Symbol & Archetype A Study of The Meaning of Existence by Martin Lings

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Symbol & Archetype A Study of The Meaning of Existence by Martin Lings

Were one to truly understand the levels of significance provided by such symbols as are presented in this work, one would indeed be well on the way to grasping the nature and purpose of human life and the meaning of existence as understood by the great esoteric systems of spirituality. We are shown in this volume certain aspects of symbolism as they relate to the Divine, the hierarchy of this universe, the function of man, his faculties and qualities.

Needless to say, this book does not claim to be exhaustive. Its purpose is to enable the reader to dwell on certain basic aspects of symbolism in relation to the Divinity, the hierarchy of the universe, the function of man, his faculties and his qualities, the conditions to which he is subject, the natural objects which surround him, his works of art, and his final ends, all with reference to the great living religions of the world, and in particular to Christianity and Islam.

With references to all the world’s great faith traditions, both ancient and current (with special attention devoted to Christianity and Islam) Lings demonstrates how the science of symbols is inextricably linked with the path of Return. For example, regarding human nature, we see how the “seven deadly sins” are, as it were inversions of spiritual possibilities. A glutton seeks infinite pleasure in nourishment which is finite, but in actuality, this human tendency has as its true goal the seeking of infinite pleasure in the Divine. Lings explains human virtues and also the function of saints and bodhisattvas, and the inner meaning of the Heart and Eye. In the world of Nature we see the significance of …the planets, clouds, the hawk, eagle and swan, the lion, the spider and the bee. In the chapter “The Quranic Symbolism of Water” are the Fount, the Rivers of Paradise, the gushing spring, rain, the Flood, waves, ice and the Throne – as they relate to gnosis. “The Symbolism of Pairs” takes up symbols such as Ying-Yang and alchemical marriage followed by the meaning of the triad of primary colors and the trinity. Symbols related to religion include the Tree of Life (axis mundi/the Cross), sacred rites and sacraments such as the Eucharist. The Fall, Divine Mercy and sacred architecture are explained at their deepest levels.