The Great Triad

Doctrine Métaphysique #4

by René Guénon

Guénon's The Great Triad was the last book to appear during his lifetime. Even for his regular readers, this book contained largely new material, as did his The Metaphysical Principles of the Infinitesimal Calculus, published the same year. The author here refers especially to the Chinese tradition, principally in its Taoist form (though touching on Confucianism as well), in which the 'Great Triad' is defined as Heaven-Man-Earth. It is as much a cosmological as a metaphysical doctrine that is implied in this ternary of the 'three worlds'. In spite of its Taoist title, however, the work draws heavily on Hermetic teachings, Hindu and Buddhist metaphysics, and Masonic symbolism, not to mention doctrines from Judaism, Christianity. and Islam. It is also Guenon's most comprehensive exposition of the science of Alchemy.

Genres: Philosophy, Metaphysics, Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Esoterica, Nonfiction

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

René Guénon (1886-1951) was a French author and intellectual who remains an influential figure in the domain of sacred science,traditional studies, symbolism and initiation.

French biography : http://arlesquint.free.fr/rene%20guen...
http://www.index-rene-guenon.org/

Reviews

[no.stache.nietzsche · Rating 5 out of 5]

A later Guenon work of the specifically metaphysical variety, we found this one easier to digest that Multiple States of Being, as well as Symbolism of the Cross. Perhaps that was because we've studied Taoism for years, and this one specifically deals with Taoist topics, so we had a little more context. Also touches on alchemy, which was helpful!

[Denis Seiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to this work I could discover a forgotten new persepective on the Quran,
And I am sure it is a universal work that can help interpret any religion and mythology in a new light that in the end is not a new thing but always has been in us

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the master piece of Guenon - but a simpler writing in comparison to others, which helps in getting some confidence with the Author...

[شاهنشاه‎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comme toujours avec Guénon, il est difficile de retenir tout ce qu'il a à dire avec une seule lecture. Ce livre a pour sujet surtout les ternaires de l'extrême-orient, mais pas que. Le livre touch aux sujets très divers, comme l'hermetisme jusqu'à la réligion chrétienne. Ce qui est fort logique, vu que, selon Guénon, toutes ces traditions se derivent de la tradition primordiale.

Il faut dire que ce livre n'est pas facile à aborder. Si l'on n'a jamais lu de Guénon, je recommendrais "Le Roi du Monde" et "La Crise du Monde Moderne." D'ailleurs, sans avoir déjà lu "La Règne de la Quantité," ce livre serait plus difficile encore.

J'ai beaucoup appris à propos de la tradition orientale, mais il reste beacoup à extraire de ce livre. Je le relirai dans un avenir proche, je pense.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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