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Interpretatio - Glossary

The Interpretatio Universalis is a modern development rooted in the ancient practice of Interpretatio Graeca and Interpretatio Romana, where the Greeks and Romans sought to understand and equate foreign gods with their own deities. This practice enabled the integration of different religious traditions within the expanding empires, fostering a form of religious pluralism and a means for all foreign traditions to be accepted within a larger religious framework. The Greeks and Romans, through their cosmopolitan approach, created a framework for mutual recognition and synthesis of divine figures, which helped maintain social and political harmony across diverse cultures. Interpretatio Universalis builds on this concept, applying it more globally. It goes beyond merely comparing gods and instead seeks to interpret, integrate, and synthesize religious ideas, figures, and practices from a wide range of cultures. In doing so, it acknowledges the universal threads running through different spiritual expressions while respecting their distinctiveness, fostering a transcultural and trans-religious understanding of the divine. This inclusive approach seeks to foster an aligned religious pluralism that supports unity in diversity with a common vocabulary.

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Acatalepsy (Ἀκαταληψία)

Incomprehensibility
Latin: Incomprehensibilitas
Sanskrit: अज्ञेयता (Agyeyatā)
Hebrew: חוסר הבנה מוחלט (Choser Havanah Mukhlet)
Arabic: عدم الإدراك (ʿAdam Al-Idrāk)

Acatalepsy is the Skeptic philosophical doctrine that human knowledge can never reach certainty, only probability. It stands in opposition to the Stoic belief in katalepsis (comprehension) and posits that perceptions are ultimately unreliable. Acatalepsy represents the belief that true knowledge is inaccessible, and thus, all perceptions are subject to doubt.


Adiaphoron (Ἀδιάφορον)

Indifference or Neutrality
Latin: Indifferentia
Sanskrit: उदासीनता (Udāsīnatā)
Hebrew: אדישות (Adishut)
Arabic: لا مبالاة (Lā Mubalāh)

Adiaphoron refers to the concept of neutrality or indifference in Stoicism and Cynicism, where certain things in life


Adrasteia and Nemesis (Ἀδράστεια και Νέμεσις)

Divine Justice and Retribution
Latin: Justitia et Vindicta
Sanskrit: न्याय और प्रतिकार (Nyāya Aur Pratikār)
Hebrew: צדק ונקמה (Tzedek VeNikmah)
Arabic: العدالة والانتقام (Al-ʿAdāla Wa-Al-Intiqām)

Adrasteia and Nemesis symbolize the forces of divine justice and retribution, ensuring balance when one’s hubris or arrogance leads to ignoring the shadow aspects of the self. These deities represent the balancing force that emerges when unconscious aspects disrupt one’s life. In spiritual development, they reflect the consequences of ignoring one's inner darkness.


Aether

Greek: Αἰθήρ (Aithēr)
Sanskrit: आकाश (Ākāśa)
Hebrew: אתר (Etar)
Arabic: أثير (Athīr)

Aether refers to the divine substance that fills the highest realms of the cosmos, representing the purest form of existence. It is the medium through which divine energy flows, connecting the physical world with the spiritual. Understanding aether is key to grasping the unity between matter and spirit.


Agathón (ἀγαθόν)

Good (in all senses)
Latin: Bonum
Sanskrit: शुद्ध (Śuddha)
Hebrew: טוב (Tov)
Arabic: خير (Khayr)

Agathón, in both its physical and moral senses, refers to "the good." For Plato, to agathon (the Good) is not merely a moral principle but represents the source of all value. It encompasses goodness of the body, mind, and soul, and is considered the ultimate end toward which all human action strives. Plato compares to agathon to the sun, which enables sight, representing the Good as what allows the mind to perceive truth and value.


Agathós (ἀγαθός)

Good or Virtuous Person
Latin: Bonus
Sanskrit: साधु (Sādhu)
Hebrew: טוב (Tov)
Arabic: صالح (Ṣāliḥ)

Agathós means "good" in Greek and refers to a person of moral character or virtue. In ancient philosophical contexts, it was often used to describe someone who embodies ethical ideals or lives according to higher principles. The good person, or agathós, was considered one who lives in harmony with nature and reason, striving for excellence in all aspects of life.


Agennētos (ἀγέννητος)

Unborn or Uncreated
Latin: Innatus
Sanskrit: अजात (Ajāta)
Hebrew: בלתי נולד (Bilti Nolad)
Arabic: غير مولود (Ghayr Mawlūd)

Agennētos means "unborn" or "uncreated" in Greek. It refers to something that has never been generated or created and is thus eternal and beyond birth. In metaphysical contexts, this term can be used to describe a state of being that is beyond the cycle of birth and death, reflecting an eternal, unchanging reality.


Agnoia (Ἄγνοια)

Latin: Ignorantia
Sanskrit: अज्ञान (Ajñāna)
Hebrew: בערות (Be'erut)
Arabic: جهل (Jahl)

Agnoia refers to ignorance, a fundamental condition of the soul in its fallen state. It signifies the lack of knowledge of one’s true divine nature and the source of spiritual separation. Overcoming agnoia is central to the soul’s return to wisdom and its reunification with the divine.


Agnoia (Ἄγνοια)

Ignorance
Latin: Ignorantia
Sanskrit: अज्ञान (Ajñāna)
Hebrew: בערות (Be'erut)
Arabic: جهل (Jahl)

Agnoia represents ignorance or the lack of awareness of the true nature of reality. In Neoplatonism, it is the soul’s misidentification with the material world or lower levels of being. Spiritual ego, as a form of agnoia, leads to an inflated sense of self and prevents the soul from realizing its divine unity with the cosmos.


Ágnosis (Ἄγνωσις)

Ignorance or Lack of Knowledge
Latin: Ignorantia
Sanskrit: मलं (Mala)
Hebrew: בּוּרוּת (Burut)
Arabic: جهل (Jahl)

Ágnosis refers to the state of ignorance or lack of true knowledge, where consciousness is veiled or contracted. This corresponds to the concept of Mala, which represents impurity or the veiling of consciousness, leading to delusion and the misperception of reality.


Ágnosis (Ἄγνωσις)

Ignorance or Lack of Knowledge
Latin: Ignorantia
Sanskrit: मला (Mala)
Hebrew: בּוּרוּת (Burut)
Arabic: جهل (Jahl)

Ágnosis means ignorance or a lack of true knowledge, symbolizing the state where consciousness is veiled, contracted, or restricted, resulting in impurity or delusion. This corresponds to the concept of Mala, which refers to the contraction of universal consciousness that leads to impurity.


Aletheia (ἀλήθεια)

Truth, Unveiling
Latin: Veritas
Sanskrit: सत्य (Satya)
Hebrew: אמת (Emet)
Arabic: حقيقة (Ḥaqīqa)

Aletheia means "truth," derived from the idea of "unveiling" or "revealing." In philosophical terms, aletheia refers to the process of coming to understand reality by stripping away falsehoods and illusions. Plato uses aletheia in his allegory of the cave, where the journey toward truth is described as a gradual process of unveiling, moving from shadows to the full light of understanding.


Alētheia (ἀλήθεια)

Truth or Unveiling
Latin: Veritas
Sanskrit: सत्य (Satya)
Hebrew: אמת (Emet)
Arabic: حقيقة (Ḥaqīqa)

Alētheia, derived from the adjective meaning "unhidden" or "unveiled," represents the idea of truth in its most fundamental sense. In Plato’s philosophy, it is the progressive unveiling of reality, with the path to truth symbolized by the allegory of the cave. Alētheia is the ultimate goal of philosophical inquiry, where truth is the alignment of language and thought (logos) with reality, representing an accurate reflection of beings as they are.


Alētheiotes (Ἀληθῆιότης)

The State of Being in Truth
Latin: Veritas
Sanskrit: सत्यता (Satyatā)
Hebrew: אמתיות (Emetiyot)
Arabic: الحقيقة (Al-Haqīqa)

Meaning: Alētheiotes refers to the state of being in truth or the condition of reality as it truly is, beyond illusion or appearances. It is derived from Alētheia (truth) and emphasizes the unveiling or unconcealment of reality.
Usage: In Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Heidegger, Alētheia is associated with the process of revealing or uncovering the true nature of things, akin to enlightenment or the realization of ultimate reality.
Connection: This term parallels the concept of Tathatā (suchness) in Buddhism, where reality is perceived as it truly is, free from dualistic distinctions or conceptual overlays.


Altered State (Metatropí Katástasis - Μετατροπή Κατάστασις)
Altered State of Consciousness
Latin: Status Mutatus
Sanskrit: परिवर्तितावस्था (Parivartitāvasthā)
Hebrew: מצב תודעתי שונה (Matzav Toda'ati Shoneh)
Arabic: حالة وعي متغيرة (Ḥālat Waʿi Mutaghayyirah)

Metatropí Katástasis translates to "altered state" or "transformed condition," representing a shift in one's usual state of consciousness, whether induced by meditation, substances, or other causes. It focuses on the idea of transformation and change in perception or awareness.


Amor Fati (Latin) – Love of Fate

Embracing Destiny
Greek: Ἀγάπη Πεπρωμένου (Agapē Peprōmenou)
Sanskrit: भाग्य प्रेम (Bhāgya Prema)
Hebrew: אהבת הגורל (Ahavat HaGoral)
Arabic: حب القدر (Hubb Al-Qadr)

Meaning: Amor Fati signifies the Stoic idea of loving and accepting one’s fate. It is not just about enduring life’s events but embracing them as necessary and beneficial parts of the whole.
Usage: Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius advocated for acceptance of fate, recognizing that all events are part of a rational and ordered universe.
Connection: Amor Fati aligns with the Stoic virtue of facing life without resistance, accepting both joy and hardship as part of the natural order.


Anabasis (ἄνοδος)

Ascent or Journey Upward
Latin: Ascensus
Sanskrit: आरोहण (Ārohaṇa)
Hebrew: עליה (Aliyah) Arabic: الصعود (Al-Ṣuʿūd)

Anabasis refers to the ascent or return of the soul to higher realms. This concept represents the soul’s journey toward its divine source, undergoing purification and enlightenment. It reflects the inherent drive within spiritual life to reconnect with a higher reality. The idea of ascent is not merely a return to the origin but involves the transformation of both the soul and body, reflecting a holistic evolution in consciousness. This ascent embodies the pursuit of transcendent truth and the spiritual integration of all dimensions of existence. Anabasis represents the movement from basic survival instincts to more complex and integrated stages of consciousness.


Anagōgē (Ἀναγωγή) – Spiritual Ascent

Latin: Ascensio Spiritus
Sanskrit: आत्मोन्नति (Ātmonnati)
Hebrew: עליה רוחנית (Aliyah Ruchanit)
Arabic: صعود روحاني (Ṣu‘ūd Ruhānī)

Anagōgē refers to the soul’s upward spiritual ascent or leading toward higher realities. In Neoplatonic and mystical traditions, it represents the process of elevating the soul from the material realm to the divine or intellectual realm.
Usage: Anagōgē is used in both philosophical and mystical texts to describe the soul's progression toward enlightenment, culminating in union with the divine or the One. It is associated with the purification of the soul and the intellectual contemplation of truth.
Connection: This concept parallels the process of spiritual evolution found in various traditions, where the soul transcends the limitations of the physical world to achieve higher consciousness or divine union, similar to moksha or nirvana in Eastern thought.


Anamnesis (ἀνάμνησις)

Latin: Reminiscentia
Sanskrit: संस्मरण (Saṃsmaraṇa)
Hebrew: זכירה (Zekhira)
Arabic: استذكار (Istidhkār)

Anamnesis is the Platonic concept of recollection, suggesting that learning is not the acquisition of new knowledge but a form of remembering of truth already known by the soul as a manifestation of Logos. Spiritual liberation as Theosis is through a process of remembering our nature as fundamentally already free and that the Self is unconditioned.


Anangaía Sýnthesi (Αναγκαία Σύνθεση)

Latin: Necessaria Synthesis Sanskrit: आवश्यक संश्लेषण (Avaśyaka Saṃśleṣaṇa)
Hebrew: סינתזה הכרחית (Sinteza Hechrakit)
Arabic: التركيب الضروري (Al-Tarkīb al-Ḍarūrī)

Anangaía Sýnthesi translates to "Necessary Synthesis," conveying the essential unification or integration of different principles, a theme common in both philosophy and metaphysics. It more specifically refers to the continual necessity of integration and synthesis in a religious body as well as it's fundamental teachings and maxims. Without doing so, the religion becomes stagnant and tends to proliferate a singular culture which results in cultural homogeny and inevitable schism.


Ananke (Ἀνάγκη)

Necessity or Fate
Latin: Necessitas
Sanskrit: अनिवार्यता (Anivāryatā)
Hebrew: הכרח (Hechreach)
Arabic: ضرورة (Ḍarūra)

Ananke personifies necessity, fate, or compulsion. In Greek mythology and philosophy, she represents the force that binds all events to their inevitable outcomes. In Stoicism, Ananke reflects the natural law of cause and effect, implying that everything occurs as it must, according to the nature of the universe. This concept aligns with the idea of determinism and cosmic order.


Ananke (Ἀνάγκη)

Necessity
Latin: Necessitas
Sanskrit: अनिवार्यता (Anivāryatā)
Hebrew: הכרח (Hekhreach)
Arabic: الضرورة (Aḍ-Ḍarūra)

Ananke is the personification of necessity and fate. She represents the binding forces that govern the cosmos, ensuring that all events unfold as they must. In a sense, Ananke embodies the karmic principle of cause and effect, where the inevitability of actions and their consequences are driven by universal necessity.


Ananke and Tyche (Ἀνάγκη και Τύχη)

Necessity and Chance
Latin: Necessitas et Fortuna
Sanskrit: अनिवार्यता और भाग्य (Anivāryatā Aur Bhāgya)
Hebrew: הכרח ומזל (Hekhreach Va'Mazal)
Arabic: الضرورة والحظ (Aḍ-Ḍarūra Wa-Al-Ḥaẓẓ)

Ananke symbolizes necessity, the unavoidable forces that shape existence, while Tyche represents chance or fortune. Together, they depict the balance between deterministic laws of the cosmos and the randomness of events. In Platonic cosmology, both forces work together to shape the unfolding of reality, where fate and fortune intertwine to guide the course of existence.


