Synopses & Reviews
A new translation of the great esoteric masterpiece that includes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered
Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius.
•The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepiusprovides new insights into the actual workings of the gnostic spiritual path.
•Will be of great interest to scholars and religious seekers alike.
The Corpus Hermeticum, a powerful fusion of Greek and Egyptian thought, is one of the cornerstones of the Western esoteric tradition. A collection of short philosophical treatises, it was written in Greek between the first and third centuries a.d. and translated into Latin during the Renaissance by the great scholar and philosopher Marsilio Ficino. These writings, believed to be the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, were central to the spiritual work of Hermetic societies in late antique Alexandria, aiming to awaken gnosis, the direct realization of the unity of the individual and the Supreme. They are still read as important, inspirational spiritual writings today.
In addition to this new translation of The Corpus Hermeticum, which seeks to reflect the inspirational intent of the original, The Way of Hermesincludes the first English translation of the recently rediscovered manuscript of The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius, a collection of aphorisms, closely related to parts of The Corpus Hermeticum, used by the hermetic student to strengthen his mind in meditation. With the proper mental orientation, one could achieve a state of pure perception in which the true face of God appears. This document is of enormous value to the contemporary student of gnostic studies for its insights into the actual workings of this spiritual path.
Review
“My discourse leads to the truth;
the mind is great and guided by this teaching
is able to arrive at some understanding.
When the mind has understood all things
and found them to be in harmony
with what has been expounded by the teachings,
it is faithful and comes to rest in that beautiful faith.”
Review
"By all standards, The Way of Hermesis the kind of contribution students of Hermeticism have been waiting for, for a long time.The Way of Hermesis a small book that will not be read quickly, and will take a lifetime to understand."
Review
“The excellence of the soul is understanding;
for the man who understands is conscious,
devoted, and already godlike.”
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-124) and index.
About the Author
Clement Salaman is the editor of the English translation of The Letters of Marsilio Ficino. Dorine van Oyen is a lecturer on Hermetic studies in Amsterdam. William D. Wharton teaches Classical history, languages, and philosophy in Boston. Jean-Pierre Mahe is Correspondent of the Academie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, Paris.
Table of Contents
The Way of HermesNew Translations of The Corpus Hermeticumand The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius
The Corpus Hermeticum
Preface by Professor Gilles Quispel
Acknowledgements
Translators' Foreword
Translators' Note
Translation
Afterword
Notes on the Greek Text
Bibliography
Index
The Defininitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius
Introduction
Translation
Notes
Bibliography