BY ALEX P. VIDAL
We can never agree on certain issues but we can reconcile our differences by using as guide the seven Hermetic Principles from the book "Silva Mental Dynamics."
The controversy generated by the placing of the "Lin-ay sang Iloilo" bronze statue atop the dome of the New Iloilo City Hall, among other issues, was the focus of the subject matter my philosophy sparring partner, Atty. Ernesto Justiniani Dayot, and I tackled over lunch last Sept. 5.
We connected the debate to the seven principles of Hermes Trismegistus, the messenger of the gods in the Greek mythology, who was called as Mercury by the Romans, pictured with winged shoes and hat.
In Hellenistic Egypt, the Greeks recognized the congruence of their god Hermes with the Egyptian god Thoth. Subsequently the two gods were worshipped as one in what had been the Temple of Thoth in Khemnu, which the Greeks called Hermopolis.
Those who begrudged the prerogative of the mayor of Iloilo City to place the statue atop the dome of the New Iloilo City Hall during the unveiling ceremony last August 25 as highlight of the observance of the 74th Charter Day of Iloilo City, will continue to register their opposition even if Prof. Ed Defensor, the artist who designed the statue, will appeal on bended knees to spare the statue from criticism.
MENTALISM
In Hermes' Principle of Mentalism as explained in a personal interpretation of the Hermetic Principles, there is freedom of interpretation: one man's meat is another man's poison, so to speak. Dayot explained that this is the reason why religion, culture, state can not be dogmatic; there is always democracy of belief or practice.
The bronze statue can be a meat for proponents and can be a poison for critics. We have no debate here.
In the Principle of Correspondence, we believe it is not only the poor that steals; but the rich, as well. This principle states primarily that "as above, so below; as below, so above. That victims are born; that's why swindlers, from the high to the low, vice versa, can spot the gullible easily." Status does not matter; a crime is committed. At all costs, justice must be served.
CHAIN
According to this principle, chain reactions and the domino effect play a great role in the playing field of life. Can an individual avoid the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune? Yes, if the individual will learn not to be afraid and face reality, for there is nothing to fear`but fear itself. Likewise, the rain falls on the just and unjust.
In the Principle of Vibration, all things are in constant and never-ending motion. Every living species breathe; not to breath is death. Thus there is a high vibration for health; low vibration for the sick. Success brings high vibration; failure or fear acts like a dog, keeping its tail inside its legs. Thus life is vibrant and dynamic, it is vibration that is its own barometer.
POLARITY
In the Principle of Polarity, all things are dual. Everything has its pair of opposites and these opposites are identical in nature, differing only in degree. Abraham Lincoln, according to his biographer, was a man of "Steel and Velvet." Thus steel is harder than iron; iron is harder than stone, while velvet is soft and soft. When Lincoln declared the Emancipation Act that abolished slavery, he knew that blood would flow, but his granite character and political will displayed the steel in him. On the other side, he had the love for all mankind, regardless of color of skin, religion, wealth and power. That was the velvet in him.
In the Principle of Rhythm, all things have their low and high tide. All things have their rise and fall, including great religion and great political power. Thus a genius like Albert Einstein and Bill Gates or professional athlete like Manny Pacquiao and Rafael Nadal or anybody experiences slowdown of performance at times. But it is not a defeat or deterioration; it offers greater incentive, power and height of achievement.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
In the Principle of Cause and Effect, every cause has its effect and every effect its cause. Every accident or coincidence is the result of unrecognized cause. Unfortunately, it contradicts a miracle. What about karma? As you sow, so shall you reap. Karma works both ways: it rewards or punishes as well. The past could be tragic, but it can be transcended by good and positive act, which can redeem and exalt wisdom to cancel karma.
In the Principel of Gender, all things have a masculine and feminine aspects. The Chinese called it the Yang and the Yin. By implication, we have seen a woman general, president, prime minister, the job reserved for men. But a philosopher-ruler is a man's world, with feminine love and compassion.
No comments:
Post a Comment