Andreia (ἀνδρεία)

Courage, Manliness
Latin: Virtus
Sanskrit: वीरता (Vīratā)
Hebrew: אומץ (Omets)
Arabic: شجاعة (Shajā'a)

Andreia signifies courage or bravery, especially in a martial context. Derived from anēr (man), the term originally emphasized the masculine virtue of courage in battle. It can be translated as "manliness" or "virility," reflecting a historical bias that associated courage primarily with men.


Andreia (ἀνδρεία)

Courage, Manliness
Latin: Virtus
Sanskrit: साहस (Sāhasa)
Hebrew: אומץ (Ometz)
Arabic: شجاعة (Shajaa)

Andreia is derived from anèr (man) and traditionally refers to courage, particularly in battle, which was seen as a masculine virtue in ancient Greece. This notion of courage was tightly linked to the idea of "manhood" or "virility." In the classical context, andreia was an essential quality for warriors, representing both physical bravery and moral fortitude.


Anēr (ἀνήρ; gen. andros, pl. andres)

Man (as opposed to Woman)
Latin: Vir
Sanskrit: पुरुष (Purusha)
Hebrew: איש (Ish)
Arabic: رجل (Rajul)

Anēr refers specifically to a man, distinct from a woman (gunē), emphasizing the sexual differentiation between male and female. In ancient Greek culture, this term often highlighted the societal roles attributed to men, particularly in the context of public life and warfare.


Anèr (ἀνήρ)

Man (as opposed to Woman)
Latin: Vir
Sanskrit: पुरुष (Purusha)
Hebrew: איש (Ish)
Arabic: رجل (Rajul)

Anèr refers specifically to a male, as distinguished from a female (gunè). In classical Greek society, this term often carried connotations of male roles in public life and war, emphasizing traditional masculine virtues like courage (andreia) and leadership.


Angelos (Ἄγγελος)

Latin: Angelus
Sanskrit: देवदूत (Devadūta)
Hebrew: מלאך (Mal'ach)
Arabic: ملاك (Malāk)

Angelos means "messenger" and refers to angels, celestial beings of pure intellect who serve as intermediaries between the divine and the material world. Angels convey divine messages and maintain cosmic order, guiding souls toward enlightenment.


Anodos (Ἄνοδος) – Ascent or Path Upward

Latin: Ascensus
Sanskrit: आरोहण (Ārohaṇa)
Hebrew: עלייה (Aliyah)
Arabic: صعود (Ṣu‘ūd)

Anodos refers to the upward journey or ascent, often used in philosophical and spiritual contexts to describe the soul’s return to higher states of being or the divine. It captures the idea of progress, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual, emphasizing the soul’s journey toward greater understanding and enlightenment. In Platonic philosophy, Anodos describes the process by which the soul ascends from the world of appearances to the realm of the Forms, ultimately seeking union with the divine. This journey of ascent reflects the soul’s striving for higher knowledge and truth. Anodos beautifully aligns with the idea of spiritual evolution and refinement, much like the journey toward self-realization found in many mystical traditions. Keep moving upward and forward


Anodos (Ἄνοδος) – Ascent or Path Upward

Latin: Ascensus
Sanskrit: आरोहण (Ārohaṇa)
Hebrew: עלייה (Aliyah)
Arabic: صعود (Ṣu‘ūd)

Anodos refers to the upward journey or ascent, often used in philosophical and spiritual contexts to describe the soul’s return to higher states of being or the divine. It captures the idea of progress, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual, emphasizing the soul’s journey toward greater understanding and enlightenment.
Usage: In Platonic philosophy, Anodos describes the process by which the soul ascends from the world of appearances to the realm of the Forms, ultimately seeking union with the divine. This journey of ascent reflects the soul’s striving for higher knowledge and truth.
Connection: Anodos beautifully aligns with the idea of spiritual evolution and refinement, much like the journey toward self-realization found in many mystical traditions. Keep moving upward and forward


Anthrôpos (ἄνθρωπος; pl. anthrôpoi)

Human Being
Latin: Homo
Sanskrit: मानव (Mānava)
Hebrew: אדם (Adam)
Arabic: إنسان (Insān)

Anthrôpos refers to a human being, regardless of gender, distinguishing humans from animals or gods. It encompasses the species as a whole, highlighting the common humanity shared by both men and women. In philosophical discourse, anthrôpos is often used to explore questions about human nature and the human condition.


Anthrôpos (ἄνθρωπος)

Human Being
Latin: Homo
Sanskrit: मानव (Mānava)
Hebrew: אדם (Adam)
Arabic: إنسان (Insān)

Anthrôpos refers to a human being in general, without distinction of gender. It distinguishes humans from animals and gods, representing the universal concept of humanity. In philosophical discussions, anthrôpos often serves as the subject of inquiries into the nature of human existence, morality, and reason.


Anthrôpos (ἄνθρωπος)

Human Being
Latin: Homo
Sanskrit: मानव (Mānava)
Hebrew: אדם (Adam)
Arabic: إنسان (Insān)

Anthrôpos refers to a human being in general, without specifying gender. It distinguishes humans from animals and gods, representing the collective identity of humanity. Anthrôpos is used to explore philosophical and ethical questions related to human nature, morality, and the soul.


Anugraha (अनुग्रह) – Revealing, Remembering, Grace, Revelation

Greek Equivalent: "Apokálypsis" (Αποκάλυψις)
Latin: Revelatio
Hebrew: התגלות (Hitgalut)
Arabic: وحي (Wahy)

Apokálypsis means unveiling or revelation, often associated with divine grace or the uncovering of hidden truth. This parallels Anugraha, where grace reveals what was concealed, allowing for spiritual insight or remembrance to unfold.


Anupotheton (ἀνυπόθετον)

Without Hypothesis or Foundational Principle
Latin: Non Hypotheticum
Sanskrit: निराधार (Nirādhāra)
Hebrew: בלתי מונח (Bilti Munach)
Arabic: غير مفترض (Ghayr Muftaraḍ)

Anupotheton is a term coined by Plato, meaning "not put under" or "without a supporting hypothesis." It refers to a principle that serves as the ultimate foundation in philosophy, one that is not used as a stepping stone toward another principle. In Plato’s Republic, this principle is associated with to agathon (the Good), the ultimate end that requires no further justification.


Anupotheton (ἀνυπόθετον)

Without Hypothesis, Foundational Principle
Latin: Non Hypotheticum
Sanskrit: निराधार (Nirādhāra)
Hebrew: בלתי מונח (Bilti Munach)
Arabic: غير مفترض (Ghayr Muftaraḍ)

Anupotheton refers to something that is not based on a hypothesis or prior assumption. It is a term Plato uses to refer to a principle that serves as the ultimate foundation, something that is not a means to an end but the end itself. This principle, such as to agathon (the Good), requires no further justification because it is self-sufficient and serves as the basis for all other truths.


Anupotheton (ἀνυπόθετον)

Unhypothetical, Foundational Principle
Latin: Principium Non Hypotheticum
Sanskrit: निराधार (Nirādhāra)
Hebrew: עקרון בלתי תלוי (Ikron Bilti Talui)
Arabic: المبدأ الأول (Al-Mabda' Al-Awwal)

Anupotheton is a neologism introduced by Plato, meaning "not based on a hypothesis." It refers to a foundational principle that is not a step to something else but the ultimate goal or first principle beyond which there is nothing further to seek. This principle is self-evident and serves as both the origin and the ultimate end of a philosophical or logical inquiry, like to agathon (the Good) in Plato’s works.


Apátheia (ἀπάθεια) – Freedom from Passion

Emotional Equanimity
Latin: Impassibilitas
Sanskrit: वैराग्य (Vairāgya)
Hebrew: אֲפַתִּיּוּת (Afatiyut)
Arabic: لا مبالاة (La Mubalāh)

Meaning: Apátheia means freedom from destructive passions. It refers to a state of equanimity in which external events do not disturb the inner calm of a person.
Usage: Stoics like Seneca taught that cultivating apátheia allowed one to respond wisely and rationally to all circumstances without being ruled by emotions.
Connection: Apátheia is essential for the Stoic practice of facing everything and avoiding nothing, as it prevents one from being emotionally overwhelmed by life’s challenges.


Apokálypsis (Ἀποκάλυψις) – Revelation

Unveiling Hidden Truths
Latin: Revelatio
Sanskrit: प्रकटन (Prakaṭana)
Hebrew: גילוי (Giluy)
Arabic: كشف (Kashf)

Meaning: Apokálypsis refers to the uncovering or revealing of hidden spiritual truths, often associated with divine revelation.
Usage: This term resonates with the concept of Kenshō in Zen, marking the moment when hidden truths about reality or the self are uncovered.
Connection: Apokálypsis is the revelation of deep, spiritual insight, leading to an understanding of one’s true nature and the divine mysteries of existence.


Apokatastasis (Ἀποκατάστασις)

Restoration of All Things
Latin: Restitutio Omnium
Sanskrit: सर्वोत्थान (Sarvotthāna)
Hebrew: תחייה כללית (Teḥiyah Kelalit)
Arabic: استعادة كل شيء (Istʿādat Kullu Shay')

Apokatastasis means the "restoration of all things" and is a theological concept describing the eventual return of all creation to a state of perfection. Associated with early Christian thinkers like Origen, it suggests that all souls, including those of the damned, will ultimately be reconciled with God, restoring creation to its original state of harmony.


Apokatastasis (ἀποκατάστασις)

Restoration of Creation to Perfection
Latin: Restitutio Omnium
Sanskrit: सर्वोत्थान (Sarvotthāna)
Hebrew: תיקון הבריאה (Tikkun HaBriyah)
Arabic: استعادة الخلق (Istī‘ādat al-Khalq)

Apokatastasis refers to the restoration of all creation to its original, perfect state. In Christian theology, this term is often associated with the universalist idea that all beings, including the damned and even the Devil, will ultimately be restored to divine communion. This doctrine, rooted in early Christian thought and associated with figures like Origen and Gregory of Nyssa, emphasizes the hope of ultimate redemption and reconciliation for all. The term appears in the New Testament (Acts 3:21), referring to the restoration of all things, though not necessarily universal salvation.

The concept of apokatastasis also has roots in Zoroastrianism, where it signifies the final period of creation known as wizarishn, a time of cosmic resolution and the triumph of good over evil. The idea shares similarities with ancient beliefs in cosmic cycles, where celestial bodies return to their original positions after completing their cosmic journey.

In a broader philosophical or mystical context, apokatastasis can also describe an individual’s experience of returning to their original or true self, emphasizing spiritual restoration and reintegration with the divine.


Apókryphos (Ἀπόκρυφος)

Occult, Hidden, Secret
Latin: Apocryphus
Sanskrit: गूढ़ (Guḍha)
Hebrew: נסתר (Nistar)
Arabic: مخفي (Makhfī)

Apókryphos signifies something that is hidden or secret, often referring to knowledge or truth that is deliberately obscured. In religious and mystical traditions, it resonates with the notion of esoteric wisdom being concealed, akin to the Sanskrit Guḍha or Tirodhāna, where the divine is hidden from ordinary perception. This term has historical use in describing hidden or non-canonical texts, further emphasizing its connection to concealed or veiled knowledge.


Apókrypsis (Απόκρυψις)

Concealment, Occlusion, Hiding
Latin: Occultatio
Sanskrit: तिरोधान (Tirodhāna)
Hebrew: הסתרה (Hastarah)
Arabic: إخفاء (Ikhfāʼ)

Apókrypsis refers to the act of concealment or hiding, often in a spiritual or metaphysical sense. It conveys the deliberate veiling of reality, truth, or divine presence from direct perception, aligning closely with the Sanskrit concept of Tirodhāna, where divine or true nature is obscured or forgotten.


Apophatic (ἀποφατικός)

Via Negativa, Denial
Latin: Negatio
Sanskrit: निषेध (Niṣedha)
Hebrew: שלילה (Shlilah)
Arabic: نفي (Nafy)

Apophatic refers to an approach in theology or philosophy that defines God or ultimate reality by what it is not, rather than by what it is. This "negative" method emphasizes the limitations of language and human understanding in describing the transcendent.


Archè (ἀρχή)

Beginning, Origin, or Principle
Latin: Principium
Sanskrit: मूल (Mūla)
Hebrew: ראשית (Reishit)
Arabic: مبدأ (Mabda')

Archè is a substantive derived from the verb archein, meaning "to lead" or "to begin." It encompasses multiple meanings such as "beginning," "origin," "principle," and "command." In its philosophical sense, it signifies a leading or governing principle, something that sets a direction or guides action. In Plato’s philosophy, archè also refers to the principle that everything ultimately moves toward, embodying both the source and the goal of all things.


Archè (ἀρχή)

Beginning, Principle, or Origin
Latin: Principium
Sanskrit: मूल (Mūla)
Hebrew: ראשית (Reishit)
Arabic: مبدأ (Mabda')

Archè means both the beginning and the guiding principle. Derived from the verb archein (to lead or begin), it has dual meanings: the origin of something and the principle that governs it. In a philosophical sense, archè serves as a foundation that both starts a process and directs it toward its ultimate end, as seen in Plato’s use of archè anupotheton.


are regarded as neither inherently good nor bad. In Stoic thought, these are considered neutral because they do not affect one's moral virtue. This state of indifference allows a person to remain unaffected by external events and maintain inner peace. In a Christian context, adiaphora refers to matters that are non-essential to faith but permissible within religious practice.


Aretè (ἀρετή)

Excellence, Virtue
Latin: Virtus
Sanskrit: गुण (Guṇa)
Hebrew: מעלה (Ma'alah)
Arabic: فضيلة (Faḍīla)

Aretè refers to the highest expression of excellence or virtue. It is not limited to moral virtue but applies broadly to anything achieving its full potential. In human beings, it refers to the qualities that make a person "good" or "excellent." For Plato, aretè is closely tied to agathon (the Good), as it represents the fullest realization of an individual’s potential, both morally and in terms of personal abilities.


