the kybalion: centenary edition book

the kybalion centenary edition book by three initiates

"the kybalion centenary edition" by three initiates is a seminal work in the realm of occult and hermetic philosophy, offering a profound exploration of universal laws that govern existence. this enduring classic, often categorized under spirituality and metaphysical literature, delves into ancient wisdom attributed to hermes trismegistus, making it essential reading for anyone seeking deeper cosmic understanding and personal transformation. published on january 30, 2018, by tarcher, an imprint of penguin publishing group, this centenary edition revitalizes the mysterious text for a new generation of readers. with an isbn of 9780143131687 and comprising 176 pages, it stands as a concise yet powerful guide to mastering the mental and spiritual aspects of life, offering invaluable insights into manifestation and self-awareness.

the kybalion centenary edition summary

"the kybalion centenary edition" serves as a comprehensive guide to the seven foundational hermetic principles, which are presented as the immutable laws of the universe. the book commences with the principle of mentalism, declaring, "the all is mind; the universe is mental," positing that all reality originates from an infinite, universal consciousness. following this, the principle of correspondence, famously articulated as "as above, so below; as below, so above," illustrates the interconnectedness of all planes of existence, from the macrocosm to the microcosm. the principle of vibration explains that "nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates," emphasizing that all phenomena manifest at varying frequencies.

further teachings include the principle of polarity, stating that "everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites," highlighting the essential duality in nature where opposites are intrinsically linked. the principle of rhythm elucidates the natural ebb and flow of all things, noting that "everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall". the profound truth of "every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause" is revealed through the principle of cause and effect, demonstrating that nothing occurs by chance. finally, the principle of gender asserts that "gender is in everything; everything has its masculine and feminine principles," illustrating these creative forces at play across all planes of being. this centenary edition is lauded for its accessibility in presenting these complex esoteric doctrines, making it a powerful resource for spiritual seekers and students of arcane truths.

about the author three initiates

the authors known collectively as "three initiates" are an enigmatic and mysterious group, whose true identities have been the subject of much speculation since "the kybalion" was first published in 1908. it is widely believed by many scholars and readers alike that the primary, if not sole, author behind this influential work was william walker atkinson. atkinson was a highly prolific american writer, attorney, and pioneer of the new thought movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. he published numerous books and articles under various pseudonyms, deeply influencing occult, metaphysical, and spiritual circles of his era. the decision by the "three initiates" to remain anonymous was a deliberate choice, intended to present the teachings as ancient hermetic wisdom rather than the product of any single individual, maintaining an aura of secret knowledge passed down through generations.

the kybalion centenary edition faq

1. what is hermetic philosophy?

   hermetic philosophy is an ancient system of thought rooted in the teachings attributed to the mythical figure hermes trismegistus, a syncretic deity combining the greek hermes and the egyptian thoth. it explores universal truths, the nature of reality, and the interconnectedness of the cosmos, emphasizing mental and spiritual development to achieve mastery over ones life. "the kybalion" distills these teachings into seven foundational principles.

2. who was hermes trismegistus?

   hermes trismegistus, meaning "hermes the thrice great," is a legendary hellenistic figure considered the author of the hermetic corpus, a series of ancient greek and latin texts dealing with philosophy, alchemy, and magic. he is revered as the ancient source of the wisdom explained in "the kybalion".

3. is "the kybalion" an ancient text?

   while "the kybalion" purports to convey ancient hermetic teachings and draws heavily from earlier philosophical traditions, the book itself was originally published in 1908. it is not an ancient text in the historical sense but rather a modern interpretation and distillation of hermetic principles, aligning closely with early 20th-century new thought and occult ideas.

4. what are the seven hermetic principles taught in the kybalion?

   "the kybalion" outlines seven universal principles: mentalism (the all is mind), correspondence (as above, so below), vibration (nothing rests, everything vibrates), polarity (everything is dual, has poles), rhythm (everything flows, out and in), cause and effect (every cause has its effect), and gender (gender is in everything). these principles provide a framework for understanding and influencing the universe.

5. why is the authorship of "the kybalion" a mystery?

   the authors chose to remain anonymous under the pseudonym "three initiates" to emphasize the timeless and universal nature of the hermetic teachings, rather than associating them with a specific individual. this decision helped imbue the work with an aura of ancient authority and esoteric knowledge, though many researchers now attribute its authorship to william walker atkinson.