Neoplatonism: Teachings from an Ancient Esoteric School.
A four-week online course meeting on Monday evenings from April 29 – May 20 for the Theosophical Society in America. Registration is open: https://www.theosophical.org/program/webinars/neoplatonism-teachings-from-an-ancient-esoteric-school
About this Course
“Neoplatonism: Teachings from an Ancient Esoteric School,” is a four-class course that explores Neoplatonic philosophy from the perspective of esotericism. The Neoplatonic tradition is part of the “source” material for later Theosophy and is part of the foundation for later developments in Western esoteric traditions, in general. Neoplatonism includes both theoretical knowledge and methods, including forms of meditation and theurgy. Theurgy is “Divine Magic” and is considered a form of spiritual alchemy. This course will provide a grounding in the essentials of Neoplatonism that will enhance the understanding of Theosophical philosophy as well as enabling deeper study of original source material. It will also include introduction to methods of spiritual practice.
Week One: An Introduction to Neoplatonism and Its Legacy
This class will provide an overview of Neoplatonic philosophy and practice. It will discuss its antecedents and development. The Neoplatonic understanding of philosophy as an esoteric path will be explored. Essential themes in Neoplatonism will be introduced as will the pre-eminent schools. Participants will be introduced to important figures in Neoplatonism, including Ammonius Saccas, Hypatia, Porphery, and Origen.
Week Two: Plotinus, the Father of Neoplatonism
With Plotinus, Neoplatonism is born. Recognized as one of the world’s great mystics, his teachings are preserved in The Enneads, and his life’s example is told by his disciple, Porphery. This class will discuss the most important aspects of the philosophy of Plotinus. This includes how unity becomes multiplicity and his teachings about the path back to a state of unity through philosophical contemplation. The teachings of Plotinus on the nature of evil and his critique of the Gnostics of his time are also contemplated.
Week Three: Iamblichus, The Philosopher-Magician
Iamblichus was a disciple of Porphery. Iamblichus made several important contributions to Neoplatonism that influenced later esotericism. He focused on divine embodiment and understood the various levels of being to include many divine entities. Iamblichus developed the practice of Theurgy, “Divine Magic,” within Neoplatonism. Through this ritual practice, the magician returns to unity with The One. His theories strongly influence all later Western Hermetic practices.
Week Four: Proclus, The Last Pagan Philosopher
Proclus wrote numerous commentaries on Plato’s dialogues. His understanding is that Plato’s work was divinely inspired and that there were additional, hidden, meanings under the text. His methods are similar to those used by HPB in her work and reveal mystical understanding. Proclus also further explores the henads, which are divine hierarchies of beings. This class explores some of his surviving works and themes that emerge.
Gwendolyn Reece 