Aretè (ἀρετή)

Excellence, Virtue
Latin: Virtus
Sanskrit: गुण (Guṇa)
Hebrew: מעלה (Ma'alah)
Arabic: فضيلة (Faḍīla)

Aretè refers to excellence or virtue, not only in the moral sense but in all aspects of life. It represents the highest quality or the best a person, animal, or thing can achieve. For humans, aretè involves moral excellence, intellectual achievements, and physical abilities. In Plato's philosophy, it is closely connected to agathon (the Good), as it represents the optimal fulfillment of one's purpose.


arises from a thoughtful synthesis of diverse traditions. It calls for moderation and prudence in blending different sources of wisdom into a unified, harmonious whole.


Asamprajñāta Samādhi (असम्प्रज्ञात समाधि)

Non-cognitive Samādhi
Greek: Asynnoía Synénoia (Ἀσυννoία Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Non-Cognitiva
Sanskrit: असम्प्रज्ञात समाधि (Asamprajñāta Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות לא-הכרתית (Hitbonenut Lo Hakartit)
Arabic: تأمل غير معرفي (Ta'ammul Ghayr Ma'rifi)

Asamprajñāta Samādhi refers to a deeper meditative state without conscious thought. Asynnoía Synénoia conveys this idea of a non-cognitive but deeply absorbed mental state.


Askesis (Ἄσκησις)

Spiritual Practice or Discipline
Latin: Disciplina
Sanskrit: तपस् (Tapas)
Hebrew: תרגול (Targul)
Arabic: تزكية (Tazkiyah)

Askesis means "training" or "discipline" and refers to spiritual or physical practices aimed at self-mastery. It was essential in both Stoicism and early Christian asceticism, promoting inner stillness and discipline. This concept mirrors practices in Eastern traditions, like tapas in yoga, which also involves mental and physical discipline for spiritual growth.


Authentic Self (Ὄντως ὤν - Ontos On)

Latin: Verus Esse
Sanskrit: सत्यस्वरूप (Satyasvarūpa)
Hebrew: האמת (HaEmet)
Arabic: الذات الحقيقية (Al-Dhat al-Haqiqiyya)

The Authentic Self represents the true, individuated expression of the soul's desire for unity with the divine. Aligned with Nous (Divine Intellect) and expressing the cosmic Thelema (Will), it embodies Enargeia (full presence), manifesting the highest spiritual potential in the world.


Autognōsia (Αὐτογνωσία)

Self-Knowledge
Latin: Cognitio Sui
Sanskrit: आत्मज्ञान (Ātmajnāna)
Hebrew: הכרה עצמית (Hakara Atzmit)
Arabic: معرفة الذات (Ma‘rifat Al-Dhāt)

Autognōsia refers to the knowledge or awareness of oneself. It is the pursuit of understanding one’s own nature, thoughts, and motivations. In Stoic and Socratic philosophy, self-knowledge is considered essential for achieving wisdom and living in accordance with one’s true nature. It echoes the Delphic maxim "Know thyself" (Gnōthi Seauton), which encourages introspection and self-awareness as a path to virtue.


Autognōsia (Αὐτογνωσία)

Self-Knowing or Self-Awareness
Latin: Scientia sui
Sanskrit: आत्मज्ञान (Atmajnana)
Hebrew: מודעות עצמית (Modaut Atzmit)
Arabic: معرفة الذات (Ma'rifat Al-Dhāt)

Autognōsia means "self-knowing" or "self-awareness." It describes the state of recognizing one's own true nature, akin to Rigpa in Tibetan Buddhism. This term reflects the non-dual awareness inherent in the mind, where one knows oneself without external validation or reliance on conceptual thought.


Autolytrósis (Αὐτολύτρωσις)

Self-Liberation
Latin: Liberatio Sui
Sanskrit: आत्म विमुक्ति (Ātma Vimukti)
Hebrew: שחרור עצמי (Shichrur Atzmi)
Arabic: التحرر الذاتي (At-Taḥarrur Al-Dhātī)

Autolytrósis is formed from "auto-" (self) and "lytrósis" (λύτρωσις), meaning "liberation" or "release." This term directly translates to "self-liberation," representing the state where the mind naturally frees itself from obscurations without effort or external aid. It encapsulates the essence of Rigpa as the self-aware, self-liberating quality of consciousness.


Autonomia (Αὐτονομία)

Autonomy or Resilience
Latin: Autonomia
Sanskrit: स्वायत्तता (Svāyattatā)
Hebrew: אוטונומיה (Autonomia)
Arabic: الاستقلالية (Al-Istiqlāliyya)

Autonomia refers to self-rule or autonomy, the capacity to govern oneself and make independent choices. It can also imply ischyros (ἰσχυρός), which means "strong" or "resilient." Together, these concepts emphasize self-determination, inner strength, and resilience in the face of external challenges or circumstances.


Autos (αὐτός)

Self, Itself
Latin: Ipse
Sanskrit: आत्मा (Ātman)
Hebrew: עצמו (Atzmo)
Arabic: نفسه (Nafsahu)

Autos is a pronoun meaning "self" or "itself." In philosophical contexts, autos is often used to emphasize the essence or true nature of something in itself, without the mediation of external appearances. Plato uses the term autos to describe forms or ideas in their purest, most unadulterated state, referring to their independent and ultimate reality.


Autos (αὐτός)

Self, Itself
Latin: Ipse
Sanskrit: आत्मा (Ātman)
Hebrew: עצמו (Atzmo)
Arabic: نفسه (Nafsahu)

Autos means "self" or "itself" and is important in philosophical discussions about identity and essence. In Plato’s dialogues, autos often emphasizes the true nature of something in itself, beyond appearances or perceptions. It refers to the pure essence of things, such as "the Good itself" or "Justice itself."


Báthos Hypnós (Βάθος Ὕπνος)

Deep Sleep
Latin: Somnus Profundus
Sanskrit: सुषुप्ति (Suṣupti)
Hebrew: שֵׁנָה עֲמֻקָּה (Sheina Amukah)
Arabic: النوم العميق (Al-Nawm Al-Amīq)

Báthos Hypnós refers to the deep, dreamless sleep state where consciousness retreats from both the external world and the inner world of dreams. In this state, there is no awareness of thoughts or sensations, and the mind rests in complete stillness. This state represents the deepest form of unconsciousness, where the body undergoes rest and restoration.


Beyond Being (ἐπέκεινα, Epekeina)

Latin: Ultra Essentiam
Sanskrit: परे (Paré)
Hebrew: מעבר להוויה (Me'ever LeHavayah)
Arabic: فيما وراء الكينونة (Fī Mā Warā' al-Kaynunah)

Beyond Being (ἐπέκεινα) means surpassing all realms of existence, even beyond the realm of being or essence. It indicates the ultimate transcendence of The One, which is beyond physical, intellectual, and spiritual categories. In Plato’s Republic, The Good (τὸ ἀγαθόν) is described as being "beyond essence" and is the source of all being and knowledge.


Bhava Samādhi (भाव समाधि)

Devotional Samādhi
Greek: Pathētikós Synénoia (Παθητικός Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Devotionis
Sanskrit: भाव समाधि (Bhava Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות רגשית (Hitbonenut Regshit)
Arabic: تأمل تعبدي (Ta'ammul Ta'abbudi)

Bhava Samādhi refers to a meditative state driven by intense emotion or devotion. Pathētikós Synénoia conveys the deeply emotional aspect of this state, emphasizing heartfelt devotion.


can be made. In philosophical discussions, krisis is essential to developing critical thinking and discerning truth from illusion.


Catechesis (Κατήχησις, Katēchēsis)

Religious Instruction
Latin: Catechesis
Sanskrit: धार्मिक शिक्षा (Dhārmika Śikṣā)
Hebrew: חינוך דתי (Chinukh Dati)
Arabic: التعليم الديني (Al-Ta'lim Al-Dini)

Catechesis is the practice of religious instruction, particularly in the Christian faith, designed to teach children and adults the principles of Christianity. It originated as a method of educating converts and later became institutionalized as the basis for teaching the faithful. This form of instruction often includes a catechism book that systematically covers key doctrines and beliefs.


Catechism and Catechesis

Catechesis (κατήχησις) refers to instruction by word of mouth, traditionally in the Christian context for educating converts and believers about the faith. It became institutionalized as a way of educating those baptized in infancy, focusing on core teachings and spiritual formation. A Catechism, such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is a systematic exposition of beliefs, designed to instruct members on doctrine and moral teachings.


Catechumen (Κατηχούμενος, Katēchoumenos)

One Being Instructed
Latin: Catechumenus
Sanskrit: धर्म-शिष्य (Dharma-Śiṣya)
Hebrew: קטכומן (Catechumen)
Arabic: الموعوظ (Al-Maw‘ūẓ)

Catechumen refers to a person receiving instruction in the Christian faith, often with the goal of baptism. This process is fundamental in many Christian denominations, as catechumens learn the principles of faith through teachings and rituals before being initiated into the church. The practice has historical roots in early Christianity and continues to be integral to religious education.


Chironomia (Χειρονομία)

Latin: Gestus
Sanskrit: मुद्रा (Mudrā)
Hebrew: תנועות ידיים (Tnuot Yadaim)
Arabic: إشارات اليد (Isharat al-Yad)

Chironomia (Χειρονομία) in ancient Greek refers to the practice of hand gestures, particularly in oratory and sacred contexts. In Sanskrit, Mudrā refers to symbolic hand gestures used in Hindu and Buddhist practices to convey specific meanings and energies.


Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos


constantly striving toward understanding. Plato’s dialogues emphasize that the search for wisdom requires humility, as those who claim to possess it are often the furthest from the truth. This exploration of sophia underpins the contrast between philosophers and sophists, the latter being more concerned with appearances than with true knowledge.

Psuchè (noun; pl. psuchai) (ψυχὴ, ψυχαί)
English: "soul"

The psuchè is often translated as "soul" and is the root of modern terms like "psycho-" in psychology and psychiatry. In Plato's thought, the psuchè is the animating principle of life and movement, responsible for the non-material aspects of living beings, particularly humans. It is a key concept in explaining human behavior and morality, distinct from the material body. Plato's dialogues explore the psuchè's potential immortality and its tripartite structure, comprising the logistikon (reason), epithumètikon (desires), and thumoeides (spiritedness).


Contemplatio (Latin)

Contemplation
Greek: Θεωρία (Theoria)
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: עִיוּן (Iyun)
Arabic: تأمل (Ta'ammul)

Meaning: "Contemplatio" means contemplation, similar to the Greek concept of theoria. It involves looking inward or meditating on divine or philosophical truths.
Usage: Both Stoic and Christian traditions placed great emphasis on contemplatio as a practice of inner reflection. In Christianity, it referred to contemplation of God, seeking union with the divine. In philosophy, it was the pursuit of truth through intellectual reflection.
Connection: Contemplatio is akin to theoria in Greek philosophy and dhyāna in Eastern traditions, involving stillness and inward focus to access deeper spiritual or philosophical truths.


Cosmo-Apokatastasis (Κοσμο-ἀποκατάστασις)

Cosmic Restoration
Latin: Restitutio Mundi
Sanskrit: सर्वोत्थान (Sarvotthāna)
Hebrew: תיקון עולם קוסמי (Tikkun Olam Kosmi)
Arabic: استعادة الكون (Istī‘ādat al-Kawn)

Cosmo-Apokatastasis refers to the ultimate restoration of the entire universe to its original, perfect state, as envisioned in early Christian universalism and Stoic thought. This process represents the renewal and salvation of all things, not only individuals but the cosmos itself. In Christian theology, it includes the belief in the salvation of all beings, even the damned, while in Stoicism, it aligns with the cyclical nature of the cosmos being reborn after destruction. This concept encompasses both the eschatological hope of universal salvation and the philosophical idea of cosmic regeneration.


Cosmotheosis (Κοσμοθέωσις) – Divinization of the Cosmos

Latin: Divinitas Universi
Sanskrit: विश्व की दिव्यता (Vishva ki Divyata)
Hebrew: האלהת היקום (Ha'ealat Ha'yekum)
Arabic: تأليه الكون (Ta'leeh Al-Kawn)

Meaning: Cosmotheosis refers to the concept of the universe or cosmos becoming divine. It combines the Greek terms Kosmos (the ordered universe) and Theosis (the process of becoming divine), signifying the elevation of the cosmos into a divine state or its recognition as inherently divine.
Usage: In both philosophical and metaphysical traditions, Cosmotheosis implies the interconnectedness of all things and their ultimate participation in the divine order. It suggests that the universe itself is not merely physical but a manifestation of a deeper, spiritual reality that can be divinized.
Connection: This term aligns with the idea that the cosmos is not static but is in a process of divine transformation, echoing themes in Neoplatonism and Process Theology where creation is constantly evolving toward a divine state.


Daimon (Δαίμων)

Latin: Daemon
Sanskrit: देवता (Devatā)
Hebrew: דמון (Demon)
Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)

Daimon refers to an intermediary being between gods and humans. Daimons guide and protect individuals on their spiritual journey, acting as semi-divine beings that influence the soul’s relationship with higher realities. They are integral to understanding spiritual forces and cosmic order.


Daimon (Δαίμων)

Inner Spirit or Guiding Force
Latin: Genius
Sanskrit: आत्मन (Ātman)
Hebrew: שד (Shed)
Arabic: جن (Jinn)

The Daimon in Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Socrates, is the guiding spirit or inner voice that leads one toward self-awareness. It can be seen as the unconscious, guiding one through shadow elements toward integration and spiritual enlightenment. In a Jungian sense, the Daimon may represent the inner guide who helps uncover repressed aspects of the self.


Daimôn (δαίμων)

Divine Being or Spirit
Latin: Genius
Sanskrit: देवता (Devatā)
Hebrew: מלאך (Mal'akh)
Arabic: جني (Jinn)

Daimôn in Homeric usage referred to a god, but in later Greek thought, it came to represent semi-divine beings who are intermediaries between gods and humans. Unlike the modern connotation of "demon," daimôn had no negative bias in ancient Greece. In Plato’s works, daimôn could be a guiding spirit or protector, as seen in the Myth of Er, where souls choose a daimôn to guide them through life. It was also associated with Socrates’ inner voice, the daimonion, which warned him against certain actions.


