Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra is a Buddhist scripture that is highly revered in many Mahayana traditions, while the Seven Hermetic Principles are a set of principles that form the basis of Hermetic philosophy. Despite coming from different cultural and philosophical traditions, there are clear similarities between the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the Seven Hermetic Principles.

1. Mentalism: The Lotus Sutra teaches the concept of emptiness, which states that all things are empty of inherent existence and that reality is a dependent and interrelated process. This idea is similar to the Hermetic principle of Mentalism, which states that all things in the universe are mental constructs and that the material world is a manifestation of the mind.
2. Correspondence: The Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings have the potential to attain enlightenment and that it is the responsibility of the enlightened to assist others in reaching this state. This idea is similar to the Hermetic principle of Correspondence, which states that there is a correspondence between the macrocosm and the microcosm, the universe and the individual.
3. Vibration: The Lotus Sutra teaches the doctrine of interdependent origination, which states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena and that everything is in a constant state of change. This is similar to the Hermetic principle of Vibration, which states that everything in the universe is in a state of motion and that nothing is at rest.
4. Polarity: The Lotus Sutra teaches that the ultimate truth is beyond all dualities and distinctions, and that the path to enlightenment involves transcending ordinary dualistic ways of thinking. This is similar to the Hermetic principle of Polarity, which states that everything in the universe has two poles, or opposite qualities, and that these opposing qualities are complementary and necessary for balance.
5. Rhythm: The Lotus Sutra teaches the doctrine of interdependent origination, which states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena and that everything is in a constant state of change. This is similar to the Hermetic principle of Rhythm, which states that everything in the universe flows in and out in a never-ending cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death.
6. Cause and Effect: The Lotus Sutra teaches that all actions have consequences and that individuals are responsible for the choices they make. This is similar to the Hermetic principle of Cause and Effect, which states that every cause has an effect, and that everything that happens in the universe is the result of a prior cause.
7. Gender: The Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings have the potential to attain enlightenment and that this requires a radical transformation of the mind and heart. The Hermetic principle of Gender states that everything in the universe is in a state of becoming, and that there is a constant movement and flow of energy from potential to actuality.

Both the Lotus Sutra and the Seven Hermetic Principles offer a holistic view of reality, in which all things are interconnected and interdependent. This holistic view can provide a foundation for a spiritual practice that seeks to harmonize the individual with the universe, and to cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and compassion for all beings.

In conclusion, while the Lotus Sutra and the Seven Hermetic Principles come from different cultural and philosophical traditions, they both offer valuable insights into the nature of reality and the path to spiritual growth. By exploring these teachings and seeing the similarities and differences between them, individuals can deepen their understanding of reality and their own spiritual journey.