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The Return of the Perennial Philosophy: The Supreme Vision of Western Esotericism
Intelligent and perceptive, this examination of the universal truths inherent in all cultures and religions is a powerful, scholarly analysis of Western esotericism’s deepest teachings. John Holman contends that the perennial philosophy is not only at the heart of all world religions, but also of all major schools of thought and writings by the great thinkers and philosophers—no matter how diverse the presentation of their perceived truths. In an accessible way, Holman sheds light on a number of esoteric topics The Absolute and the One, the Great Chain of Being, the Philosopher’s Stone, the Seven Spirits, the evolution of consciousness and the Eternal Now—paying particular attention to the subject of time. This thought-provoking book helps us to develop a better understanding of the nature of reality and our potential for transcendence—and revolutionizes the debate on the perennial philosophy.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 24, 2009
The growing realization that the discursive intellect can't penetrate reality
Books on this topic are sorely needed, not because one can add anything new to the perennial philosophy, but because so few modern minds seem to be able to gain purchase on the subject matter. It is simply almost impossible to discuss this subject with conventional scholars because they lack any conception of a world view higher than their own. They are still back in Plato's cave.
The first part of this book is a good survey of the various schools or approaches to the perennial philosophy through the ages. It offers a wider perspective than you will see through any one school (for instance, you are never going to find a positive reference to Theosophy in the works of Guenon.)
The second part is the most detailed discussion on the topic of initiation that I have ever come across. While I do not think that anyone can truly comprehend what is really meant by the various levels without actual experience, it is mind-expanding to know that there may be ten or more distinct plateaus. However, all of this depends on that all-important first initiation when you actually come to KNOW through experience that there is more to the world than dead matter...
The third part speculates on the changing of worldviews. The prevailing "modern" world view of the Cartesian-Newtonian materialists has proven unsatisfactory in almost every department of living that it has been forced upon. Then again, the resulting deconstructionist miasma of postmodernism has resulted in a swamp of skepticism and relativism. There is a growing realization among some perceptive and powerful thinkers that we need a return to real philosophy- the art of living once called wisdom.
I especially enjoyed the author's illustration that one could imagine a fishing conference with a hundred fishing theorists and a handful of actual fishermen. If there was a majority vote that there was no perennial fishing wisdom, those fishermen who actual DO fishing (and not just theorize about it) would just sit back and smile. Too many assume that just because they themselves have not experienced a thing, then that thing cannot exist. In a sense perhaps the author is too worried about Western Esotericism being accepted at the "High Table of Academe." Truth be told, it belongs at the next table up- and not at the children's table...
Books on this topic are sorely needed, not because one can add anything new to the perennial philosophy, but because so few modern minds seem to be able to gain purchase on the subject matter. It is simply almost impossible to discuss this subject with conventional scholars because they lack any conception of a world view higher than their own. They are still back in Plato's cave.
The first part of this book is a good survey of the various schools or approaches to the perennial philosophy through the ages. It offers a wider perspective than you will see through any one school (for instance, you are never going to find a positive reference to Theosophy in the works of Guenon.)
The second part is the most detailed discussion on the topic of initiation that I have ever come across. While I do not think that anyone can truly comprehend what is really meant by the various levels without actual experience, it is mind-expanding to know that there may be ten or more distinct plateaus. However, all of this depends on that all-important first initiation when you actually come to KNOW through experience that there is more to the world than dead matter...
The third part speculates on the changing of worldviews. The prevailing "modern" world view of the Cartesian-Newtonian materialists has proven unsatisfactory in almost every department of living that it has been forced upon. Then again, the resulting deconstructionist miasma of postmodernism has resulted in a swamp of skepticism and relativism. There is a growing realization among some perceptive and powerful thinkers that we need a return to real philosophy- the art of living once called wisdom.
I especially enjoyed the author's illustration that one could imagine a fishing conference with a hundred fishing theorists and a handful of actual fishermen. If there was a majority vote that there was no perennial fishing wisdom, those fishermen who actual DO fishing (and not just theorize about it) would just sit back and smile. Too many assume that just because they themselves have not experienced a thing, then that thing cannot exist. In a sense perhaps the author is too worried about Western Esotericism being accepted at the "High Table of Academe." Truth be told, it belongs at the next table up- and not at the children's table...
September 27, 2016
This piece of work penetrates into the esoteric heart of all traditions and lays out the perennial wisdom like no other book in the modern era. To say that John Holman has outdone himself is an understatement. In the same fashion of a spiritual adept or occult practitioner, John guides the reader into the depths of Western Esotericism and underpins the importance of psychological work in relation to any form of inner spiritual work.
The Return of the Perennial Philosophy is not bias in any regard, and in doing so, is a complete and thorough overview of the Great Work for any esoteric and spiritual student to marinate their mind in. John Holman's book is definitely a source book for all those who are sincere.
The Return of the Perennial Philosophy is not bias in any regard, and in doing so, is a complete and thorough overview of the Great Work for any esoteric and spiritual student to marinate their mind in. John Holman's book is definitely a source book for all those who are sincere.
August 10, 2014
Today, the west is divided. This wasn't always so. Holman suggests that there was a commonality of western philosophy in antiquity and that that way of thinking is beginning to reemerge in some circles. I agree.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews