Esoterism As Principle and As Way

Frithjof Schuon’s perspective of pure esoterism focuses on the inward and universal dimension of religion, also referred to as the sophia perennis (“perennial wisdom”). His works provide invaluable keys to understanding the formal contradictions between the world’s religions as well as their transcendent unity. In Esoterism as Principle and as Way readers will discover the essential truth that lies at the heart of the world’s religions, as well as the role of prayer, virtue, and beauty in the spiritual life.

This revised edition of Schuon’s writings on esoterism features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as over 60 pages of new material, including previously unpublished selections from the author’s letters and other private writings, an editor’s preface, editor’s notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes.

Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998) is best known as the foremost spokesman of the Perennial Philosophy. A gifted artist and poet as well as the author of over twenty books on religion, metaphysics, sacred art, and the spiritual path, Schuon’s books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are respected by academic and religious authorities alike.

Harry Oldmeadow was Coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo, Australia, until his recent retirement. He is a well-respected authority on the Perennialist school of comparative religion and the author of Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy. He lives in Bendigo, Australia.

Editor’s Preface vii

Introduction xiii

I. Sophia Perennis

Understanding Esoterism 3

The Mystery of the Veil 37

Hypostatic and Cosmic Numbers 57

The Primordial Tree 71

II. Spiritual & Moral Life

The Triple Nature of Man 85

The Virtues in the Way 93

The Nature and Role of Sentiment 109

What Sincerity Is and What It Is Not 115

The Problem of Sexuality 121

Dimensions of the Human Vocation 139

The Supreme Commandment 143

The True Remedy 151

Criteria of Worth 161

III. Aesthetic & Theurgic Phenomenology

Foundations of an Integral Aesthetics 169

The Degrees of Art 177

The Role of Appearances 193

The Function of Relics 199

An Elementary Criteriology of Celestial Apparitions 205

The Sun Dance 215

IV. Sufism

The Religion of the Heart 225

The Way of Unity 231

Appendix

Selections from Letters and Other Previously 239

Unpublished Writings

Editor’s Notes 249

Glossary of Foreign Terms and Phrases 283

Index 297

Biographical Notes 309