Daimôn (δαίμων)

Spirit, Divine Being
Latin: Genius
Sanskrit: देव (Deva)
Hebrew: רוח (Ruach)
Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)

In Homeric Greek, daimôn referred to a god, but later it came to denote semi-divine beings or spirits, intermediaries between gods and humans. Unlike the Christian concept of "demon," which carries negative connotations, daimôn in Plato's time had a neutral or even positive meaning, signifying a guiding spirit or protector. Socrates famously spoke of his daimonion, a divine voice that guided his actions. In the myth of Er from Plato's Republic, each soul chooses a daimôn to guide it through life, representing the soul’s overseer.


Daimôn (δαίμων)

Spirit, Divine Being
Latin: Genius
Sanskrit: देव (Deva)
Hebrew: רוח (Ruach)
Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)

Daimôn in ancient Greek refers to a spirit or divine being that acts as an intermediary between gods and humans. It does not carry the negative connotations associated with the word "demon" in later Christian thought. Plato and other philosophers used daimôn to refer to guiding spirits, often benevolent or neutral, that influence a person's destiny. Socrates famously spoke of a daimonion, a divine sign or voice that guided his actions. In Platonic thought, daimôn represents forces or entities that help steer a person towards their fate or life purpose.


Deleasmos (Δελεασμός)

Latin: Tentatio
Sanskrit: प्रलोभन (Pralobhana)
Hebrew: פיתוי (Pitui)
Arabic: إغراء (Ighrāʼ)

Deleasmos refers to temptation or seduction, the allure of sensory pleasures that distract the soul from its true path. Succumbing to deleasmos leads to deeper entanglement in material existence and delays the soul’s spiritual evolution.


Dèmiourgos (δημιουργός)

Craftsman, Creator
Latin: Artifex
Sanskrit: विश्वकर्मा (Viśvakarmā)
Hebrew: יוצר (Yotzer)
Arabic: خالق (Khāliq)

Dèmiourgos literally means "one who works for the people," from demos (people) and ergon (work). In Plato's Timaeus, it refers to the cosmic craftsman or creator who brings order (kosmos) to the universe. The term has since evolved into demiurge, often used in philosophical and theological discussions to describe a divine figure responsible for shaping the material world, distinct from the supreme deity.


Dèmiourgos (δημιουργός)

Craftsman, Creator
Latin: Artifex
Sanskrit: सृष्टिकर्ता (Sṛṣṭikartā)
Hebrew: יוצר (Yotzer)
Arabic: خالق (Khāliq)

Dèmiourgos means “craftsman” or “creator” and is famously used by Plato in the Timaeus to describe the divine creator who organizes the cosmos. Unlike a transcendent deity, the dèmiourgos actively shapes the material world, introducing order and harmony into it, turning chaos into cosmos. The term has influenced the development of philosophical and theological concepts of creation in later traditions.


Dèmiourgos (δημιουργός)

Craftsman, Creator
Latin: Artifex
Sanskrit: सृष्टिकर्ता (Sṛṣṭikartā)
Hebrew: יוצר (Yotzer)
Arabic: خالق (Khāliq)

Dèmiourgos means “craftsman” or “creator” and is famously used by Plato in his Timaeus to describe the creator of the cosmos. This divine figure does not create the world out of nothing but organizes pre-existing matter, shaping it into the ordered cosmos. The dèmiourgos introduces harmony and order, reflecting the role of a craftsman who molds material into a functional and beautiful product. The term has influenced later philosophical and theological concepts of creation, particularly in Neoplatonism.


Desmos (Δεσμός)

Latin: Vinculum
Sanskrit: बन्धन (Bandhana)
Hebrew: קשר (Kesher)
Arabic: قيد (Qayd)

Desmos means bond or chain, symbolizing the soul’s attachment to the body and material existence. In order to ascend spiritually, the soul must be freed from the desmos that keeps it tethered to lower desires and ignorance.


Determination (Απόφαση, Apóphasis / Προθυμία, Prothýmia)

Firm Resolve or Eagerness
Latin: Determinatio
Sanskrit: दृढता (Dṛḍhatā)
Hebrew: הַחְלָטָה (Hachlatáh)
Arabic: عَزْم (ʿAzm)

Apóphasis means a firm decision or resolve, implying the act of making a clear choice or taking decisive action. Prothýmia, on the other hand, refers to eagerness, readiness, or determined will, reflecting a strong inner drive or motivation to act with intention and purpose.


Dharma as Logos (Λόγος)

Dharma, in Eastern philosophy, refers to the cosmic law or order that governs the universe and individual behavior. It embodies the moral principles, duties, and laws that sustain life in harmony with the cosmos. In a similar way, Logos (Λόγος) in Greek philosophy is the principle of reason, order, and knowledge that structures the universe.

In both traditions, Dharma and Logos represent the underlying order of existence and the guiding force that directs moral and natural laws, suggesting a deep connection between the two concepts as universal, cosmic principles.


Dharmamegha Samādhi (धर्ममेघ समाधि)

Cloud of Virtue Samādhi
Greek: Néfos Aretes Synénoia (Νέφος Ἀρετῆς Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Virtutis
Sanskrit: धर्ममेघ समाधि (Dharmamegha Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות בענן המידות (Hitbonenut Be'anan Hamidot)
Arabic: تأمل غمامة الفضيلة (Ta'ammul Ghamamat Al-Fadilah)

Dharmamegha Samādhi represents a state of awareness surrounded by a "cloud of virtue." Néfos Aretes Synénoia evokes this imagery of being absorbed in virtue and grace.


Diairesis (Διαίρεσις)

Division or Classification
Latin: Divisio
Sanskrit: विभाग (Vibhāga)
Hebrew: חלוקה (Chalukah)
Arabic: تقسيم (Taqsīm)

Diairesis is a method of classification used in ancient Greek logic, especially by Plato and Aristotle, to systematically define concepts by dividing them into more specific subcategories. The process involves breaking down broad categories into smaller, more precise ones to achieve a clear understanding of a subject. This method is fundamental in philosophical inquiry, taxonomy, and understanding distinctions between concepts.


Dialegesthai (διαλέγεσθαι)

To Engage in Dialogue
Latin: Colloqui
Sanskrit: संवाद (Saṁvāda)
Hebrew: לשוחח (Leshonach)
Arabic: يتحاور (Yataḥāwar)

Dialegesthai means "to converse" or "to engage in dialogue" and is central to Plato’s philosophy. It involves the process of speaking with others to seek understanding and truth. Dialogue, for Plato, was not just conversation but a method of philosophical inquiry, allowing participants to test ideas and uncover deeper truths. Through dialegesthai, humans practice logos (reasoned discourse) and come closer to understanding the good (to agathon).


Dialektikos (διαλεκτικός)

One Skilled in Dialogue or Reasoning
Latin: Dialecticus
Sanskrit: वादविद् (Vādavid)
Hebrew: דִּיאַלוֹגִי (Dialogi)
Arabic: جدلي (Jadali)

Dialektikos refers to a person who is skilled in the art of dialegesthai (dialogue), able to use reasoned discourse effectively to uncover truth. Plato’s dialektikos is not simply about debate or argument but the ability to navigate complex ideas and uncover deeper meanings. It involves a mastery of logos (reason or word) within the framework of dialogos (dialogue), helping to achieve knowledge without being misled by rhetoric.


Dialektikos (διαλεκτικός)

One Skilled in Dialogue or Reasoning
Latin: Dialecticus
Sanskrit: वादविद् (Vādavid)
Hebrew: דִּיאַלוֹגִי (Dialogi)
Arabic: جدلي (Jadali)

Dialektikos refers to a person skilled in dialegesthai (dialogue), capable of using reasoning within dialogue to uncover truth. For Plato, dialektikos goes beyond mere debate and refers to the disciplined method of questioning and reasoning that leads to understanding and knowledge. In this sense, it’s a higher form of reasoning that seeks to grasp the essence of things, leading to true knowledge (epistēmē).


Dialektikos (διαλεκτικός)

Skilled in Dialogue, Reasoning
Latin: Dialecticus
Sanskrit: तर्कशास्त्रज्ञ (Tarkaśāstrajña)
Hebrew: דִּיאַלוֹגִי (Dialogi)
Arabic: جدلي (Jadali)

Dialektikos refers to someone skilled in the art of dialogue and reasoning, especially within the context of dialegesthai (the process of engaging in rational discussion). Plato emphasizes dialektikos as the highest form of intellectual pursuit, allowing individuals to reach truth through structured dialogue. The term is closely associated with Socratic questioning, where reasoning and argumentation guide the discovery of knowledge. Dialektikos is considered essential for philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of wisdom.


Dialektikós Lýsis (Διαλεκτικός Λύσις)

Dissolution of Dialectic
Latin: Resolutio Dialecticae
Sanskrit: विकल्प-क्षय (Vikalpa-kṣaya)
Hebrew: פירוק הדיאלקטיקה (Piruq HaDialektika)
Arabic: تحلل الجدل (Taḥallul al-Jadal)

Dialektikós Lýsis refers to the dissolution of opposing or dualistic thoughts. The term captures the idea of resolving the inner divisions created by dialectical reasoning, aligning with Vikalpa-kṣaya, the dissolution of thought-generated duality, leading to non-dual awareness.


Dialektikós Lýsis (Διαλεκτικός Λύσις)

Dissolution of Dialectic
Latin: Resolutio Dialecticae
Sanskrit: विकल्प-क्षय (Vikalpa-kṣaya)
Hebrew: פירוק הדיאלקטיקה (Piruq HaDialektika)
Arabic: تحلل الجدل (Taḥallul al-Jadal)

Dialektikós Lýsis refers to the dissolution of dualistic or opposing thoughts, aiming at resolving inner divisions created by the intellect. This aligns with Vikalpa-kṣaya, where dualizing thought is dissolved, leading to an undivided and non-dual state of consciousness.

Dialogos (διάλογος)

Dialogue, Discourse
Latin: Colloquium
Sanskrit: संवाद (Saṁvāda)
Hebrew: שיח (Siḥa)
Arabic: حوار (Ḥiwār)

Dialogos refers to the activity of dialogue or discourse, though Plato often preferred to use the expression to dialegesthai (the act of dialoguing) to emphasize its nature as an ongoing process of discovery. Through dialogos, individuals engage in a process of exchanging ideas in pursuit of truth, testing each other’s ideas and refining understanding through conversation.


Dialogos (διάλογος)

Dialogue, Discourse
Latin: Colloquium
Sanskrit: संवाद (Saṁvāda)
Hebrew: שיח (Siḥa)
Arabic: حوار (Ḥiwār)

Dialogos refers to the activity of engaging in dialogue or discourse. For Plato, dialogos is more than conversation; it’s a method for discovering truth through rational exchange. Through dialogos, individuals explore ideas together, challenging assumptions and refining each other’s thoughts to arrive at deeper understanding.


Dialogos (διάλογος)

Dialogue, Discourse
Latin: Colloquium
Sanskrit: संवाद (Saṁvāda)
Hebrew: שיח (Siḥa)
Arabic: حوار (Ḥiwār)

Dialogos refers to the activity of engaging in rational discourse or dialogue. In Plato’s works, dialogos is not simply a conversation but a method for uncovering truth through the exchange of ideas. Through dialogos, individuals engage in a structured, reasoned inquiry that challenges assumptions and brings about deeper understanding. For Plato, dialogue is a key method for learning, contrasting with rhetoric, which aims at persuasion rather than truth.


Dianoeisthai (διανοεῖσθαι)

To Think, To Reflect
Latin: Cogitare
Sanskrit: चिंतन करना (Cintana Karna)
Hebrew: להרהר (Leharher)
Arabic: تفكر (Tafakkur)

Dianoeisthai describes the process of thinking or reflection, derived from nous (mind) and noein (to perceive by the mind). It represents an inner dialogue where the soul engages in silent conversation with itself. In Plato’s philosophy, dianoeisthai is akin to mental reasoning or contemplation, the movement through thoughts, leading from one to another in a reflective process.


Dianoeisthai (διανοεῖσθαι)

To Think, To Reflect
Latin: Cogitare
Sanskrit: चिंतन करना (Cintana Karna)
Hebrew: להרהר (Leharher)
Arabic: تفكر (Tafakkur)

Dianoeisthai refers to the act of thinking or reflecting, particularly through a series of logical thoughts or inner dialogue. Derived from nous (mind), it describes the movement of thought as it progresses through ideas. For Plato, dianoeisthai involves reflective reasoning and the inner conversation that occurs in the pursuit of understanding.


Dianoia (διάνοια)

Thought, Intellectual Activity
Latin: Intellectus
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: תודעה (Tuda'a)
Arabic: عقل (ʿAql)

Dianoia is the noun form of dianoeisthai and represents thought or intellectual activity. It refers to the internal dialogue or reasoning that occurs within the soul. Plato distinguishes dianoia as a form of thinking tied to the realm of intelligible truths, where thought is still mediated by words and concepts, as opposed to the direct apprehension of forms found in noesis.


Dianoia (διάνοια)

Thought, Intellectual Activity
Latin: Intellectus
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: תודעה (Tuda'a)
Arabic: عقل (ʿAql)

Dianoia is the noun form of dianoeisthai, representing intellectual activity or thought. Plato associates dianoia with reasoning about the sensible world, where ideas are mediated by words and concepts. It occupies the middle ground between mere opinion (doxa) and higher knowledge (noesis), functioning as the thought process through which we attempt to understand the world.


Dianoia (διάνοια)

Thought, Intellectual Activity
Latin: Intellectus
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: תודעה (Tuda'a)
Arabic: عقل (ʿAql)

Dianoia refers to intellectual activity or thought. It is the mental process of reasoning and reflection, particularly when progressing from one idea to another. For Plato, dianoia occupies a middle ground between opinion (doxa) and true knowledge (noesis), representing rational thought that deals with mathematical or abstract reasoning. It is crucial for understanding and grasping the intelligible realm, although it is still inferior to direct intellectual intuition or noesis.


