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The Red Lion: The Elixir of Eternal Life
In 1553, obsessed by the Elixir of Life, Hans Burgner begins serving as a famulus to a Magister. After repeatedly asking for and being denied the Elixir, he kills his master and rips the potion from around the Magister’s neck.Because he obtained the Elixir by murder and before his mind and body are ready, Hans is trapped with dark, chaotic forces in the eternal life he craves. Lifetime after lifetime he wakes in a different body with the veil of forgetfullness lifted. He must become an Adept himself to rise above the forces he contends with, enduring the trials and training each lifetime bring him. These various lifetimes will lead him to the places, experiences and people who will teach and guide him as he learns the process of alchemy and turns himself from a base man into a Magus.
He will travel with the illustrious Count St Germain, come into contact with well known personages such as Casanova, Marie Antoinette, Frederick III of Denmark, and the glittering aristocracy at the highest courts of Europe.
He must also travel to the lowest point of humanity to complete the circle, along the way mastering the Eleven Rules, the Six Duties and the Sixteen Secret Signs of the Order.
The Eleven Rules
Love God above all else.
Use your time to develop your soul.
Be completely unselfish.
Be sober, humble, active, and silent.
Learn the origins of the 'metals' in you.
Beware of charlatans and liars.
Constantly revere the highest Good.
Learn the theory before you try to practice.
Practice charity toward all beings.
Read the ancient books of wisdom.
Strive to understand their secret meaning.
The Six Duties
Heal the sick and relieve the suffering without thought of reward.
Conform to the customs of the country in which you live.
Meet with your fellow members in a pre-set place once a year.
Select your own successor.
Remember the letters R.C., symbols of the Brotherhood.
Keep the existence of our Order secret for one hundred years.
The Sixteen Secret Signs
A member of the Order is patient.
He is compassionate.
He is incapable of envy.
He is not a braggart.
He is not proud.
He is not debauched.
He is not greedy.
He is not easily roused to anger.
He thinks no evil of others.
He loves righteousness.
He loves Truth.
He knows how to remain silent.
He believes what he has learned.
His hope does not fail.
He does not falter during suffering.
He will always be a member of the Brotherhood.
He will travel with the illustrious Count St Germain, come into contact with well known personages such as Casanova, Marie Antoinette, Frederick III of Denmark, and the glittering aristocracy at the highest courts of Europe.
He must also travel to the lowest point of humanity to complete the circle, along the way mastering the Eleven Rules, the Six Duties and the Sixteen Secret Signs of the Order.
The Eleven Rules
Love God above all else.
Use your time to develop your soul.
Be completely unselfish.
Be sober, humble, active, and silent.
Learn the origins of the 'metals' in you.
Beware of charlatans and liars.
Constantly revere the highest Good.
Learn the theory before you try to practice.
Practice charity toward all beings.
Read the ancient books of wisdom.
Strive to understand their secret meaning.
The Six Duties
Heal the sick and relieve the suffering without thought of reward.
Conform to the customs of the country in which you live.
Meet with your fellow members in a pre-set place once a year.
Select your own successor.
Remember the letters R.C., symbols of the Brotherhood.
Keep the existence of our Order secret for one hundred years.
The Sixteen Secret Signs
A member of the Order is patient.
He is compassionate.
He is incapable of envy.
He is not a braggart.
He is not proud.
He is not debauched.
He is not greedy.
He is not easily roused to anger.
He thinks no evil of others.
He loves righteousness.
He loves Truth.
He knows how to remain silent.
He believes what he has learned.
His hope does not fail.
He does not falter during suffering.
He will always be a member of the Brotherhood.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1946
245 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
Mária Szepes
63 books33 followersSzepes was born Magdolna Scherbach into a Hungarian family of theater stars in Budapest. Her father, Sándor Papir, was a bon vivant and great star of Budapest's stages. Her mother was primadonna. Her parents and her brother were to her like "brothers and sisters in spirit", as well as she admitted only spiritual relationship: "Everything else is just experience, engagement, disengagement – karma."[clarification needed]
From 1916 to 1933, she appeared as a film actress (mostly under the name Magda Papir). One year after marrying Béla Szepes in 2 January 1931, she accompanied him to Berlin, where they lived until Hungary's Anschluß towards war's end. In her book Magie der Liebe ("Magic of Love"), Szepes writes about the marriage, which lasted 56 years, and discusses the so-called "Alchemistic Marriage", the dissolution of the ego in the other.
Szepes studied literature, art history, and biology in Berlin. Back in Hungary she first worked as a journalist, screenplay writer, and author. Her first novel The Red Lion was written in a hideout during World War II and became a worldwide bestseller of esoteric literature. The two Raguel volumes are referred to as her chief work by Szepes herself.
From 1916 to 1933, she appeared as a film actress (mostly under the name Magda Papir). One year after marrying Béla Szepes in 2 January 1931, she accompanied him to Berlin, where they lived until Hungary's Anschluß towards war's end. In her book Magie der Liebe ("Magic of Love"), Szepes writes about the marriage, which lasted 56 years, and discusses the so-called "Alchemistic Marriage", the dissolution of the ego in the other.
