The Symbolism of the CrossThe Symbolism of the Cross is a major doctrinal study of the central symbol of Christianity from the standpoint of the universal metaphysical tradition, the 'perennial philosophy' as it is called in the West. As Guernon points out, the cross is one of the most universal of all symbols and is far from belonging to Christianity alone. Indeed, Christians have sometimes tended to lose sight of its symbolism of its symbolical significance and to regard it as no more than the sign of a historical event. By restoring to the full spiritual value as a symbol, but without in any way detracting from its historical importance for Christianity, Guenon has performed a task of inestimable importance which perhaps only he, with his unrivaled knowledge of the symbolic languages of both East and West, was qualified to perform. |
Contents
Preface | 1 |
Multiplicity of States of the Being | 7 |
Universal Man | 12 |
Metaphysical Symbolism of the Cross | 16 |
The Directions of Space | 21 |
Hindu Theory of the Three Gunas | 30 |
The Union of Complements | 34 |
The Resolution of Opposites | 39 |
Ontology of the Burning Bush | 91 |
Continuity by Rotation | 95 |
Representation of the Continuity between the different States of the Being | 98 |
The Universal Spherical Vortex | 101 |
Determination of Elements in the Representation of the Being | 104 |
Metaphysical Equivalence of Birth and Death | 110 |
Influence of the Will of Heaven | 111 |
The Celestial Ray and its Plane of Reflection | 116 |
War and Peace | 49 |
The Tree in the Midst | 54 |
The Swastika | 62 |
Geometric Representation of the Degrees of Existence | 66 |
Geometric Representation of the States of the Being | 70 |
Relationship between the Two Foregoing Representations | 73 |
The Symbolism of Weaving | 75 |
Representation of the Continuity of the Modalities of One and the Same State of the Being | 81 |
Relationship between the Point and Space | 86 |
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Common terms and phrases
analogous axes Becoming central point chap Chuang Tzu circumference connection considered constitutes corresponds cosmic cosmic wheel cycle degree of Existence degree of universal denotes depicted directions of space distance Divine domain duality elements envisaged Esoterism of Dante essentially ether expression fact Far-Eastern tradition figure Fu Hsi gunas Heaven Hebrew Hindu doctrine Hindu tradition Holy horizontal plane human individuality Ibid implies indefinite multitude indefinitude integral Ishvara Islamic esoterism Kabbalah Kabbale King meaning metaphysical microcosm modalities multiplicity particular point of view possible Prakriti primordial principle Purusha rajas reality realization regarded Reign of Quantity relation relationship RENÉ GUÉNON represented respect Sanskrit sattva Seal of Solomon sense Sephirothic serpent spatial sphere straight line swastika symbolism taken Tao Te Ching Taoism things threads three gunas three-dimensional cross tion transcendent Tree unity universal Existence universal manifestation vertical axis vertical plane warp weft word yin-yang