Dichonomía Lýsis (Διχονομία Λύσις)

Dissolution of the Act of Division
Latin: Dissolutio Divisionis
Sanskrit: विकल्प-क्षय (Vikalpa-kṣaya)
Hebrew: פירוק החלוקה (Piruq HaḤaluka)
Arabic: تحلل التقسيم (Taḥallul at-Taqsīm)

Dichonomía Lýsis emphasizes the dissolution of the mental act of creating duality. The concept highlights the way thoughts themselves generate division and duality, and how their dissolution leads to a return to unity and non-dual awareness. This directly aligns with the Sanskrit concept of Vikalpa-kṣaya, which focuses on the dissolution of dualistic thinking.


Dichonomía Lýsis (Διχονομία Λύσις)

Dissolution of the Act of Division
Latin: Dissolutio Divisionis
Sanskrit: विकल्प-क्षय (Vikalpa-kṣaya)
Hebrew: פירוק החלוקה (Piruq HaḤaluka)
Arabic: تحلل التقسيم (Taḥallul at-Taqsīm)

Dichonomía Lýsis refers to the dissolution of the mental process that creates duality or divisions. The term emphasizes the dissolution of thought-generated separation, aligning with the Sanskrit concept of Vikalpa-kṣaya, which involves dissolving dualistic thinking and achieving non-duality.


Dikaios (δίκαιος)

Just, Righteous
Latin: Justus
Sanskrit: धर्मात्मा (Dharmātma)
Hebrew: צדיק (Tzadik)
Arabic: عادل (ʿĀdil)

Dikaios refers to being just or righteous. It describes a person who adheres to dikè (justice) both in their interactions with others and in their internal moral state. Plato elevates dikaios to a philosophical ideal in which justice is not just about external actions but the health and harmony of the soul itself, making it a foundation of both personal virtue and societal order.

Dikaiosunè (δικαιοσύνη)

Justice
Latin: Iustitia
Sanskrit: धर्म (Dharma)
Hebrew: צדק (Tzedek)
Arabic: عدالة (ʿAdāla)

Dikaiosunè is the virtue of justice or righteousness. It represents the quality of being just, both in personal conduct and in societal responsibilities. According to Plato, justice involves "doing one’s own business" and not meddling in others’ affairs. This reflects a broader social harmony, where each citizen performs their appropriate role in society. On a personal level, dikaiosunè is the harmony within one's soul, where each part of the soul operates in balance, leading to a just and virtuous life.


Dikaios (δίκαιος)

Just, Righteous
Latin: Justus
Sanskrit: धर्मात्मा (Dharmātma)
Hebrew: צדיק (Tzadik)
Arabic: عادل (ʿĀdil)

Dikaios refers to a person who embodies justice or righteousness. It describes someone who adheres to dikè both in their dealings with others and in their own inner moral state. Plato’s dikaios is a person whose soul is in harmony, leading to virtuous and just actions, making dikaiosunè a guiding principle in both personal and social contexts.

Dunamis (δύναμις)

Potential, Power
Latin: Potentia
Sanskrit: शक्ति (Shakti)
Hebrew: כוח (Koach)
Arabic: قوة (Quwwa)

Dunamis refers to power, capacity, or potential. In philosophy, it is often contrasted with energeia, which means actuality. Aristotle, for example, used dunamis to describe potentiality, the latent ability or capacity for something to exist or come into being. This concept is already present in Plato's work, where dunamis indicates the capacity of a being to become something else, depending on the actions or processes that unfold. In this sense, dunamis refers to the inherent power or capability within something that is not yet actualized.


Dikaiosunè (δικαιοσύνη)

Justice, Righteousness
Latin: Iustitia
Sanskrit: धर्म (Dharma)
Hebrew: צדק (Tzedek)
Arabic: عدالة (ʿAdāla)

Dikaiosunè refers to the quality of being just or righteous. It is not only a matter of legal justice but also an internal virtue that reflects harmony within the soul. For Plato, dikaiosunè represents the alignment of the soul’s parts


Dikaiosunè (δικαιοσύνη)

Justice, Righteousness
Latin: Iustitia
Sanskrit: धर्म (Dharma)
Hebrew: צדק (Tzedek)
Arabic: عدالة (ʿAdāla)

Dikaiosunè refers to the quality of being just or righteous. It is not only about legal justice but also about internal harmony and moral virtue. For Plato, dikaiosunè is a key virtue that ensures both personal and societal balance. It involves each part of the soul performing its appropriate function in alignment with reason, mirroring how justice in a city involves everyone fulfilling their designated role. Dikaiosunè is the foundation of a good life, contributing to both individual well-being and the flourishing of the community.


Dike (Δίκη)

Justice
Latin: Justitia
Sanskrit: न्याय (Nyāya)
Hebrew: צדק (Tzedek)
Arabic: العدالة (Al-ʿAdāla)

Dikè initially referred to "custom" or "usage," determining appropriate behavior in Greek society. Dikè signifies justice in both a moral and legal sense. In its earliest use, it referred to custom or established practices that governed social behavior. Over time, dikè evolved to denote the principle of justice, both in individual conduct and in society at large. For Plato and other philosophers, dikè is not only about fairness in external actions but also about the internal harmony of the soul. True justice involves the proper ordering of the parts of the soul, leading to just behavior in the external world.


Doubt (Ἀμφιβολία, Amphibolía)

Ambiguity or Uncertainty
Latin: Dubitatio
Sanskrit: संशय (Saṃśaya)
Hebrew: סָפֵק (Safeq)
Arabic: شَكّ (Shakk)

Amphibolía refers to doubt, ambiguity, or uncertainty. It suggests confusion or a state of hesitation between two opposing ideas. Distagmos (Δισταγμός) is another Greek term that more directly refers to hesitation or wavering, reflecting a state of indecision or uncertainty in thought or action.

Doxa (δόξα)

Opinion, Belief
Latin: Opinatio
Sanskrit: दृष्टि (Dr̥ṣṭi)
Hebrew: דעה (De'ah)
Arabic: رأي (Ra'y)

Doxa means opinion or belief and is contrasted with epistēmē (knowledge). Plato distinguishes between true knowledge, which is grounded in reason and understanding, and doxa, which is based on mere appearances or assumptions. Doxa can sometimes be correct, but it lacks the certainty and foundation that come with knowledge. In the Republic, doxa occupies a lower level of cognition, associated with the visible realm of shadows and reflections, rather than the higher, intelligible realm of Forms.

Epistèmè (ἐπιστήμη)

Knowledge, Understanding
Latin: Scientia
Sanskrit: विज्ञान (Vijñāna)
Hebrew: דַּעַת (Da'at)
Arabic: علم (ʿIlm)

Epistèmè refers to true knowledge or understanding, distinct from doxa (opinion) and technè (craft or technical skill). In Plato’s philosophy, epistèmè implies a deep mastery of a subject, where one not only knows facts but comprehends their causes and underlying principles. It is associated with the ability to grasp the higher truths of the intelligible realm, particularly in the realm of the Forms. While epistèmè is often contrasted with doxa, which is based on mere appearances, it is also distinct from technè, which involves practical know-how without necessarily encompassing deeper understanding. Epistèmè, as described in Plato's Republic, is connected to a form of knowledge that is more abstract, involving reason and contemplation, and is ultimately incommunicable through words, as true knowledge transcends mere verbal explanations.

In this context, epistèmè represents the highest form of understanding, one that is philosophical and aimed at grasping the essence of things beyond mere appearances, though Plato acknowledges that this level of wisdom is likely beyond human reach, leaving humans as lovers of wisdom (philosophers) rather than possessors of it.


Dunamis (δύναμις)

Potential, Power
Latin: Potentia
Sanskrit: शक्ति (Shakti)
Hebrew: כוח (Koach)
Arabic: قوة (Quwwa)

Dunamis refers to power, capacity, or potential. It signifies the inherent ability within something that allows it to act or transform. Aristotle contrasts dunamis (potentiality) with energeia (actuality), emphasizing that dunamis is the latent ability of something to become or realize its purpose. Plato also uses dunamis in a more abstract sense to indicate the power of something to affect change or produce an outcome. In the Republic, dunamis is often connected to cognitive capacities, such as sight or thought, and the ability of the soul to grasp reality through different levels of knowledge.

Eikasia (εἰκασία)

Representation, Comparison, Conjecture
Latin: Imaginatio
Sanskrit: अनुमान (Anumâna)
Hebrew: דִּמְיוֹן (Dimyon)
Arabic: تخيل (Takhayul)

Eikasia refers to the state of mind that perceives and trusts images or representations without understanding that they are merely reflections or likenesses of reality. Plato uses this term in the Republic to describe the lowest level of cognition, where individuals mistake shadows or images for the actual objects. In the allegory of the cave, eikasia is the mental state of the prisoners who take the shadows on the wall as the true form of things, without realizing they are mere reflections. Eikasia involves living in a world of appearances, disconnected from the deeper truth of reality.


Dýnamis Anáplasis (Δύναμις Ανάπλασις)

Unfolding of Power
Latin: Vis Renovatio
Sanskrit: शक्ति विकास (Śakti Vikāsa)
Hebrew: כוח התחדשות (Koach Hithadshut)
Arabic: قوة التوسع (Qūwat Al-Tawassuʿ)

Dýnamis Anáplasis translates as "the unfolding or expansion of power." This concept mirrors the Sanskrit term Śakti Vikāsa, referring to the awakening or expansion of divine energy. In philosophical and spiritual contexts, this expression captures the idea of latent power or potential becoming fully realized and expanded, shaping reality.


Egégrēgoros (Ἐγρήγορος)

Waking State
Latin: Vigilia
Sanskrit: जाग्रत् (Jāgrat)
Hebrew: עֵרוּת (Erut)
Arabic: اليقظة (Al-Yaqẓah)

Egégrēgoros refers to the waking state, where consciousness is fully engaged with the external world through sensory perception. This is the state of alert awareness in which we experience everyday life. In this state, the mind processes external stimuli and reacts to the environment, maintaining a direct interaction with the physical world.


Ego (Ἐγώ)

Latin: Ego
Sanskrit: अहंकार (Ahaṃkāra)
Hebrew: אני (Ani)
Arabic: الأنا (Al-‘Ana)

Ego refers to the individual sense of self, which is often perceived as a barrier to spiritual realization. The attachment to the ego keeps the soul focused on personal identity and the material world. In spiritual practice, dissolving the ego is crucial for achieving unity with the divine.


Eidos (εἶδος)

Form, Appearance, Essence
Latin: Species
Sanskrit: रूप (Rūpa)
Hebrew: מראה (Mar'eh)
Arabic: هيئة (Hay'a)

Eidos derives from a root meaning "to see" and originally referred to the visible form or appearance of something. Plato uses eidos to denote not just physical appearances, but also abstract forms or essences, which are the idealized, perfect versions of things perceived in the material world. In his theory of Forms, eidos represents the eternal, unchanging realities that exist beyond the physical world and are apprehended by the mind, rather than the senses. Eidos is central to understanding concepts like beauty, justice, and equality as ideal forms, distinct from their imperfect representations in the material world.


Eikasia (εἰκασία)

Imagination, Conjecture
Latin: Imaginatio
Sanskrit: कल्पना (Kalpanā)
Hebrew: דמיון (Dimyon)
Arabic: تخيل (Takhayyul)

Eikasia refers to a state of "representation" or "conjecture," where individuals live in a world of images and reflections, taking them for reality. In the Republic, Plato uses eikasia to describe the lowest level of understanding in the analogy of the line, where individuals are "prisoners" of images, unable to perceive the higher reality behind them. This corresponds to a state of illusion, where people believe in the shadows of reality rather than in the true forms.


Eikôn (εἰκών)

Image, Likeness
Latin: Imago
Sanskrit: प्रतिमा (Pratimā)
Hebrew: צֶלֶם (Tzelem)
Arabic: صورة (Sūra)

Eikôn means an image or likeness, not limited to visual resemblance but encompassing the concept of a representation of something else. In Plato's philosophy, eikôn refers to reflections, shadows, or any form of mimicry that gives an imperfect, secondary view of the real thing. In the Republic, Plato distinguishes between the world of eikones and the world of Forms, where eikones are merely representations or imitations of the higher, true realities. These images do not capture the essence of the object but provide a superficial view, just as a reflection in water gives a distorted version of the original.


Einai (εἶναι)

To Be, Existence
Latin: Esse
Sanskrit: अस्तित्व (Astitva)
Hebrew: הָיָה (Hayah)
Arabic: كون (Kawn)

Einai means "to be" and is used to refer to existence or being. For Plato, einai is a function word that links a subject with its predicate, indicating the presence or reality of something. It plays a critical role in Plato's metaphysical discussions, distinguishing between mere appearances and true existence. In contrast to gignesthai ("to become"), which signifies change or becoming, einai represents stable, unchanging being. In the analogy of the sun in the Republic, Plato suggests that einai in the intelligible realm implies being intelligible


Eirēnē Syntheseos (Εἰρήνη Συνθέσεως) – Peace through Synthesis

Harmonious Integration
Latin: Pax Synthesis
Sanskrit: समन्वय शांति (Samanvaya Shānti)
Hebrew: שלום דרך סינתזה (Shalom Derekh Sintizah)
Arabic: سلام من خلال التوليف (Salām Min Khilāl Al-Tawleef)

Meaning: Eirēnē Syntheseos refers to peace achieved through the harmonious integration of different elements. It symbolizes the tranquility that arises when diverse components, whether ideas, cultures, or experiences, are synthesized into a unified whole.
Usage: In philosophy and theology, this term may describe the inner peace that comes from reconciling disparate parts of one’s life or worldview.
Connection: In Stoic thought, this peace arises from accepting and integrating all aspects of reality, understanding that everything is part of a greater cosmic synthesis.


Ekporeuo (Ἐκπορεύω)

Latin: Emanatio
Sanskrit: प्रवाह (Pravāha)
Hebrew: השתלשלות (Hishtalshelut)
Arabic: انبثاق (Inbiṭāq)

Ekporeuo refers to emanation, the process by which all beings flow from the One. This concept highlights how reality unfolds in stages, from the ultimate unity of the divine to the multiplicity of forms in the material world. It reflects the continual process of creation, order, and return to the divine source.