Szepes studied literature, art history, and biology in Berlin. Back in Hungary she first worked as a journalist, screenplay writer, and author. Her first novel The Red Lion was written in a hideout during World War II and became a worldwide bestseller of esoteric literature. The two Raguel volumes are referred to as her chief work by Szepes herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 12, 2013
This is one of my top 5 books of all time. I have read it countless times and will continue to do so, because every time you read it, you find deeper and deeper layers of symbolism, connections and wisdom. This is one of those books that I would like to have with me if I was stranded on an island with only a handful of books...
April 9, 2025
[...] Initiation always occurs twice. The first time is when an Entity has come to Earth but still has an undimmed awareness of the other world. Then he steps into the Temple of Mysteries. During the trials he is alone in the silence of condensed time and shrunken space, and an indelible sketch is etched upon his soul in a few sure marks. The trials themselves are symbols of all the temptations, possibilities, and dangers to be undergone later and of the true meaning of existence. This sketch once made is guarded by the soul, and its lines are still visible through the thickest body dress, even though their meaning has been forgotten. It is the burning urge that appears in our restless dreams and drives us to and fro from experience to experience in the barricaded physical world. It is the source of the eternal discontent that causes us to reach forward for ephemeral goals. For behind these goals is the Chimera, the sacred riddle, that lures us on even through the midst of passion, ambition, intellectual attainments, death, and birth. No matter how far we stray, we are still on the prescribed path and will return to our beginnings.
Then there is the second, final initiation that takes place at the end of the road, after the fires of passion are burned out and human experience has been endured. The theory becomes a living reality, and the gate of the first mystery swings open. But once you have passed the first gate, you cannot leave until you have trod the entire maze.
**
Yet every day I saw even more clearly what crude material he was and how little I could hope for his progress. What he needed to learn could be taught only by time and experience. Knowledge could not polish his passions and instincts; only living them out could do that. Every other Master would refuse him without a second thought. Obscure feelings and violent desire were not the attributes of an occult student. Only his mental and spiritual readiness and his own progress would determine his fate.
Well, unsurprisingly, I am hesitating to pinpoint my thoughts yet ;) I was seized by this novel like an unusually engrossing flower pot which, despite the lengthy read, gripped me like a Karma bond, so I even fear diving deeper other than floating on the surface, somehow that feels recomforting to me...
Then there is the second, final initiation that takes place at the end of the road, after the fires of passion are burned out and human experience has been endured. The theory becomes a living reality, and the gate of the first mystery swings open. But once you have passed the first gate, you cannot leave until you have trod the entire maze.
**
Yet every day I saw even more clearly what crude material he was and how little I could hope for his progress. What he needed to learn could be taught only by time and experience. Knowledge could not polish his passions and instincts; only living them out could do that. Every other Master would refuse him without a second thought. Obscure feelings and violent desire were not the attributes of an occult student. Only his mental and spiritual readiness and his own progress would determine his fate.
Well, unsurprisingly, I am hesitating to pinpoint my thoughts yet ;) I was seized by this novel like an unusually engrossing flower pot which, despite the lengthy read, gripped me like a Karma bond, so I even fear diving deeper other than floating on the surface, somehow that feels recomforting to me...
September 24, 2009
My feelings about the book: Amazed, Startled, Excited, Peace
Maria Szepes was a Hungarian writer, so I read her book in Hungarian, but one of my dreams is to read this in English.
I like this book so much, it is about the development of the spirit through more course of lifes. It is an adventure book. Good for just reading too.
Maria Szepes was a Hungarian writer, so I read her book in Hungarian, but one of my dreams is to read this in English.
I like this book so much, it is about the development of the spirit through more course of lifes. It is an adventure book. Good for just reading too.
February 23, 2017
È un libro degli anni '40 con una violenta storia editoriale che ci è giunto quasi per caso. La "gabbia" è quella del fantasy esoterico, ma in realtà, se scostate il velo, c'è molto di più. Il punto forte di questo romanzo è l'introspezione. L'autrice infatti, oltre ad essere molto acuta e pungente, vantava una specializzazione in psicologia.
L'espressività linguistica è incisiva. Personalità e azioni sono delineate con la minuzia di chi sta un gradino sopra rispetto al mondo che lo circonda. In questo senso la Szepes è stata una rivelazione. Al di là della trama questo libro è ricco di spunti di riflessione e, poichè mi ha trasmesso tanto, finisce di prepotenza nella mia top 10.
Dal punto di vista narrativo ci sono alti e bassi, ma - per stare in tema - mi vien da rispondere: per aspera, ad astra. Posso giusto dire che è suddiviso in 3 parti perché 3 sono le porte della conoscenza da varcare.
