FILOSOFIA HERMÉTICA

Summary

In this video, Professor Ercílio da Costa introduces the seven Hermetic principles, a foundational philosophy rooted in the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, an ancient Egyptian philosopher. These principles explore the interconnectedness of the universe, the power of the mind, and the balance of opposing forces. The principles—mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, rhythm, cause and effect, and gender—offer a holistic framework for understanding reality and personal transformation. Drawing on esoteric wisdom, the video presents a guide to aligning with universal laws to manifest positive changes in life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure, sometimes considered a symbol of an esoteric intellectual group rather than a single individual, and is often regarded as the father of all worldly wisdom.
• 😀 The seven Hermetic principles explain how the universe operates. These principles are seen as universal laws that govern all aspects of existence and reality.
• 😀 The first principle is Mentalism, which posits that the universe is mental in nature, meaning that everything exists as a thought or mental projection of a greater cosmic mind.
• 😀 The second principle, Correspondence, teaches that everything is connected, and what is true on a large scale (macrocosm) is reflected on a smaller scale (microcosm), like the human body being a microcosm of the universe.
• 😀 The third principle is Vibration, which states that everything in the universe vibrates at a particular frequency. This includes both material and spiritual realms, where similar frequencies attract each other.
• 😀 The fourth principle, Polarization, explains that everything in the universe has polar opposites, such as good and evil, light and dark, and these opposites are actually just variations of the same thing.
• 😀 The fifth principle, Rhythm, emphasizes that everything follows a rhythmic cycle, much like a pendulum swinging. Exaggerated states of pleasure or suffering will inevitably lead to their opposites in equal measure.
• 😀 The sixth principle, Cause and Effect, asserts that nothing in the universe happens by chance. Every event or result is caused by a preceding action or condition.
• 😀 The seventh principle, Gender, suggests that the universe is sustained by both masculine and feminine energies. These forces are not limited to biological genders but are present in all aspects of existence, driving creation and destruction.
• 😀 The philosophy of Hermeticism is often studied in esoteric or secret societies, but it has gained wider visibility, especially through works like 'The Kybalion', which publicized these principles in the early 20th century.

Q & A

Who is Hermes Trismegistus and why is he significant in Hermeticism?

Hermes Trismegistus is an ancient Egyptian philosopher believed to have lived around 2500 BC. He is considered the source of all wisdom, particularly in esoteric and Hermetic philosophies. His teachings form the foundation of the Seven Hermetic Principles, which are central to understanding the universe from a spiritual and metaphysical perspective.

What does the term 'Hermes Trismegistus' mean?

'Trismegistus' means 'three times great' or 'three times master,' a title given to Hermes to signify his extraordinary wisdom. It is not his surname, but rather an honorific given to him because of his importance in various cultures.

What is the first Hermetic Principle, and what does it teach us?

The first principle is the Principle of Mentalism, which teaches that 'The universe is mental.' This means that the universe exists as a product of a greater, cosmic mind, and everything that exists first originates in the mind before manifesting physically. We are all part of this universal mind.

How does the Principle of Correspondence relate to the idea of the macrocosm and microcosm?

The Principle of Correspondence states that everything in the universe is interconnected. The macrocosm (the universe) corresponds to the microcosm (individuals and smaller systems), meaning that what happens on a large scale also reflects the smaller, individual level. 'As above, so below' is a key phrase that encapsulates this principle.

What does the Principle of Vibration teach about the nature of the universe?

The Principle of Vibration teaches that everything in the universe vibrates at a specific frequency, including thoughts, objects, and people. These vibrations attract similar frequencies, meaning like attracts like. This explains how we draw experiences or people into our lives based on our vibrational state.

What is the relationship between the Principle of Polarization and the concept of opposites?

The Principle of Polarization states that the universe is full of opposites that are actually poles of the same thing. For example, light and darkness, good and evil, or hot and cold. These opposites are not separate, but rather two extremes of the same spectrum, and they exist in harmony within the universe.

How does the Principle of Rhythm describe the flow of events in the universe?

The Principle of Rhythm describes the cyclical nature of events in the universe, akin to the swinging of a pendulum. Everything moves in rhythmic patterns, and just as we experience moments of pleasure, we will eventually face their opposite—displeasure or hardship. The key is to live with balance and avoid extremes.

What does the Principle of Cause and Effect imply about our actions?

The Principle of Cause and Effect teaches that every action has a corresponding reaction. Nothing happens by chance, and everything is a result of a cause. Our actions, whether positive or negative, set in motion consequences that we will experience in turn.

What does the Principle of Gender tell us about creation and destruction in the universe?

The Principle of Gender reveals that the universe is sustained by both masculine and feminine energies. The masculine force is associated with destruction, while the feminine force is linked to creation. These forces are not related to physical gender but represent complementary energies that work together to maintain balance in the universe.

How did the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus influence Western and Eastern thought?

Hermes Trismegistus' teachings influenced both Western and Eastern philosophies, particularly through the concept of Hermeticism, which spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance and later in the 20th century with works like 'The Kybalion.' His ideas on the mental nature of the universe, the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of balance have had a lasting impact on spiritual and philosophical thought globally.