Taylor - Eleusianian and Bacchic Mysteries.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

Bacchic Mysteries. 107ou(j.[3oXov, xcaVCTJTCOVT(ov EVCOOECOC. Now, from all this, it may beinferred, that the most sublime part of theETCOTutsta [epopteici] or final revealing, consisted in beholding the godsvested with a resplendent light ;themselves in* and thatthis was symbolical of those transportingvisions, which the virtuous soul will constantly enjoy in a future state and of which;it is able to gain some ravishing glimpses,even while connected with the cumbrousvestment of the body.fthe body, deny self, affections as well as appetites, and the innereye will "begin to exercise its clear and solemn vision."In thereduction of your soul to its simplest principles, the divine germ,you attain this oneness. We stand then in the immediate presence of God, who shines out from the profound depths of thesoul." -A. W.* APULEIUS : The Golden Ass. xi. The candidate was instructedby the hierophant, and permitted to look within the cista or chest,which contained the mystic serpent, the phallus, egg, and grainssacred to Demeter. As the epopt was reverent, or otherwise, henow "knew himself" by the sentiments aroused. Plato and Alcibiadesgazed with emotions wide apart. A. W.t PLOTINUS : Letter to Flaccus."It is only now and then thatwe can enjoy the elevation made possible for us, above the limitsof the body and the world. I myself have realized it but threetimes as yet, and Porphyry hitherto not once."