Stendiamo un velo pietoso sul non-lavoro di editing della casa editrice perchè ho trovato dai 10 ai 30 refusi per capitolo.
Curiosità: nel dizionario di alchimia di Paracelsus "leone rosso" equivale a "cinabro". In termini metaforici dominare/trovare il Leone Rosso significa acquisire le conoscenze base dell'alchimista; superare il primo step (acquisire consapevolezza psicologica androgina dei limiti corporei e delle potenzialità della natura umana, superando i limiti delle differenziazioni sessuali), cui seguirà il secondo stadio: il Leone Verde. Tutto torna!
L'espressività linguistica è incisiva. Personalità e azioni sono delineate con la minuzia di chi sta un gradino sopra rispetto al mondo che lo circonda. In questo senso la Szepes è stata una rivelazione. Al di là della trama questo libro è ricco di spunti di riflessione e, poichè mi ha trasmesso tanto, finisce di prepotenza nella mia top 10.
L'Elisir ottenuto col delitto ti ha reso schiavo delle passioni. Si è trasformato in un veleno dentro di te. Esiste un solo antidoto: la Trasmutazione. Devi portarla a compimento su tutti i 3 livelli simultaneamente... Fino a quel momento dovrai impegnarti per giungere al segreto delle 3 chiavi. Devi trovare la "Prima Materia"Il leone rosso è una storia di reincarnazioni, ricerca e realizzazione alchemica, romanzata attraverso esperienze di edificazione spirituale. È un libro a più livelli: ogni lettore ne trae messaggi diversi. Ma è tanto bello quanto complesso perché alcune chiavi di lettura non sono immediate ma, nonostante tutto, vale la pena fare quest'esperienza.
Dal punto di vista narrativo ci sono alti e bassi, ma - per stare in tema - mi vien da rispondere: per aspera, ad astra. Posso giusto dire che è suddiviso in 3 parti perché 3 sono le porte della conoscenza da varcare.
Stendiamo un velo pietoso sul non-lavoro di editing della casa editrice perchè ho trovato dai 10 ai 30 refusi per capitolo.
Curiosità: nel dizionario di alchimia di Paracelsus "leone rosso" equivale a "cinabro". In termini metaforici dominare/trovare il Leone Rosso significa acquisire le conoscenze base dell'alchimista; superare il primo step (acquisire consapevolezza psicologica androgina dei limiti corporei e delle potenzialità della natura umana, superando i limiti delle differenziazioni sessuali), cui seguirà il secondo stadio: il Leone Verde. Tutto torna!
March 15, 2008
The first novel by Mária Szepes was published 1946 in Hungary (original title: "A Vörös Oroszlán"). During the communist regime Rákosi The Red Lion was considered to be nonconformistic and therefore was prohibited. All copies of the book were ordered to be destroyed. Except that the librarian and novelist Béla Hamvas had managed to save four copies. Then several supporters of the author typed up the novel, made templates for printing, and released the self-made copies into the underground. Almost 40 years later the novel arrived at the desk of the Heyne publishing company via the agency Utoprop. The book was translated into German by Gottfried Feidel and was published as paperback in 1984. More details regarding the history of origin are reported by Hans Joachim Alpers in his preface of the 2002 re-issue.
Szepes tells the story of unhappy Hans Burger, a miller's son born in the 16th century. After the death of his weak father and of a likewise miserable but beloved teacher, he becomes afraid of the unavoidable death of all living things. Driven by omnipresent rumours of an elixir of eternal life, he accompanies a mysterious alchemist. Instead of listening to his warnings, Burger, in his feverish greed, does not shrink away from murder; therefore he gets hold of the elixir spiritually unprepared. This is the starting point of a journey through the centuries, because from now on Burger can physically die, but is born into different circumstances over and over again and retains his full memory. Several times he tries to perform the great transmutation, which delivers him from his self-imposed curse. In front of the background of last five centuries' European history Hans Burger undergoes a dramatic personal development: at first an unconscious, even infamous, character, he grows on the problems confronting him. He reaches human perfection and finally becomes a Magus, an initiate.
Szepes tells the story of unhappy Hans Burger, a miller's son born in the 16th century. After the death of his weak father and of a likewise miserable but beloved teacher, he becomes afraid of the unavoidable death of all living things. Driven by omnipresent rumours of an elixir of eternal life, he accompanies a mysterious alchemist. Instead of listening to his warnings, Burger, in his feverish greed, does not shrink away from murder; therefore he gets hold of the elixir spiritually unprepared. This is the starting point of a journey through the centuries, because from now on Burger can physically die, but is born into different circumstances over and over again and retains his full memory. Several times he tries to perform the great transmutation, which delivers him from his self-imposed curse. In front of the background of last five centuries' European history Hans Burger undergoes a dramatic personal development: at first an unconscious, even infamous, character, he grows on the problems confronting him. He reaches human perfection and finally becomes a Magus, an initiate.
March 21, 2020
Here I am again, 5th time, reading my favourite book...
