Perspectives on Initiation

by René Guénon

The present volume, first published at the close of World War II, and based on a series of articles on initiation originally written between 1932 and 1938 for Le Voile d'Isis (later renamed Études Traditionnelles), is unique in giving a comprehensive account both of the conditions of initiation and of the characteristics of organizations qualified to transmit it. Guénon's distinction between the initiatic and the mystical paths-the first requiring a formal relationship with a master, a set of specific contemplative techniques, and a chain-of-transmission stretching back to the origin of the tradition in question, the second generally lacking these elements-led to some controversy between those who accept this distinction and others who believe that initiatory and mystical spirituality are one and the same. The book presents such central principles as the dangers and barrenness of syncretism, the often dire consequences of fostering 'psychic powers', and the superiority of sacerdotal initiation (into the Greater Mysteries) over 'royal' initiation (into the Lesser Mysteries), though both are necessary parts of the initiatic path. This last point precisely defines the rift between Guénon and Julius Evola, whose elevation of royal initiation over sacerdotal must be seen, according to Guénon's criteria, as a modern-day echo of the ancient revolt of the warrior caste against the priestly one. Whoever follows Guénon's argument will realize that a romantic warrior mysticism held no fascination for him, and is in fact explicitly contrary to his principles. But pre-eminently, Perspectives on Initiation provides indispensable points of reference for anyone attempting to distinguish between 'initiatic', 'pseudo-initiatic', and 'countert-initiatic' spiritualities in these profoundly uncertain times.

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

Hardcover

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

[Tomaj Javidtash · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Perspectives on Initiation" is Rene Guenon's highly rigorous and objective account of what initiation truly means and how significant a role it plays in spiritual realization. The author approaches the topic both in an scholarly fashion and from a traditional perspective. Thus, it is not just a theoretical treatment of initiation in the manner done in modern scholarship which is by its nature blind to the traditional significance of the matter. It is important to know that the author was himself a spiritual master and a serious practitioner of an authentic traditional form. Therefore, his knowledge of the matter is not a third-person kind of knowledge but an intuitively intellectual insight into the true meaning and import of initiation which he defines as "the transmission of spiritual influence." This book along with his other work "Initiation and Spiritual Realization" are a must read for anyone interested in actually starting a spiritual path. Although the initiatic transmission and its efficacy does not depend on the initiate's or the initiator's knowledge of how it works, since spiritual influence belongs to an order of reality entirely independent of the contingencies of the manifested order as long as it comes from an unbroken chain of spiritual masters, yet a deeper understanding of initiation can assist the initiate in the inner work that begins after the initiation. This book offers this deeper understanding for any serious seeker.
Another important function of this book, and all of the author's books in general, is that it introduces a new way of thinking, a true intellectuality, that is usually concealed, if not destroyed, as a result of the mental habits and deformities caused by modern education. His works tend to restore the mind to its unprejudiced and primordial state so that one's mind becomes prepared for a true knowledge of metaphysical truths.

[Lieutenant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some exceptionally good articles, but some others not so much. I consider the ideas of Guenon dangerous.

[Eduardo Blanco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je ne pensais pas que ce livre serait aussi clair. À mon avis, il a un style simple et agréable à lire. J'avais le préjugé que ce serait une écriture "mystérieuse" et compliquée, compte tenu du sujet, et que le français n'est pas ma langue maternelle, mais je pouvais le comprendre sans aucun problème. C'était une lecture assez fluide.

En ce qui concerne les idées de l'œuvre et les prémisses (métaphysiques, ontologiques, historiques, anthropologiques), j'éprouve plusieurs impressions paradoxales. Je suis d'accord avec la croyance en un fond suprarationnel et supraindividuel avec lequel l'être humain peut se connecter et se transformer à cause de vivre à proximité d'un tel fond; et avec la conception de l’initiation comme la transmission virtuelle et effective de l’influence spirituelle... mais au-delà de la vérité des quelques concepts, des formes et des expériences qu’il expose- je n’ai aucun doute sur sa valeur générale- je trouve que le traditionalisme est une idéologie assez hypocrite, individualiste et en fin de compte pauvre, réductionniste par rapport à la vérité, le sacré et le divin.

J’ai apprécié le questionnement et le dialogue dans lequel vous plongez ce livre, et il me semble que son intuition et sa vision sur l’initiation, la mystique et la spiritualité sont importantes. Mais il me semble que tout est chargé et un peu (ou assez) souillé d’orgueil, de préjugés et d’ignorance antiques, dont l’histoire, malgré son certain déclin, s’est peu à peu purifiée.

[Melvin Mullinix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, one of his most profound so far for me. It is truly tragic that René Guenon has become somewhat associated with reactionary politics and included in the same category as impostors such as Julius Evola, for the true object of Guenon's reflections has never been other than the purely metaphysical and only relates to the profane in contingent, secondary and even disinteresting ways. It is truly a sign of intelectual degeneracy to read a good chunk of his oeuvre and extract from it merely political, often hateful, base-level considerations about culture, race and ideological inclinations that could never find center stage in Guenon's profoundly universalistic views.

[Les75 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guénon è un autore complesso, colto, talvolta difficilmente decifrabile e spesso noto solo a quella cerchia di persone appassionate di esoterismo e vie spiritualistico-iniziatiche. Tuttavia può essere fruibile anche da parte di chi coltiva un genuino interesse per come la spiritualità (indipendentemente dal credo mainstream) si sia sviluppata attraverso secoli, fin dagli albori dell'umanità.

[aaaabbbbbb aaaabbbbbb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spiritually unprepared to take on such an endeavor, and as such I have been gifted only the initiatic form without the internal realization. Luckily, according to Guenon, that is substantial enough for me to convey the form perfectly, and that's precisely the difference between tradition and the profane: one has to be understood to be communicated, the other has no such restriction.

[Ryan Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense, verbose, and not particularly illuminating. I have never been so excited to finish a book. It’s unfortunate, if the author had better english skills this could be much less dry in composition.

[Chrysalides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initiation is a tricky subject for those looking to get into esoterism, but an understanding of the metaphysics behind it makes it much easier to understand the nature of the perennial philosophy. This book thoroughly addresses pretty much everything there is to say on the matter, albeit much of Guenon's analysis focuses on the technical rather than the practical, and especially with respect to Western initiatic organizations such as Masonry and the Compagnonnage. It is not until the latter quarter of the book, when he begins to talk about Hermeticism, that I began to get engaged with the book. Even then, Guenon's penchant for baby-feeding actual information can be a bit frustrating.

Highly recommend reading Reign of Quantity before this one, as it is heavily cited in the footnotes.

[Pamela H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro adecuado para reflexionar sobre la iniciación. Además, contiene otras referencias que amplían la información. Totalmente recomendable.

[Yousef Shaaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than what I was looking for.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

sin palabras! epic! <3

[Jesse Genepi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rigorous examination of initiation. Insights on transmission and the concept of knowledge that can only be accessed individually.

[Luciano Defilippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sencillamente Excelente, y adhiero que FUNDAMENTAL para comprender verdaderamente "que es" y "que no es" la Iniciación. Indispensable para todos aquellos interesados en la Tradición Perenne.