The Esoteric Path: An Introduction to the Hermetic Tradition

by Luc Benoist

There run through all cultures the threads of a common traditioin, entirely the Esoteric or Hermetic Tradition, the search for a knowledge that is not subject to reason or to sensory verification. Luc Benoist follows THE ESOTERIC PATH through the East and the West, showing in comprehensive detail the metaphysical concepts underlying and exemplifying the Primordia Tradition (Symbolism, Rites, Initiation, Social Structure) as well as the historic forms it has Hinduism, Buddhism, Tao, Zen, Judaism, and Islam in the East, and Christianity, the Templars, Rosicrucians, Guilds, and Masonry, and mystics of exceptional importance in the West. Beyond these various social traditions, the author seeks the common impulse from which they arose and here weaves the threads together-making it possible for us to see beyond the material to humanity's common search for truth. This masterly survey of Esoteric Tradition will guide serious students of philosophy and comparative religion along the path to self-realization.

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Luc Benoist born Luc Didier Marie Benoist-Lucy (1893–1980) was a French essayist and art historian. He published many books about the art history. His interests were centered on spirituality and symbolism.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luc_Ben...

Reviews

[Victor Bruno · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first and second parts of this book are very instructive to newcomers to Guénonian Traditionalism who wish to find an easy-to-digest textbook. But, as it is natural to Guénonian Traditionalism, it is distressing to read the third, that Benoist dedicates to Western Esotericism (or Esoterism, as the Sophia Perennis publishers prefer to render the word ésoterisme in English).

The reason is that Luc Benoist, at the time, still believed in Guénon's fantasy that Freemasonry was ever a part of Christian esoterism/mysticism—or that you can be Catholic and a Freemason at the same time. It seems Benoist grew out of that. At any rate, this very illuminating interview of the late Fr. Rama P. Coomaraswamy (Ananda K.'s son) to Joaquín Albaicín is noteworthy for the following comments (I'm eliding Albaicín's questions, except for the first):

Albaicín: Do you believe in the possibility of a future Church/Masonry reconciliation?

Coomaraswamy: Not with the traditional Church. It more or less exists in the post-conciliar Church. As for Masonry, I think Guenon was always looking for a pattern in Christianity that paralleled the sharia and haqiqa distinction in Islam. Such does not exist in Christianity where there is more a "sliding scale" of esoterism.... As for Masonry, I consider all forms to be false and part of the counter-initiation.... It is important as a Catholic never to step outside the bounds of sound doctrine and true faith and such organizations have been condemned both by Guenon and traditional writers, as well as the Church.... As to initiatic groups retiring to the East, this was one of Guénon's theories. All these things seem to me to be speculations. Guénon also said salvation would come from the West. What is important is for Catholics to be Catholic.

[João Cirilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introdução supimpa, mas claramente de um viés perenialista - sem problema, estava procurando por isso.

Se alguém perguntar "por onde começo?", jogue esse livro na cara desse alguém hipotético e diga "por aqui, hombre!".

[Mitchell26 McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a short synopsis of "Hermetic" ideas. One might even call it neo-Guenonian.