September 27, 2021
this book was recommended to me by a tattoo artist I met when I was living in Budapest, who messaged me recently with a photo of its cover and said “it’s a book for us— the people who like to think.”
I typically prefer to read physical books, so at his recommendation, I began looking for a copy at bookstores and online. the cheapest I could find in English was a used version for a whopping $180, and the quality was listed as “very poor.” I hadn’t known the history of the book at the time - that it was banned and all copies (except 4) were destroyed after its publication in the 40s, only to be rediscovered and reprinted in German in the 80s, before a limited run print in English in early 00s.
anyways - I bought the Kindle edition ($2), began reading, and was immediately hooked. it’s a spiritual book, for sure, but it reads like an adventure novel, telling the story of Hans Burgner and the many lives he leads after acquiring the Elixir of eternal life.
I’m sure I’ll reread this at some point, and I’m sure I’ll notice things I didn’t pick up on the first time around, but for now, it’s inspired a lot of introspection about who and what I might’ve been before this lifetime, and where I am in my own eternal journey.
I typically prefer to read physical books, so at his recommendation, I began looking for a copy at bookstores and online. the cheapest I could find in English was a used version for a whopping $180, and the quality was listed as “very poor.” I hadn’t known the history of the book at the time - that it was banned and all copies (except 4) were destroyed after its publication in the 40s, only to be rediscovered and reprinted in German in the 80s, before a limited run print in English in early 00s.
anyways - I bought the Kindle edition ($2), began reading, and was immediately hooked. it’s a spiritual book, for sure, but it reads like an adventure novel, telling the story of Hans Burgner and the many lives he leads after acquiring the Elixir of eternal life.
I’m sure I’ll reread this at some point, and I’m sure I’ll notice things I didn’t pick up on the first time around, but for now, it’s inspired a lot of introspection about who and what I might’ve been before this lifetime, and where I am in my own eternal journey.
February 3, 2021
Nu am citit aproape deloc anul acesta dar pot afirma fara niciun dubiu ca aceasta carte a urcat in top 3 carti citite in ultimii 2 ani. Mi-a placut foarte, foarte mult si o recomand tuturor! E adevarat ca a venit la fix intr-un moment greu al vietii mele dar nu ma insel deloc cand spun ca este o compozitie literara extraordinara. Mi-a fost dor sa citesc dar, mai mult, mi-a fost dor de o capodopera.
Leul Roșu a fost scris în 1946 și a fost considerat un roman nonconformist. Din aceasta cauza opera a fost declarata ilegala si a fost dat ordin să fie distrusă dar un bibliotecar a salvat patru exemplare, iar susținătorii romanului au dactilografiat alte exemplare pentru a o păstra ascunsa înainte de a ajunge pe manile unui editor german in 1984.
Hans Burgner, protagonistul, s-a nascut in 1535 intr-o familie cu o mama instabila in comportament iar dupa moartea tatalui, el ramane sub teroarea acesteia. Totul se schimba pana apare unchiul sau, Sebastian, de care se ataseaza pentru ca, aparent, este singurul care ii tine piept mamei sale. Moartea insa isi cere tributul si Sebastian pleaca din aceasta lume. Hans se simte daramat si pierde sensul vietii.
„ Viata este superba, dar ce folos daca nu te poți bucura de ea decat câtiva ani – dacă după câteva placeri fugare omul se transforma într-o ruina epuizata, mușchii i se înmoaie, dintii îi cad iar viata i se stinge ca flacăra lumânării? Nu pricepeam cum pot oamenii sa se îmbulzească, sa năzuiasca la titluri si ranguri, sa se insoare, sa faca copii, sa exercite meserii, de vreme ce viața lor putea sa se sfarseasca in orice clipa, in cel mai bun caz peste cateva decenii, Cand ei mergeau la inmormântari si îl priveau pe cel mort in fata, isi vedeau de fapt propria condamnare la moarte. Cum de nu o luau la goana din cimitir, din casele lor, din familiile lor, ca sa caute pe undeva elixirul, viața vesnică?”
Povestea urmărește evolutia unui om obsedat de alchimie și dorinta sa de a intra in posesia Elixirului Vieții, elixir care ar garanta nemurirea. Calatoria protagonistului este una profund psihologica. Complotul este construit cu foarte mare atenție și plin de metafore ascunse, necesitând o lectură lentă și atentă, dar nu este lipsit de sare si piper. Cititorul progresează cu Hans Burgner și cu construcția remarcabilă a filozofiei alchimistului, pentru a se încheia într-o viziune deschisă asupra lumii noastre.
Unul din citatele mele preferate:
„A creat o capodoperă, o teorie aparent irefutabilă care a negat existența propriului său suflet. Astfel a închis al treilea ochi, vederea spirituală, din lumea oamenilor. Pentru a înlocui acest ochi văzător, omul a dezvoltat creierul central, care acționează ca degetul bâjbâit al orbilor. ”
Vă va merita timpul. Promit.
