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the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

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144<br />

THE EQUINOX<br />

out <strong>the</strong> Four Noble Truths, that is in <strong>the</strong> understanding of <strong>the</strong><br />

Three Characteristics—<strong>the</strong> three fundamental principles of<br />

Buddhism. Besides representing Malkuth, <strong>the</strong> Four Noble<br />

Truths (viewed in an elementary manner) represent <strong>the</strong> four<br />

lower Sephiroth—Malkuth, Yesod, Hod and Netzach, <strong>the</strong><br />

state of Right Views carrying with its attainment a transcendency<br />

over all wrong views, that is to say all crude and unskilful<br />

views, all dogmas, assertions, all doubts, which are as unfertile<br />

as <strong>the</strong> elements are when uncombined, by applying to <strong>the</strong>m<br />

what we have termed eslewhere <strong>the</strong> Pyrronhic Serpent of<br />

Selection.<br />

<strong>The</strong> attainment of Right Views is arrived at in three successive<br />

steps. (1) <strong>The</strong> Aspriant contemplates <strong>the</strong> ills of life;<br />

(2) he meditaetas upon <strong>the</strong>m; (3) by strenuous will power he<br />

commences to strip <strong>the</strong> mind of <strong>the</strong> Cause of Sorrow, namely<br />

Change.<br />

During this stage a series of humiliations must be undergone,<br />

and, not only must <strong>the</strong> Nephesch be conquered, but also<br />

<strong>the</strong> lower states of <strong>the</strong> Ruach, until <strong>the</strong> illumination of <strong>the</strong><br />

Second Noble Truth of <strong>the</strong> Eightfold Path shatter <strong>the</strong> step of<br />

Right Views which <strong>the</strong> Aspirant is standing upon just as <strong>the</strong><br />

fire of God consumed <strong>the</strong> Elemental Pyramid—<strong>the</strong> Tower of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Taro.<br />

Having attained to mastery over Right Comprehension<br />

<strong>the</strong> aspirant beings to see things not as <strong>the</strong>y are but in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

right proportions. His views become balanced, he enters<br />

Tiphareth, <strong>the</strong> Solar Plexus, “He sees naked facts behind <strong>the</strong><br />

garments of hypo<strong>the</strong>ses in which men have clo<strong>the</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m, and<br />

by which <strong>the</strong>y have become obscured; and he perceives that<br />

behind <strong>the</strong> changing and conflicting opinions of men <strong>the</strong>re are

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