The Esoteric Path: An Introduction to the Hermetic Tradition

by Luc Benoist, Robin Waterfield (Translator)

Traditional esoterism, though capable of the highest degree of elaboration, is based on a few first principles - Absolute Reality, hierarchical manifestation, the necessity for initiation, the centrality of the spiritual Heart, etc.-which can be stated simply. In The Esoteric Path, Luc Benoist does just this for the monumental writings of the great metaphysician René Guénon. If ever there was a 'primer' on traditional metaphysics and esoterism, one that does not dumb down its subject but rather opens a door to profound spiritual depths waiting to be explored, it is this book. The first section deals in a general way with metaphysical principles, their modes of transmission and the spiritual practices based upon them. The second presents the central principles of such Eastern traditions as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam, and also various forms of Western Esoterism, including Eastern Orthodox Hesychasm, Freemasonry, Hermeticism, the Templars, Dante and the Fedeli d'Amore, Meister Eckhart and his 'school', etc. Far more than a bouquet of mystical teachings plucked from various sources, designed to titillate the reader's spiritual sensibilities, The Esoteric Path firmly situates that Path in its appropriate, traditional context, so that the seeker's first steps on the 'path to the Path' will be firm and confident, and point him or her in the right direction, away from the time- and soul-consuming attractions of those 'paths' that exhibit (in the author's words) 'the confusion between the spiritual and the psychic., the identification of the spiritual with what is most inferior in the psyche, the identification of religion with magic, totemism, and even sorcery, the popular dissemination of pseudo- or counter-initiatic rituals. A worthy companion to the biographical René Guénon and the Future of the West by Robin Waterfield and the Collected Works of René Guénon, also published by Sophia Perennis, The Esoteric Path will be of great value to scholars, seekers, and anyone searching for a clearer understanding of the great spiritual traditions. 'Luc Benoist is generally considered the most balanced and authentic exponent of Guénon's teaching. I know of no work in which true scholarship is combined so well with conciseness and comprehensiveness.' -Robin Waterfield

128 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.