Leul Roșu a fost scris în 1946 și a fost considerat un roman nonconformist. Din aceasta cauza opera a fost declarata ilegala si a fost dat ordin să fie distrusă dar un bibliotecar a salvat patru exemplare, iar susținătorii romanului au dactilografiat alte exemplare pentru a o păstra ascunsa înainte de a ajunge pe manile unui editor german in 1984.
Hans Burgner, protagonistul, s-a nascut in 1535 intr-o familie cu o mama instabila in comportament iar dupa moartea tatalui, el ramane sub teroarea acesteia. Totul se schimba pana apare unchiul sau, Sebastian, de care se ataseaza pentru ca, aparent, este singurul care ii tine piept mamei sale. Moartea insa isi cere tributul si Sebastian pleaca din aceasta lume. Hans se simte daramat si pierde sensul vietii.
„ Viata este superba, dar ce folos daca nu te poți bucura de ea decat câtiva ani – dacă după câteva placeri fugare omul se transforma într-o ruina epuizata, mușchii i se înmoaie, dintii îi cad iar viata i se stinge ca flacăra lumânării? Nu pricepeam cum pot oamenii sa se îmbulzească, sa năzuiasca la titluri si ranguri, sa se insoare, sa faca copii, sa exercite meserii, de vreme ce viața lor putea sa se sfarseasca in orice clipa, in cel mai bun caz peste cateva decenii, Cand ei mergeau la inmormântari si îl priveau pe cel mort in fata, isi vedeau de fapt propria condamnare la moarte. Cum de nu o luau la goana din cimitir, din casele lor, din familiile lor, ca sa caute pe undeva elixirul, viața vesnică?”
Povestea urmărește evolutia unui om obsedat de alchimie și dorinta sa de a intra in posesia Elixirului Vieții, elixir care ar garanta nemurirea. Calatoria protagonistului este una profund psihologica. Complotul este construit cu foarte mare atenție și plin de metafore ascunse, necesitând o lectură lentă și atentă, dar nu este lipsit de sare si piper. Cititorul progresează cu Hans Burgner și cu construcția remarcabilă a filozofiei alchimistului, pentru a se încheia într-o viziune deschisă asupra lumii noastre.
Unul din citatele mele preferate:
„A creat o capodoperă, o teorie aparent irefutabilă care a negat existența propriului său suflet. Astfel a închis al treilea ochi, vederea spirituală, din lumea oamenilor. Pentru a înlocui acest ochi văzător, omul a dezvoltat creierul central, care acționează ca degetul bâjbâit al orbilor. ”
Vă va merita timpul. Promit.
August 13, 2017
This is a sweeping saga of a single soul's journey through time. The spiritually minded will find certain profound truths sprinkled throughout the narrative, like "earthly law merely executes spiritual justice." Like meditation, The Red Lion has the power to alter one's perception for a time and is a helpful means of piercing the veil to reach spiritual reality. Nevertheless, the book is overly long and indulges in the addition of too many characters and extended descriptions, and tarries far too long in the period of the French Revolution. Still, it's a worthy read that will likely stay with the reader for quite a while.
March 13, 2018
The book does take you on a spiritual journey. Must reread and get more information out of it. I'm sure it gives different insights every time, depending on your mind state. Now I truly wonder "who I've been?" and "where I'm at?" on my long journey. You start to look around and sort of understand or take people's actions more mellow.
June 4, 2025
Hmmm... I definitely need more time to come up with a review. It's all too soon and raw.
What I can say is that this book is one of my all-time favorites. It resonated on a personal level, and I read it maybe at the perfect time in my life.
What I can say is that this book is one of my all-time favorites. It resonated on a personal level, and I read it maybe at the perfect time in my life.
July 13, 2016
One of the best esoteric books around! Great story, great storytelling, great esoteric knowledge. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in spirituality.
November 3, 2022
Nici nu stiu ce sa zic despre aceasta carte. Desi are actiune nu o poti citi repede, poate si din cauza intelesurilor ascunse . Oricum este o carte care se adreseaza celor care cauta acel "ceva" , informatia care sa te ajute sa gasesti iluminarea, si sa te dezvolti spiritual ( ,,inseamna a te domina pe tine însuți, nu a-i domina pe altii"). Cartea urmareste traseul de evoluție a "Leului rosu" de-a lungul mai multor reincarnari, cu obstacolele, esecurile, alegerile bune/rele, reusitele.
