the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING
“Jnana Kânda” is the application of science to “Karma
Kânda,” the works of good and evil, that is to say of Duality.
Little by little it eats away the former, as strong acid would eat
away a piece of steel, and ultimately when the last atom has
been destroyed it ceases to exist as a science, or as a method,
and becomes the Aim, i.e., Knowledge. This is most
beautifully described in the above-mentioned work as follows:
34. That Intelligence which incites the functions into the paths of virtue and
vice “am I.” All this universe, moveable and immovable, is from me; all things
are seen through me; all are absorbed into me;* because there exists nothing but
spirit, and “I am that spirit.” There exists nothing else.
35. As in innumerable cups full of water, many reflections of the sun are seen,
but the substance is the same; similarly individuals, like cups, are innumerable,
but the vivifying spirit like the sun is one.
49. All this universe, moveable or immoveable, has come out of Intelligence.
Renouncing everything else, take shelter of it.
50. As space pervades a jar both in and out, similarly within and beyond this
ever-changing universe there exists one universal Spirit.
58. Since from knowledge of that Cause of the universe, ignorance is
destroyed, therefore the Spirit is Knowledge; and this Knowledge is everlasting.
59. That Spirit from which this manifold universe existing in time takes its
origin is one, and unthinkable.
62. Having renounced all false desires and chains, the Sannyâsi and Yogi see
certainly in their own spirit the universal Spirit.
63. Having seen the Spirit that brings forth happiness in their own spirit, they
forget this universe, and enjoy the ineffable bliss of Samâdhi.†
As in the West there are various systems of Magic, so in
the East are there various systems of yoga, each of which
purports to lead the aspirant from the realm of Mâyâ to that
of Truth in Samâdhi. The most important of these are:
1. Gnana Yoga. Union by Knowledge.
2. Raja Yoga. Union by Will
3. Bhakta Yoga. Union by Love.
* At the time of the Pralaya. † “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. i.
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