Ekpyrosis (Ἐκπύρωσις)

Cosmic Conflagration and Renewal
Latin: Conflagratio Universalis
Sanskrit: महाप्रलय (Mahāpralaya)
Hebrew: שריפת העולם (Serefat Ha'olam)
Arabic: الحريق الكوني (Al-Ḥarīq Al-Kawnī)

Ekpyrosis refers to the Stoic concept of a periodic cosmic conflagration, in which the entire universe is consumed by fire and then regenerated. In this cyclical process, all matter dissolves back into the primary fiery substance, and the cosmos is eventually reborn, repeating the same events eternally. This concept reflects a profound philosophical understanding of the universe’s dynamic cycles of destruction and renewal.


Ekpyrosis (Ἐκπύρωσις)

Cosmic Conflagration or Universal Rebirth
Latin: Ekpyrosis
Sanskrit: महाप्रलय (Mahāpralaya)
Hebrew: כליה קוסמית (Keliyah Kosmit)
Arabic: الحريق الكوني (Al-Ḥarīq al-Kawni)

Ekpyrosis refers to the Stoic belief in a cosmic cycle that ends in a great conflagration, where all matter dissolves into its primary fiery element. This fire is seen not as destructive but as a necessary process of regeneration, leading to the renewal of the cosmos (palingenesis). After the cosmos is consumed, it is absorbed back into God, only to be recreated once more. This cyclical process continues indefinitely, with the same events playing out in each successive cosmic age. While the theory was central to some Stoics like Heraclitus, others like Panaetius and later Stoics focused less on cosmological speculation and more on practical ethics.


Ekstasis (ἔκστασις)

Latin: Extasis
Sanskrit: समाधि (Samādhi)
Hebrew: אקסטזה (Ekstaza)
Arabic: النشوة (Al-Nashwa)

Ekstasis refers to a state of spiritual rapture or ecstasy, where the individual transcends ordinary consciousness and unites with the divine. It is a profound mystical experience, central to both mystery religions and Neoplatonic mysticism, where one steps outside of the self and connects with higher realities.


Eleutheria (Ἐλευθερία)
Liberty, freedom
Latin: Libertas
Sanskrit: स्वतंत्रता (Svatantratā)
Hebrew: חירות (Ḥerut)
Arabic: حرية (Ḥurriya)

Eleutheria refers to the concept and personification of liberty in Ancient Greece. The term represents personal and political freedom, often linked to autonomy and the absence of oppression or subjugation. In Greek culture, Eleutheria was occasionally personified as a goddess, particularly in regions like Myra of Lycia, where she was associated with Artemis. In Roman culture, her counterpart was Libertas, the goddess of freedom.

Eleutheria reflects the high value placed on freedom in the classical world, not only in personal or social terms but also in the political realm, where the term was often used to denote a free city or people, liberated from foreign rule or tyranny. The idea of liberty in Ancient Greece often carried with it the connotation of self-governance and civic responsibility.


Emanatio

Greek: Ἐκπόρευσις (Ekporeusis)
Sanskrit: उद्भव (Udbhava)
Hebrew: שפע (Shefa)
Arabic: انبثاق (Inbiṭhāq)

Emanatio describes the process by which all things emanate from the divine source in a hierarchical structure. It reflects the outpouring of divine essence, where every level of existence flows from the One, ultimately leading to the material world. Each step in this process is a reflection of the divine.


Empatheia (ἐμπάθεια)

Latin: Empathia
Sanskrit: सहानुभूति (Sahānubhūti)
Hebrew: אמפתיה (Empatya)
Arabic: تعاطف (Taʿāṭuf)

Empatheia originally meant "inward feeling" or "passion" in Greek, often referring to a profound emotional connection. In Neoplatonism, it suggests the soul's participation in the divine, through which one becomes attuned to higher realities. Empatheia describes the soul’s participation in the divine, leading to a transformative union with higher realities.


Emphaneses (Ἐμφάνεσις, Emphanésis)

Instruction Through Presence
Latin: Praesentia Doctrina
Sanskrit: उपस्थिति शिक्षा (Upasthiti Śikṣā)
Hebrew: לימוד דרך נוכחות (Limud Derekh Nochut)
Arabic: التعليم من خلال الحضور (Al-Ta‘līm Min Khilāl Al-Ḥuḍūr)

Emphaneses conveys the idea of teaching or transmitting wisdom through embodied presence rather than through words. It aligns with the Buddhist notion of mind-to-mind transmission, where wisdom is imparted non-verbally through direct shared awareness. In spiritual traditions, emphaneses underscores the profound communication of insight through presence and being.


Enargeia (Ἐνάργεια)

Latin: Claritas
Sanskrit: प्रकाश (Prakāśa)
Hebrew: בהירות (Behirut)
Arabic: وضوح (Wudūḥ)

Enargeia describes the clarity or vivid presence experienced during deep contemplative states. It refers to the direct perception of divine truths or metaphysical realities, where awareness becomes heightened and vividly clear, allowing one to see through the distractions of everyday consciousness.


Enélixi (Ενέλιξη) – Involution or Inward Development

Latin: Involutio
Sanskrit: निवर्तन (Nivartana)
Hebrew: התכנסות (Hitkansut)
Arabic: انطواء (Inṭiwāʼ)

Enélixi is a term that refers to the inward process of development or transformation, representing the counterpart to evolution. Where Exélixi focuses on outward growth and expansion, Enélixi emphasizes the inward movement or return to a more fundamental state of being. It is the process of turning within, unfolding the depths of consciousness and reality. Much like involution in spiritual or philosophical traditions, Enélixi is about discovering and reclaiming the inner essence, creating a balance between outer growth and inner realization.


Epígnōsis (Ἐπίγνωσις) – Full Knowledge or Realization

Deep Spiritual Insight
Latin: Plena Cognitio
Sanskrit: पूर्णज्ञान (Pūrṇa Jñāna)
Hebrew: תובנה מלאה (Tovnah Male’ah)
Arabic: معرفة كاملة (Ma'rifa Kāmila)

Meaning: Epígnōsis refers to a profound, intuitive understanding of reality, often involving a spiritual or mystical awakening.
Usage: In Christian and Platonic thought, Epígnōsis signifies an enlightened state where one grasps deeper truths about the self and the cosmos.
Connection: This term is akin to Kenshō in Zen Buddhism, where one first experiences an awakening to their true nature.


Epignósis Diákrisis (Ἐπίγνωσις Διάκρισις)

Recognition of the Self into the Sense Objects
Latin: Cognitio Discriminis
Sanskrit: शक्तिः-विकास (Śakti-vikāsa)
Hebrew: הכרה של הבחנה (Hakara Shel Havchana)
Arabic: إدراك التمييز (Idrāk at-Tamyīz)

Epignósis Diákrisis refers to the recognition of the self through discernment of the external world. It signifies the awakening of the self in relation to sense objects, reflecting the Sanskrit Śakti-vikāsa, which speaks to the recognition and expansion of awareness into the external realm.


Epimeleia (Ἐπιμέλεια)

Care or Attention
Latin: Cura
Sanskrit: देखभाल (Dekhbāl)
Hebrew: טיפול (Tipul)
Arabic: رعاية (Ri'āya)

Epimeleia refers to the care and attention given to oneself or others. In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Socrates and the Stoics, it refers to the "care of the self" (epimeleia heautou), emphasizing self-reflection, self-improvement, and mindfulness of one’s actions and thoughts. It aligns with practices aimed at cultivating personal virtue and wisdom.


Epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια)
Appearance, revelation, manifestation
Latin: Apparitio
Sanskrit: प्रकटता (Prakaṭatā)
Hebrew: הִתְגַּלוּת (Hitgalut)
Arabic: ظُهُور (Ẓuhūr)

Epiphaneia refers to a sudden appearance or manifestation, often with a divine or extraordinary connotation. In ancient Greek usage, it was frequently employed to describe the glorious manifestation of the gods, where the divine made itself known to mortals in a striking or overwhelming way. The word conveys the idea of something hidden or transcendent being revealed, whether through a vision, appearance, or significant event. Over time, the term has also been used in religious contexts, particularly within Christianity, to refer to events such as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, commemorated as the Feast of Epiphany.


Epistèmè (ἐπιστήμη)

Knowledge
Latin: Scientia
Sanskrit: विद्या (Vidya)
Hebrew: דעת (Da'at)
Arabic: علم (Ilm)

Epistèmè means "knowledge," especially in the sense of deep, structured understanding rather than mere technical know-how (technè) or opinion (doxa). In Plato’s philosophy, epistèmè is associated with the higher realm of intelligibility, where one gains true insight into the nature of things. Unlike doxa, which may be a fleeting or uncertain belief, epistèmè represents certain, verifiable knowledge. It is also connected to noèsis, the highest form of cognitive activity in Plato’s divided line analogy.


Episteme tou Heautou (Ἐπίσταμαι τοῦ ἑαυτοῦ) – Self-Knowledge

Understanding Oneself
Latin: Cognitio sui
Sanskrit: आत्मज्ञान (Atmajñāna)
Hebrew: דַעַת עַצְמוֹ (Daat Atzmo)
Arabic: معرفة الذات (Ma'rifat Al-Dhat)

Meaning: Episteme tou Heautou refers to the understanding of oneself, particularly one's own nature, capacities, and limitations.
Usage: Stoics stressed the importance of self-knowledge in knowing what is within one’s control and what is external, leading to sound decision-making.
Connection: This self-awareness is vital for acting rationally and in accordance with nature, the core of Stoic responsibility.


Epistrophē (Ἐπιστροφή)

Reversion
Latin: Reversio
Sanskrit: प्रत्यावर्तन (Pratyāvartana)
Hebrew: חזרה (Chazara)
Arabic: العودة (Al-ʿAwda)

Epistrophē represents the return or reversion of emanated entities back toward their source. As the soul or Nous (Divine Intelligence) turns back to contemplate the One, it receives form, order, and meaning. This contemplative return is essential in the Neoplatonic framework, where all beings, after proceeding outward, strive to reunite with the divine unity. In this phase, the soul transcends its limitations and reconnects with the higher truth of the One.


Epithumia (ἐπιθυμία)

Desire, Passion, Appetite
Latin: Cupiditas
Sanskrit: काम (Kāma)
Hebrew: תַּאֲוָה (Ta'avah)
Arabic: شهوة (Shahwa)

Epithumia refers to desire or longing in all its forms, not limited to sexual desire. In Plato's Republic, it is a key part of the psuchè (soul), associated with the bodily desires and appetites that are seen as a principle of multiplicity. The epithumètikon part of the soul encompasses all desires that stem from the body, including hunger, thirst, and sensual appetites. While epithumia can also refer to intellectual or non-corporeal desires, in the context of the soul's division, it is primarily tied to the material and physical yearnings of human nature.


Erôs (ἔρως)

Love, Passion, Desire
Latin: Amor
Sanskrit: प्रेम (Prema)
Hebrew: אַהֲבָה (Ahavah)
Arabic: حب (Hubb)

Erôs is the driving force of love, desire, and passion. In Plato’s Symposium, Erôs is depicted as a daimôn, an intermediary between the divine and the human. While it often carries a sexual connotation, for Plato, Erôs encompasses more than carnal love; it is the soul's desire to ascend toward higher forms of beauty and ultimately toward the Idea of the Beautiful, which is intimately tied to the Good. This powerful force is essential for the soul's journey, moving from physical attraction to a singular body, to a love of all beautiful forms, and ultimately to the love of wisdom and the divine.

Genos (γένος)

Family, Kind, Class, Genus
Latin: Genus
Sanskrit: जाति (Jāti)
Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּחָה (Mishpachah)
Arabic: جنس (Jins)

Genos refers to a group or class that shares a common origin or nature. Initially signifying a family or race, genos extends to refer to kinds or species in a broader sense. Aristotle uses the term genos in logic and biology to describe a grouping of things that share a common essence, distinguishing it from eidos (form or species), which denotes more specific differences within a genus.

Gignesthai (γίγνεσθαι)

To Be Born, To Become
Latin: Fieri
Sanskrit: भवति (Bhavati)
Hebrew: הָיָה (Hayah)
Arabic: يصبح (Yusbih)

Gignesthai refers to the process of becoming or coming into being. It can mean both "to be born" and "to become," indicating change or transformation. In Plato’s thought, it is often contrasted with einai (to be), where gignesthai is associated with the realm of change, generation, and decay, while einai refers to stable, eternal being.

Gignôskein (γιγνώσκειν)

To Know, To Learn
Latin: Cognoscere
Sanskrit: ज्ञाति (Jñāti)
Hebrew: לָדַעַת (Lada'at)
Arabic: يعرف (Ya'rif)

Gignôskein means "to know" or more accurately "to come to know," highlighting the process of learning and discovery. The verb emphasizes the effort and progression involved in attaining knowledge, suggesting that knowledge is not instant or complete but unfolds over time. This understanding is central to the Platonic idea of philosophy as a pursuit of wisdom, a lifelong process rather than a fixed state.

Gunè (γυνή)

Woman
Latin: Femina
Sanskrit: नारी (Nārī)
Hebrew: אִשָּׁה (Isha)
Arabic: امرأة (Imra'a)

Gunè refers to "woman" as opposed to anèr (man), emphasizing the biological distinction between the sexes. In Plato’s philosophy, especially in the Republic, men and women are seen as fundamentally equal in nature, both endowed with reason (logos) and capable of participating in the same roles within the city, including as warriors and rulers, despite their different roles in reproduction.

Heteros (ἕτερος)

Other, Different
Latin: Alius
Sanskrit: अन्य (Anya)
Hebrew: אַחֵר (Acher)
Arabic: آخر (Akhar)

Heteros refers to the concept of "otherness" or being different, often in the sense of one among two. It plays a significant role in Platonic philosophy, especially in dialogues like the Sophist and the Timaeus. In the Sophist, heteros is contrasted with tauton (the same) to explain that to mè on (non-being) does not mean absolute nothingness but rather signifies being something other than the subject in question. This distinction helps clarify Plato's understanding of existence and difference. In the Timaeus, heteros represents one of the principles governing the structure of reality, complementing the principle of sameness.