Ideile de aici nu mi-au fost straine, gasindu-le si in alte carti de spiritualitate : sa nu faci rau, ideea ca suferinta te poate face sa urci pe o treapta mai sus si sa arzi mai mult din karma, roata karmica si ideea cum sa iesi din ciclul ei, existenta vietii dupa moarte, existenta memoriei universale care este memoria akasica, existenta mai multor planuri ( astral, mental si fizic), crearea energiilor negative(demoni) in functie de pasiunile tale, legarea de corp, pierderea constiintei. Mi-a placut ideea ca Dumnezeu este calea de intrerupere a ciclului karmic si mi-a placut ca s-a recunoscut existenta arhanghelilor. Si daca tot vorbim despre roata karmica, cartea are actiune ciclica, personajul traind la final actiunea de la inceputul cartii. O idee frumoasa dar si terifianta, personajul ajungand sa traiasca greseala care a infaptuit-o dar dintr-o alta perspectiva.(la inceputul carti, acesta ucide si la final ajunge sa fie ucis din acelasi motiv) Si da este descris traseul fiecarui personaj cu greselile facute si plata lor in alta viata. Pentru acei oameni care cauta un raspuns este o confirmare dar si un indemn de a face bine si a te ingriji de sufletul tau.
Ideile de aici nu mi-au fost straine, gasindu-le si in alte carti de spiritualitate : sa nu faci rau, ideea ca suferinta te poate face sa urci pe o treapta mai sus si sa arzi mai mult din karma, roata karmica si ideea cum sa iesi din ciclul ei, existenta vietii dupa moarte, existenta memoriei universale care este memoria akasica, existenta mai multor planuri ( astral, mental si fizic), crearea energiilor negative(demoni) in functie de pasiunile tale, legarea de corp, pierderea constiintei. Mi-a placut ideea ca Dumnezeu este calea de intrerupere a ciclului karmic si mi-a placut ca s-a recunoscut existenta arhanghelilor. Si daca tot vorbim despre roata karmica, cartea are actiune ciclica, personajul traind la final actiunea de la inceputul cartii. O idee frumoasa dar si terifianta, personajul ajungand sa traiasca greseala care a infaptuit-o dar dintr-o alta perspectiva.(la inceputul carti, acesta ucide si la final ajunge sa fie ucis din acelasi motiv) Si da este descris traseul fiecarui personaj cu greselile facute si plata lor in alta viata. Pentru acei oameni care cauta un raspuns este o confirmare dar si un indemn de a face bine si a te ingriji de sufletul tau.
December 21, 2025
“Il leone rosso. Elisir di vita eterna” è un romanzo che intreccia mistero, conoscenza esoterica e ricerca interiore, conducendo il lettore in un viaggio affascinante tra simboli, alchimia e domande senza tempo sul senso della vita e della trasformazione dell’essere umano.
La storia si muove sul confine tra avventura e riflessione spirituale, utilizzando l’alchimia non solo come elemento narrativo, ma come vero e proprio linguaggio simbolico.
Il “leone rosso”, emblema della Grande Opera, diventa metafora di un processo di morte e rinascita, di purificazione e consapevolezza, più che di una semplice conquista materiale dell’immortalità.
Uno degli aspetti più riusciti del libro è l’atmosfera: densa, suggestiva, a tratti iniziatica.
Il lettore viene accompagnato in un percorso che richiede attenzione e apertura, dove nulla è puramente decorativo e ogni passaggio rimanda a un significato più profondo.
L’elisir di vita eterna non è mai solo un obiettivo esterno, ma una domanda rivolta all’interiorità: cosa significa davvero “vivere per sempre”?
È una storia che invita a guardare oltre la superficie degli eventi, che non offre risposte semplici, ma propone un’esperienza di lettura che rispecchia il cammino iniziatico che racconta.
January 4, 2018
Aki utálja, hosszasan mesél arról mennyire lassú, feleslegesen részletes, mégis elnagyol és pátoszos az egész, s aki szereti, arról igyekszik meggyőzni a hajlandó hallgatóságot, hogy csodálatos, lassan építkező történet, alaposan kidolgozott karakteretekkel, elképzelhetetlen varázslatokkal, hihetetlen utazással. Szóval nem, nem biztos hogy szeretni fogod, és ha nem fogod szeretni, akkor csak utálni tudod.
http://napifalat.blogspot.hu/2018/01/...
http://napifalat.blogspot.hu/2018/01/...
August 5, 2018
I have read this book at least 5 times... I think that it would be fair to say it's a lot like Jonathan Livingston Seagull but more in depth and no crappy seagull pictures!!! Really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone and anyone who likes to think of our current existence as just a step in an evolutionary process!
June 24, 2013
OUTSTANDING!
September 23, 2025
O carte pe care am citit-o cât de încet am putut, nu voiam să las citate necontemplate, voiam să iau cu mine cât de mult se poate de la prima lectură. Las cateva fragmente care m-au impresionat:
„Adevărații inițiați ai alchimiei mentale nu s-au străduit nicicând să fabrice aur, ci năzuiau să-și transfigureze propria ființă din plumb uman în aur uman. Ei se străduiau să dea naștere în suflet, în spiritul lor, Pietrei Filosofale, adevăratul Elixir al Nemuririi.”
„Cel mai superb copil, încă din clipa nașterii sale, nu este decât un condamnat la moarte, iar cel care moare aici se naște undeva în altă parte. Ne culcăm seara pentru a ne trezi în împărăția visului. Se încheie o etapă a vieții noastre și se naște o alta, mai importantă, mai folositoare decât cea precedentă... Schimbarea este o lege, dar o lege spune că viața nu poate fi anulată de nicio schimbare...”
