient documents, often of dubious authorship or origin. Can we really know the spiritual level of a person by looking at a few old pieces of paper, moreover one that has been translated and interpreted relentlessly for centuries? If this were so, what could be said of each of us in the coming centuries? What will they determine by looking at our bills, receipts, etc? I shudder to think of it!
Ot worse, if they look at what others have said of us!To answer your inquiry, here is a quote from Samael Aun Weor.
"Aristotle, once and again in his philosophy, convinced that his knowledge was formidable, made himself useless. He caused suffering, but lived convinced that he never did anything wrong. He is sure that he is magnificent, benevolent, sweet, etc." - Imagination and Fantasy
I have found no reference indicating that Aristotle was an initiate. Perhaps he was, perhaps not. Either way, the argument you described (which, incidentally, may not even have been from him) lacks integrity, and does not stand up under analysis.
In this tradition we always recommend resolving such questions through analysis of your own experience. It is not hard to confirm that the soul is independent of the body.
“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes.” —Demosthenes
"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." —Samael Aun Weor
"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." —Samael Aun Weor
Bearing the prior statements in mind, the following quote is also illuminating:
The Age of Reason was initiated by Aristotle. It reached its culmination with Emmanuel Kant and ends now with the birth of the new Era of Aquarius. -Samael Aun Weor, Igneous Rose
Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.
Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
Accepted Answer
Firstly, let us clarify this word "initiate." By way of analogy, let us compare with the word "explorer." Let us look at two people, and call them both explorers. Now, if one has only explored around their house, and another has explored the whole world, from the bottoms of the oceans and even gone into space, to other planets, is it fair to really consider them equal "explorers?" Just so with the word "initiate." Saying someone is an "initiate" is very vague and leads to useless assumptions.
Regarding the gentlemen you inquired about, I would also point out that what is known by society about them is based on a few copies of ancient documents, often of dubious authorship or origin. Can we really know the spiritual level of a person by looking at a few old pieces of paper, moreover one that has been translated and interpreted relentlessly for centuries? If this were so, what could be said of each of us in the coming centuries? What will they determine by looking at our bills, receipts, etc? I shudder to think of it! Ot worse, if they look at what others have said of us!
To answer your inquiry, here is a quote from Samael Aun Weor.
I have found no reference indicating that Aristotle was an initiate. Perhaps he was, perhaps not. Either way, the argument you described (which, incidentally, may not even have been from him) lacks integrity, and does not stand up under analysis.
In this tradition we always recommend resolving such questions through analysis of your own experience. It is not hard to confirm that the soul is independent of the body.
Regarding the gentlemen you inquired about, I would also point out that what is known by society about them is based on a few copies of ancient documents, often of dubious authorship or origin. Can we really know the spiritual level of a person by looking at a few old pieces of paper, moreover one that has been translated and interpreted relentlessly for centuries? If this were so, what could be said of each of us in the coming centuries? What will they determine by looking at our bills, receipts, etc? I shudder to think of it!
Ot worse, if they look at what others have said of us!To answer your inquiry, here is a quote from Samael Aun Weor.
"Aristotle, once and again in his philosophy, convinced that his knowledge was formidable, made himself useless. He caused suffering, but lived convinced that he never did anything wrong. He is sure that he is magnificent, benevolent, sweet, etc." - Imagination and Fantasy
I have found no reference indicating that Aristotle was an initiate. Perhaps he was, perhaps not. Either way, the argument you described (which, incidentally, may not even have been from him) lacks integrity, and does not stand up under analysis.
In this tradition we always recommend resolving such questions through analysis of your own experience. It is not hard to confirm that the soul is independent of the body.
“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes.” —Demosthenes
"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." —Samael Aun Weor
"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." —Samael Aun Weor
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