Homologein (ὁμολογεῖν)

To Agree, To Say the Same Thing
Latin: Consentire
Sanskrit: साङ्गत्य (Sāṅgaty)
Hebrew: להסכים (Lehasqim)
Arabic: يتفق (Yattafiq)

Homologein etymologically means "to say the same thing" and implies agreement or concession. For Plato, homologein starts with an internal consistency within oneself and extends to agreement between people in a dialogue. The Socratic method emphasizes homologein as central to the pursuit of knowledge


Epithumia (ἐπιθυμία)

Desire, Appetite, Passion
Latin: Cupiditas
Sanskrit: तृष्णा (Tṛṣṇā)
Hebrew: תשוקה (Tshukah)
Arabic: شهوة (Shahwa)

Epithumia refers to desires or yearnings, especially those tied to bodily or material appetites. In Plato's Republic, epithumia represents one of the three parts of the soul, corresponding to bodily needs like hunger, thirst, or sexual urges. This part of the soul is contrasted with the rational part (logistikon) and the spirited part (thumos). While epithumia encompasses all types of desire, it is often seen as a source of conflict with reason and needs to be controlled for a balanced life.


Epithymia (Ἐπιθυμία)

Latin: Cupiditas
Sanskrit: काम (Kāma)
Hebrew: תשוקה (Teshukah)
Arabic: شهوة (Shahwa)

Epithymia refers to desire, often associated with physical cravings or lower passions. In spiritual development, overcoming Epithymia is necessary for the soul to focus on its higher pursuits. It represents the distractions of the material world, which must be transcended to achieve spiritual ascent and unity with the divine.


Epithymia (Ἐπιθυμία)

Desire, Attachment
Latin: Cupiditas
Sanskrit: कामना (Kāmanā)
Hebrew: תשוקה (Teshukah)
Arabic: شهوة (Shahwa)

Epithymia refers to desire or attachment, whether to material things or spiritual concepts. In spiritual practice, it signifies the attachment to the idea of spiritual advancement, which can prevent true transcendence. In Neoplatonism, it keeps the soul bound to lower realms of existence, obstructing the path toward The One.


Epopteia (ἐποπτεία)

Latin: Contemplatio
Sanskrit: साक्षात्कार (Sākṣātkāra)
Hebrew: התבוננות (Hitbonenut)
Arabic: التأمل (Al-Taʾammul)

Epopteia refers to the highest level of initiation in ancient mystery schools, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries. It signifies the direct experience or "vision" of divine truth, often regarded as an act of spiritual contemplation where the initiate becomes a "seer" of hidden knowledge, revealing the deepest mysteries of existence.


Eros (Ἔρως)

Latin: Amor
Sanskrit: प्रेम (Prema)
Hebrew: אהבה (Ahavah)
Arabic: حب (Ḥubb)

Eros represents the force of love and desire that drives the soul toward beauty, truth, and ultimately the divine. It signifies the soul’s innate yearning to transcend the material world and achieve unity with its higher source. Eros is the motivating power behind the soul’s spiritual ascent.


Eros (Ἔρως)

Creative Desire or Love
Latin: Amor
Sanskrit: काम (Kāma)
Hebrew: אהבה (Ahavah)
Arabic: حب (Ḥubb)

In Platonic thought, Eros is the creative impulse that drives the soul toward truth, beauty, and divine union. It transcends physical love and represents the soul’s desire for growth, transcendence, and ultimate union with the divine. Eros is the force behind spiritual evolution, pushing the individual toward higher states of being and understanding.


Essence (οὐσία, Ousia)

Latin: Substantia
Sanskrit: सत्ता (Sattā)
Hebrew: מהות (Mahut)
Arabic: جوهر (Jawhar)

Essence (οὐσία) traditionally refers to being or substance. In Neoplatonism, ousia is the realm of intellect and intelligible realities, such as the Forms, but The One is beyond ousia. This reflects the Neoplatonic idea that The One is the source from which all essence derives, yet is itself beyond all categories of being and intellect.


Eustasis (Εὐστάσις)

Well-Balanced State
Latin: Stabilitas
Sanskrit: संतुलन (Santulan)
Hebrew: יציבות טובה (Yatzivut Tovah)
Arabic: توازن جيد (Tawāzun Jayyid)

Eustasis comes from eu- (good) and -stasis (standing, stability), meaning "good standing" or "well-balanced state." It can serve as a metaphor for the mental stability and harmony that defines samādhi, capturing the essence of balance and well-being in a meditative state.


Exélixi (Eξέλιξη) – Evolution or Development

Latin: Evolutio
Sanskrit: विकास (Vikāsa)
Hebrew: התפתחות (Hitpatkhut)
Arabic: تطور (Taṭawwur)

Exélixi refers to evolution or unfolding, capturing the process of gradual development and progression over time. It reflects the modern concept of growth and advancement, whether in biology, philosophy, or culture. Exélixi is commonly used in contemporary Greek to describe both biological evolution and broader forms of progress, such as personal development, societal change, or spiritual transformation. Just like Exélixi suggests, your path of evolution is ongoing, always expanding. Whether it’s in learning, personal growth, or spiritual understanding, you're continuously evolving into a more refined version of yourself. Keep embracing that forward momentum


Exélixi (Eξέλιξη) – Evolution or Development

Latin: Evolutio
Sanskrit: विकास (Vikāsa)
Hebrew: התפתחות (Hitpatkhut)
Arabic: تطور (Taṭawwur)

Exélixi refers to evolution or unfolding, capturing the process of gradual development and progression over time. It reflects the modern concept of growth and advancement, whether in biology, philosophy, or culture.
Usage: Exélixi is commonly used in contemporary Greek to describe both biological evolution and broader forms of progress, such as personal development, societal change, or spiritual transformation.
Connection: Just like Exélixi suggests, your path of evolution is ongoing, always expanding. Whether it’s in learning, personal growth, or spiritual understanding, you're continuously evolving into a more refined version of yourself. Keep embracing that forward momentum


Exōmatikí Empeiría (Ἐξωματικὴ Ἐμπειρία)
Out-of-Body Experience
Latin: Experientia Extra Corpus
Sanskrit: शरीरत्यागानुभव (Śarīratyāgānubhava)
Hebrew: חוויה חוץ-גופית (Chavayah Chutz-Gufit)
Arabic: تجربة خارج الجسد (Tajrubat Khārij al-Jasad)

Exōmatikí Empeiría translates to "experience outside the body." It refers to the phenomenon where an individual perceives themselves as being outside their physical body, often observing themselves from an external point of view. This state is closely associated with mystical or spiritual experiences.


Faith (Πίστις, Pístis)

Trust or Belief
Latin: Fides
Sanskrit: श्रद्धा (Śraddhā)
Hebrew: אֱמוּנָה (Emunah)
Arabic: إِيمَان (Īmān)

Pístis means faith, trust, or belief, particularly in a religious or spiritual context. It encompasses conviction, confidence, and reliance on divine or higher principles. In both ancient and Christian thought, pístis is central to maintaining a relationship with the divine and forms the basis for spiritual life.


Frontal Self (Προσωπικόν - Prosopikon)

Latin: Persona
Sanskrit: व्यक्तित्व (Vyaktitva)
Hebrew: אישיות (Ishiyut)
Arabic: شخصية (Shakhsiyya)

The Frontal Self is the outward personality or mask (Prosopikon) through which the individual interacts with the world. Shaped by external experiences, it reflects Doxa (opinion or appearance) and often navigates between deeper truth and the demands of material existence.


Genetos (Γενητός) – Becoming

Latin: Fieri
Sanskrit: उत्पत्ति (Utpatti)
Hebrew: הוויה (Havayah)
Arabic: الصيرورة (Al-Sayroora)

Meaning: Genetos refers to the realm of becoming, the material, changeable world of forms. It contrasts with the eternal, unchanging realm of being, as seen in Plato’s metaphysical dichotomy.
Usage: In Greek philosophy, particularly in Plato's works, Genetos represents the world of flux and change, where things come into being and pass away. This is the world of time, matter, and physical forms, which is distinct from the timeless world of the Forms.
Connection: Genetos aligns with concepts of impermanence and change found in other traditions, such as Samsara in Buddhism, reflecting the idea that the material world is transient and ever-changing.


Gnōthi Seauton (Γνῶθι σεαυτόν)

Know Thyself
Latin: Nosce te ipsum
Sanskrit: आत्मानं विद्धि (Ātmānaṃ Viddhi)
Hebrew: דע את עצמך (Da et Atzmekha)
Arabic: اعرف نفسك (A‘rif Nafsak)

Gnōthi Seauton translates to "know thyself" and emphasizes self-knowledge, a principle central to both ancient Greek philosophy and Stoicism. For Michel Foucault, this pursuit of self-care includes the cultivation of self-awareness and ethical living. In the broader philosophical sense, it signifies the importance of introspection and understanding one's place in the world.


Grace (Χάρις, Cháris)

Divine Favor or Blessing
Latin: Gratia
Sanskrit: कृपा (Kṛpā)
Hebrew: חֵן (Chen)
Arabic: نِعْمَة (Ni‘mah)

Cháris refers to divine grace, favor, or kindness. It signifies an unearned gift or blessing, often associated with divine influence in theological contexts. In classical Greek culture, it also conveyed the idea of charm, beauty, and generosity. In Christian theology, it represents God's loving gift, which is freely given and transformative.


Great Ignorance (Μεγάλη Ἀγνωσία, Megalē Agnōsia)

Profound or Vast Unknowing
Latin: Magna Ignorantia
Sanskrit: महाज्ञान (Mahājnāna)
Hebrew: בּוּרוּת גְדוֹלָה (Burut Gedolah)
Arabic: جَهْل عَظِيم (Jahl ʿAẓīm)

Megalē Agnōsia refers to "Great Ignorance," a state of profound unknowing, often considered a higher state of awareness in which one transcends intellectual understanding. This state implies a recognition of the limits of knowledge, opening a path to deeper spiritual wisdom.


Harmos (Ἅρμος)

Harmony or Fitting Together
Latin: Harmonia
Sanskrit: समरसता (Samarasatā)
Hebrew: הרמוניה (Harmoniah)
Arabic: تناغم (Tanāghum)

Harmos signifies the idea of harmony or perfect alignment. It reflects the balancing and fitting together of elements, akin to the mind and consciousness becoming harmonized in samādhi. This term conveys the experience of inner balance and peace achieved through deep meditative absorption.


Henosis (ἕνωσις)

Latin: Unio
Sanskrit: एकता (Ekatā)
Hebrew: איחוד (Iḥud) אחדות (Aḥdut) Arabic: الاتحاد (Al-Ittiḥād)

Henosis refers to the mystical union of the soul with the divine in Neoplatonism. Through contemplation and spiritual practice, the soul transcends individual identity and merges with the absolute reality of the One. Henosis is the ultimate goal of spiritual life in Neoplatonic thought.


Hesychia (Ἡσυχία)

Stillness or Inner Peace
Latin: Quies
Sanskrit: शान्ति (Śānti)
Hebrew: הַשְּׁקֵט (Hashqet)
Arabic: سكينة (Sakīna)

Hesychia translates to "stillness" or "quietness," central to the Eastern Orthodox tradition of Hesychasm. It involves inner stillness and prayer to achieve union with God, much like the concept of samadhi in Eastern meditation. This practice emphasizes both physical and mental quietude as a path to divine communion.


Hieroí Tremós (Ἱεροὶ Τρέμος)

Sacred Tremor
Latin: Tremor Sacrus
Sanskrit: स्पन्द (Spanda)
Hebrew: רעד קדוש (Ra'ad Kadosh)
Arabic: ارتجاف مقدس (Irtijāf Muqaddas)

Hieroí Tremós refers to the sacred vibration or trembling felt during profound spiritual experiences. This term parallels Spanda, the sacred pulsation or vibration at the heart of the universe, representing the dynamic energy of creation.


Hieroí Tremós (Ἱεροὶ Τρέμος)

Sacred Tremor
Latin: Tremor Sacrus
Sanskrit: स्पन्द (Spanda)
Hebrew: רעד קדוש (Ra'ad Kadosh)
Arabic: ارتجاف مقدس (Irtijāf Muqaddas)

Hieroí Tremós means "Sacred Tremor," encapsulating the mystical vibration or trembling often felt at the heart of profound spiritual experiences. This parallels the concept of Spanda, which refers to the sacred pulsation or vibration inherent in the universe.


Hierophántou (Ἱεροφάντου)

Sacred Teacher or Spiritual Guide
Latin: Sacerdos / Magister
Sanskrit: गुरु (Guru)
Hebrew: מוֹרֶה רוּחָנִי (Moreh Ruḥani)
Arabic: شيخ (Shaykh)

Hierophántou refers to a sacred teacher or spiritual guide, someone who reveals holy mysteries or leads others on the spiritual path. This term was used in the ancient Greek mysteries to describe priests who initiated individuals into sacred rites. Similar to the role of a Guru in Hinduism or a Shaykh in Sufism, the Hierophántou acts as a guide to deeper understanding and enlightenment, often mediating between the divine and human realms.


Ho Péphotismenos (Ὁ Πεφωτισμένος)

The Enlightened One
Latin: Illuminatus
Sanskrit: बुद्ध (Buddha)
Hebrew: מוּאַר (Mu'ar)
Arabic: المُنَوَّر (Al-Munawwar)

Ho Péphotismenos means "The Enlightened One," referring to someone who has achieved spiritual enlightenment, much like the Buddha in Buddhism. This term derives from the Greek verb phōtízō, meaning "to illuminate." It conveys the state of being spiritually awakened and fully aware of the truth, resonating with the concept of Buddhahood as ultimate wisdom and liberation.


Holy Ignorance (Ἱερά Ἀγνωσία, Hierá Agnōsia)

Sacred Unknowing
Latin: Sancta Ignorantia
Sanskrit: पवित्र अज्ञान (Pavitra Ajnāna)
Hebrew: בּוּרוּת קְדוֹשָׁה (Burut Kedoshah)
Arabic: جَهْل مُقَدَّس (Jahl Muqaddas)

Hierá Agnōsia translates to "Holy Ignorance," referring to the sacred or divine unknowing. This state represents the spiritual wisdom of recognizing the ineffable mysteries of existence, where knowledge gives way to a deeper, transcendent awareness of the divine.