„...Cea mai acută suferință i-o cauza faptul că își pierduse masca în propriii săi ochi. Dorea ca rolul interpretat să fi fost cu adevărat personalitatea sa; îl admirase și îl alintase în sine. Dorea fierbinte să se unească cu acest rol. Dorea să fie cu adevărat măreț, impunător și plin de virtuți, dar nu realiza decât o copie imperfectă și superficială a idealului său. În mod evident, acest ideal i se implantase în suflet. În decursul următoarelor sale încarnări, destinul îl va îndruma spre acest țel și, după nenumărate suferințe, el va atinge punctul spre care tinde cu ardoare. Modelul, gravându-i-se arzător în suflet, prin piele, carne, sânge și nervi, prin masca superficială pe care și-a ales-o, îi va transforma caracterul. Iar radiațiile magnetice ale măreției lăuntrice, singurele capabile să-i ofere respectabilitatea dorită, îi vor dărui virtutea dorită atunci când aceasta nu va mai avea nicio importanță pentru el.”
„Adevărații inițiați ai alchimiei mentale nu s-au străduit nicicând să fabrice aur, ci năzuiau să-și transfigureze propria ființă din plumb uman în aur uman. Ei se străduiau să dea naștere în suflet, în spiritul lor, Pietrei Filosofale, adevăratul Elixir al Nemuririi.”
„Cel mai superb copil, încă din clipa nașterii sale, nu este decât un condamnat la moarte, iar cel care moare aici se naște undeva în altă parte. Ne culcăm seara pentru a ne trezi în împărăția visului. Se încheie o etapă a vieții noastre și se naște o alta, mai importantă, mai folositoare decât cea precedentă... Schimbarea este o lege, dar o lege spune că viața nu poate fi anulată de nicio schimbare...”
„...Cea mai acută suferință i-o cauza faptul că își pierduse masca în propriii săi ochi. Dorea ca rolul interpretat să fi fost cu adevărat personalitatea sa; îl admirase și îl alintase în sine. Dorea fierbinte să se unească cu acest rol. Dorea să fie cu adevărat măreț, impunător și plin de virtuți, dar nu realiza decât o copie imperfectă și superficială a idealului său. În mod evident, acest ideal i se implantase în suflet. În decursul următoarelor sale încarnări, destinul îl va îndruma spre acest țel și, după nenumărate suferințe, el va atinge punctul spre care tinde cu ardoare. Modelul, gravându-i-se arzător în suflet, prin piele, carne, sânge și nervi, prin masca superficială pe care și-a ales-o, îi va transforma caracterul. Iar radiațiile magnetice ale măreției lăuntrice, singurele capabile să-i ofere respectabilitatea dorită, îi vor dărui virtutea dorită atunci când aceasta nu va mai avea nicio importanță pentru el.”
October 25, 2025
A Szepes-életművel való behatóbb ismerkedés után, illetve az alkímia/ezotéria/okkultizmus területén való további művelődést követően egyre jobban becsülöm a szerző első regényét is. Továbbá egyre kevésbé értek egyet már az elméleti alapvetésével sem. De ettől nem lesz kevésbé inspiráló. Mert A Vörös Oroszlánnal vitatkozni is jó.
Nemcsak nagyszerű, hanem egyedi alkotásnak is tartom Szepes első regényét. Ahogyan egymás mellé illesztve szintetizálja a hindu, buddhista, zsidó és keresztény hagyomány elemeit, egységes cselekményszálat és változatos szereplőgárdát hozva létre belőlük, az önmagában is megbecsülni való. Távlati tervem úgy igazán mélyen belemenni ezekbe a gondolatrendszerekbe, hogy jobban érthessem a Szepes-életművet (is), de annyit jelenlegi ismereteim alapján is látok, hogy nemcsak felhasználja és életre kelti, hanem itt-ott még kritizálni is meri őket.
Itt olvasható tovább:
https://gyujtogeto-alkoto.blog.hu/202...
Nemcsak nagyszerű, hanem egyedi alkotásnak is tartom Szepes első regényét. Ahogyan egymás mellé illesztve szintetizálja a hindu, buddhista, zsidó és keresztény hagyomány elemeit, egységes cselekményszálat és változatos szereplőgárdát hozva létre belőlük, az önmagában is megbecsülni való. Távlati tervem úgy igazán mélyen belemenni ezekbe a gondolatrendszerekbe, hogy jobban érthessem a Szepes-életművet (is), de annyit jelenlegi ismereteim alapján is látok, hogy nemcsak felhasználja és életre kelti, hanem itt-ott még kritizálni is meri őket.
Itt olvasható tovább:
https://gyujtogeto-alkoto.blog.hu/202...
August 3, 2021
A man's spiritual journey, beginning with utmost greed and physical desires to becoming one who craves nothing but the solace of adonai. 5 stars for the knowledge dropped in the forms of allegories and the fact that it expouses alot of practical advice, specially regarding the dealings with Fear.
It is very similar to Zanoni, so i recommend you check that out aswell.
It is very similar to Zanoni, so i recommend you check that out aswell.
December 19, 2007
An alchemical romp through four centuries by a man cursed by a murder to continually see a future he can not control. First published in 1946, this is the work of an author almost two well versed in religion and mysticism.
September 4, 2021
Sokadszorra ❤
April 2, 2019
pure gold
March 11, 2020
Well...this was quite...interesting if you like esoterism, otherwise I found this is quite an unfinished book
March 4, 2021
Amazing book. From the people I know they've read this book, I haven't met two persons who understood the same thing.
August 15, 2020
I feel like I still didnt really grasp the meaning of the book, but it was worth reading for its magical vibe. Fascinating, and oddly inspiring.
March 31, 2025
I just finished reading "The Red Lion—the Elixir of Eternal Life" and I'm still reeling from the experience. This book is a game-changer - it's deep, it's thought-provoking, and it's hauntingly beautiful.
The story tackles some heavy themes, but the author does it in a way that's both sensitive and impactful. The writing is lyrical and evocative, and it drew me in from the very start.
What really stood out to me was the way the author balanced light and darkness. It's a tough subject matter, but it's handled with care and nuance.
If you're looking for a book that'll make you think, feel, and reflect, then "The Red Lion—the Elixir of Eternal Life" is the one. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
The story tackles some heavy themes, but the author does it in a way that's both sensitive and impactful. The writing is lyrical and evocative, and it drew me in from the very start.
What really stood out to me was the way the author balanced light and darkness. It's a tough subject matter, but it's handled with care and nuance.
If you're looking for a book that'll make you think, feel, and reflect, then "The Red Lion—the Elixir of Eternal Life" is the one. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
April 17, 2022
With such a magical atmosphere it's hard to grasp what the meaning behind this book is. I guess different people will get different messages depending on where we are at in their journeys. I thought of stopping reading this book a couple of times but I’m glad I didn’t. It did catch my attention all the way but I knew its dense and heavy themes could get the best of me. I’m glad I stuck to it though. It covers the laws of karma interestingly and it warns us of knowing how well we choose to take our path especially concerning the occult because it’ll reflect in many lives yet to come. Like attracts like and this is taught not exactly in the most enjoyable way through this book. For me, learning to handle our vanities and our ego demands are the biggest lessons in this book. The purest of heart are the one who will eventually reach illumination. It’s also a book about alchemy and it's fiction despite all the historical references. However, coming from this author I definitely say there’s more to it.
April 19, 2021
Wow! I usually don't read fiction, but since it was Joe Dispenza that recommended it I had to.
This turned out to be one of the best books I ever read and now for sure among my favorites.
You who are now beginning to read this book will be either a king or a madman once you have finished. You can do what you want with it, you will never hate or forget it. If your heart is pure, it will be a shining torch. if your heart is strong, it will be a weapon in your hand. If your heart is wise it will become still wiser. But if your heart is base, this book will be hellfire to you, it will brand your soul and weigh your conscience with eternal sorrow and restlessness.
This turned out to be one of the best books I ever read and now for sure among my favorites.
You who are now beginning to read this book will be either a king or a madman once you have finished. You can do what you want with it, you will never hate or forget it. If your heart is pure, it will be a shining torch. if your heart is strong, it will be a weapon in your hand. If your heart is wise it will become still wiser. But if your heart is base, this book will be hellfire to you, it will brand your soul and weigh your conscience with eternal sorrow and restlessness.
June 7, 2021
Nehéz volt elkezdeni. 80 oldal után szükségem volt egy szünetre mert untatott és nem tetszett a stílus. Aztán..
Beindult a könyv. Igazából ez nem is egy szimpla könyv hanem egy útmutató az élethez. És fantasztikus volt. Szerintem majd egy másik életszakaszomban is előveszem majd. Lehet akkor mást fogok levonni belőle. De most ez is elég.
Annyi elöljáróban írnék, hogy befásult ateistáknak nem ajánlanám. Sőt a “földhözragadtaknak” sem.
Ami engem megfogott: Mi kreálunk mindent. (Nem magyarázom meg, majd a Vörös oroszlán megmagyarázza helyettem)
Beindult a könyv. Igazából ez nem is egy szimpla könyv hanem egy útmutató az élethez. És fantasztikus volt. Szerintem majd egy másik életszakaszomban is előveszem majd. Lehet akkor mást fogok levonni belőle. De most ez is elég.
Annyi elöljáróban írnék, hogy befásult ateistáknak nem ajánlanám. Sőt a “földhözragadtaknak” sem.
Ami engem megfogott: Mi kreálunk mindent. (Nem magyarázom meg, majd a Vörös oroszlán megmagyarázza helyettem)
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