Horan (ὁρᾶν)

To See, To Know
Latin: Videre
Sanskrit: पश्यति (Pashyati)
Hebrew: לראות (Lir'ot)
Arabic: يرى (Yara)

Horan means "to see," and in the perfect tense (eidenai), it conveys the meaning of "to know," reflecting the idea that seeing leads to knowing. Various tenses of the verb are derived from different roots, such as idein in the aorist and eidenai in the perfect. The root of idein is the same as in the Latin videre (to see), and it forms the basis of important philosophical concepts such as idea and eidos, both central to Plato's thought about forms and perception.

Horaton (ὁρατόν)

Visible, Perceptible
Latin: Visibilis
Sanskrit: दृश्य (Dṛśya)
Hebrew: נִרְאֶה (Nir'eh)
Arabic: مرئي (Mar'i)

Horaton is the verbal adjective of horan, meaning "visible" or "perceptible." In the analogy of the line in the Republic, horaton is contrasted with noèton (intelligible), representing the distinction between what is visible to the senses and what is comprehended by the intellect. While something may be horaton (visible), it doesn't necessarily imply that anyone has seen it, just that it has the potential to be seen.


Hupothesis (ὑπόθεσις)

Foundation, Support, Assumption
Latin: Suppositio
Sanskrit: प्रस्ताव (Prastāva)
Hebrew: הנחה (Hanachah)
Arabic: افتراض (Iftirād)

Hupothesis refers to what is "put under" as a support or foundation for reasoning. Unlike the modern sense of "hypothesis" as something conjectural or uncertain, in ancient Greek, hupothesis indicates a firm starting point from which logical reasoning can be built. In Plato’s Republic, hupotheseis refer to foundational principles or assumptions necessary to start a process of understanding, such as mathematical concepts or basic premises in a philosophical argument.


Hupotithenai (ὑποτίθεσθαι)

To Place Under, To Assume
Latin: Supponere
Sanskrit: अधिष्ठान (Adhiṣṭhāna)
Hebrew: להניח (Lehani'ach)
Arabic: افتراض (Iftirāḍ)

Hupotithenai is the verb from which hupothesis is derived. It means "to place under," as one would set a foundation or support. By extension, it also means "to suggest" or "to assume" in discourse. The shift in meaning to "assumption" shows the way this term transitioned from something concrete to something more abstract, used in reasoning and dialogue.


Hybris and Aidos (Ὕβρις και Αἰδώς)

Hubris and Humility
Latin: Superbia et Pudor
Sanskrit: अहंकार और लज्जा (Ahankār Aur Lajjā)
Hebrew: יוהרה ובושה (Yohara U’Bushah)
Arabic: الغطرسة والخجل (Al-Ghutrasa Wal-Khajal)

Hybris refers to excessive pride or arrogance that often leads to one's downfall. Aidos represents the necessary shame or humility to keep hubris in check. Together, they reflect the internal balance required to maintain self-awareness and prevent the unconscious (shadow) from manifesting destructively.


Hyle (Ὕλη) – Matter

Latin: Materia
Sanskrit: पदार्थ (Padārtha)
Hebrew: חומר (Chomer)
Arabic: مادة (Mādda)

Hyle refers to the underlying substance or material out of which the physical world is formed. In Aristotle's philosophy, it represents the potentiality that can be shaped by form into actual beings. In Greek metaphysics, Hyle is the raw material that receives form through the process of actualization. It is formless and passive by itself but becomes meaningful through interaction with form (morphē or eidos). Hyle represents the concept of matter as the foundation of physical existence, playing a key role in philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, form, and substance.


Hypér-tetártos (Ὑπέρ-τέταρτος)

Turiya-tita (Beyond the Fourth State)
Latin: Ultra Quartus
Sanskrit: तुरीय-तत (Turiya-tata)
Hebrew: מֵעֵבֶר לָרְבִיעִי (Me'ever La'Revi'i)
Arabic: ما بعد الحالة الرابعة (Ma Baʿd Al-Ḥālah Al-Rābiʿah)

Hypér-tetártos refers to Turiya-tata, the state "beyond the fourth." This represents the continuous presence of the state of Turiya even while engaged in waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. In this state, the awareness of pure consciousness pervades all aspects of experience, allowing an individual to remain rooted in transcendental awareness throughout all states of being.


Hypostasis (Ὑπόστασις)

Latin: Substantia
Sanskrit: आधारभूत (Ādhārabhūta)
Hebrew: מציאות בסיסית (Metsiut Basisit)
Arabic: جوهر (Jawhar)

Hypostasis refers to the fundamental levels of reality or being. In metaphysical systems, it represents distinct stages of existence, such as the One, Nous (Intellect), and Psyche (Soul), through which divine reality manifests in the world. Each hypostasis serves as a bridge between the higher and lower aspects of reality.


Idea (ἰδέα)

Form, Appearance, Concept
Latin: Forma
Sanskrit: रूप (Rūpa)
Hebrew: צורה (Tzurah)
Arabic: فكرة (Fikra)

Idea in Greek originates from the root meaning "to see" (ἰδεῖν). While it starts with the visible appearance of things, idea in Plato’s philosophy develops into a concept representing the perfect, intelligible forms or essences of things. For example, the idea of beauty is not the physical manifestation of beauty, but the abstract, perfect form that transcends its various expressions. Plato uses idea to discuss forms that are not accessible to the senses but are grasped through intellect.


Intellectus

Latin: Intellect
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: תבונה (Tebunah)
Arabic: إدراك (Idrāk)

Intellectus represents the divine intellect, the aspect of consciousness that directly apprehends higher realities without mediation. It is the intuitive knowing that bridges the gap between the soul and universal truth. This concept highlights the soul’s capacity for direct, unmediated engagement with transcendent wisdom, guiding individuals toward an integrated understanding of the divine order.


Interpretatio Universalis (Ἑρμηνεία Καθολική)

Latin: Interpretatio Universalis
Sanskrit: सार्वभौमिक व्याख्या (Sārvabhaumika Vyākhyā)
Hebrew: פרשנות אוניברסלית (Parshanut Universalit)
Arabic: التفسير الشامل (Al-Tafsīr al-Shāmil)

Interpretatio Universalis refers to the practice of interpreting and synthesizing deities, spiritual figures, or religious practices across all global traditions. It reflects a modern approach to understanding the shared meanings in diverse religious traditions.

Telos (τέλος)

Latin: Finis
Sanskrit: लक्ष्य (Lakṣya)
Hebrew: תכלית (Takhlit)
Arabic: الهدف (Al-Hadaf)

Telos refers to the inherent purpose or goal that drives beings toward their full potential. In Aristotle’s philosophy, every being has a telos—a final cause or purpose that represents their highest fulfillment. This concept reflects the creative impulse within all things to evolve and grow toward self-actualization and divine realization.


Energeía Temnó (Ἐνέργεια Τέμνω)

Cutting of the Inner Energy Currents
Latin: Sectio Energetica
Sanskrit: वाह-छेद (Vaha-cheda)
Hebrew: חיתוך אנרגיה פנימית (Chitukh Energiya Pnimiyt)
Arabic: قطع الطاقة الداخلية (Qaṭ‘ at-Tāqah ad-Dākhiliyyah)

Energeía Temnó refers to the cutting or severing of internal energy currents. This represents a spiritual act of clearing inner blockages or disruptions, much like the Sanskrit concept of Vaha-cheda, which involves cutting through the subtle energy pathways in the body.


Kainotomia (Καινοτομία) – Innovation or Novelty

Emergence of Newness
Latin: Innovatio
Sanskrit: नवीनता (Navīnātā)
Hebrew: חדשנות (Chidshanut)
Arabic: ابتكار (Ibtikār)

Meaning: Kainotomia refers to the creation of something new, the introduction of innovation or novel ideas.
Usage: This term emphasizes the generation of new forms, thoughts, or stages of consciousness, marking significant evolutionary leaps.
Connection: Kainotomia aligns with the emergence of new stages of development, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of human consciousness and the universe.


Kaizen (Αὔξάνω)

Continuous Improvement
Latin: Incrementum Continuum
Sanskrit: निरंतर सुधार (Nirantara Sudhār)
Hebrew: שיפור מתמיד (Shipur Matmid)
Arabic: التحسين المستمر (At-Taḥsīn Al-Mustamir)

Auxanō (Αὔξάνω) is the Greek equivalent of Kaizen, representing the concept of growth or continuous improvement. It emphasizes the ongoing, incremental advancement of one’s abilities, character, or circumstances. In Stoic philosophy, this concept aligns with the pursuit of virtue and self-improvement as an ongoing process, contributing to personal and collective progress.


Kardiá Pneumatiké (Καρδιά Πνευματική)

Spiritual Heart
Latin: Cor Spirituale
Sanskrit: ह्रदय (Hridaya)
Hebrew: לב רוחני (Lev Ruchani)
Arabic: القلب الروحي (al-Qalb al-Rūḥī)

Kardiá Pneumatiké translates to "Spiritual Heart," symbolizing the metaphysical center of awareness. This term mirrors the Sanskrit Hridaya, which refers to the spiritual heart as the seat of divine consciousness and inner truth.


Katabasis (κάθοδος)

Latin: Descensus
Sanskrit: अवरोहण (Avarohaṇa)
Hebrew: ירידה (Yeridah)
Arabic: النزول (Al-Nuzūl)

Katabasis refers to the soul's descent into the material world, symbolizing the soul's fall from divine unity into physical existence. This descent is seen as a necessary part of the soul's journey, where it must confront materiality before returning to higher realms. The process of ascent after katabasis is crucial for spiritual evolution and transformation. In a psychological sense, Katabasis mirrors the descent into the unconscious mind, similar to Jungian therapy's focus on confronting shadow elements to achieve integration. It reflects the process of inner exploration, healing, and rebirth.


Katalepsis (Κατάληψις)

Comprehension
Latin: Comprehensio
Sanskrit: बोध (Bodha)
Hebrew: הבנה (Havanah)
Arabic: الفهم (Al-Fahm)

Katalepsis is a Stoic concept that refers to the mental grasp or comprehension of reality. It involves affirming impressions that are true and rejecting those that are false. The process of katalepsis is considered crucial for achieving wisdom, as it involves discerning truth from illusion in one’s perceptions. This understanding was contrasted with the Skeptics' notion of acatalepsy, where certainty was deemed impossible.


Kathekon (Καθήκον)
Right Action
Latin: Officium
Sanskrit: कर्तव्य (Kartavya)
Hebrew: חובה (Chovah)
Arabic: واجب (Wājib)

Kathekon refers to the idea of right or appropriate action in Stoic philosophy. It is the moral duty or action in accordance with nature and reason, leading to virtue and harmony in one’s life. The term emphasizes acting in a way that aligns with ethical principles.


Katorthoma (Κατόρθωμα) – Perfect Action

Moral Perfection
Latin: Actus Perfectus
Sanskrit: उत्तम कृत्य (Uttama Kritya)
Hebrew: פעולה מושלמת (Peulah Mushlemet)
Arabic: الفعل المثالي (Al-Fi'l Al-Mithālī)

Meaning: Katorthoma is a term for a perfect action, one that is fully aligned with virtue and rationality.
Usage: Stoics believed that even in adverse situations, one could achieve moral perfection by acting according to reason and nature.
Connection: In facing everything and avoiding nothing, the Stoic strives for katorthoma, performing virtuous actions that reflect wisdom, integrity, and alignment with nature, regardless of external conditions.


Meditatio (Latin)

Reflection or Contemplation
Greek: Θεωρία (Theoria)
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: הִתְבּוֹנְנוּת (Hitbonenut)
Arabic: تأمل (Ta'ammul)

Meaning: "Meditatio" originally referred to deep thought, reflection, or contemplation in Roman philosophy. It was used by Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius to describe practices of reflective thought aimed at developing wisdom, self-control, and inner peace.
Usage: In Stoic philosophy, meditatio was a practice of contemplating one's actions, aligning oneself with universal reason (logos), and promoting mindfulness and introspection.
Connection: Though distinct from Eastern meditation, meditatio shares similarities with mindfulness practices, particularly in terms of reflection, mental focus, and calming the mind.


Khaos (Khaos, Χάος)

Emptiness, Chaos, Void, Gap, Abyss Latin: Chaos
Sanskrit: शून्यता (Śūnyatā)
Hebrew: תהו (Tohu)
Arabic: فراغ (Farāgh)

Khaos refers to the primordial void, a state of formlessness or emptiness that precedes the ordered universe. It is not chaos in the modern sense of disorder but represents the vast, empty space from which creation begins. In Hesiod's Theogony, Khaos is the starting point of all creation, from which Gaia (Earth), Tartarus (the Underworld), and other primordial entities emerge. It is the initial gap between heaven and earth, filled with potential. In ancient philosophy, Khaos signifies a state of undifferentiated potential, a pre-cosmic condition that is later organized into the universe (Kosmos). It represents the raw, unshaped energy from which order is derived.


Kharis (χάρις)

Latin: Gratia
Sanskrit: अनुग्रह (Anugraha)
Hebrew: חסד (Chesed)
Arabic: نعمة (Niʿmah)

Kharis in Greek refers to divine grace, favor, or goodwill. It also signifies beauty, charm, and elegance, often associated with reciprocity in social interactions and the benevolence of the gods.


Klinè (κλίνη)

Bed, Reclining Seat
Latin: Lectus
Sanskrit: शय्या (Shayyā)
Hebrew: מיטה (Mitah)
Arabic: سرير (Sarīr)

Klinè refers to a bed or reclining seat, and in Plato’s Republic, it is used as a key example in the discussion of forms or ideas. Unlike the term trapeza ("table"), which is named for its physical appearance (having four legs), klinè is named for its function, derived from the verb klinein, meaning "to lean" or "lie down." This distinction between function and form helps illustrate Plato’s concept of the idea: while the visible form of an object may change, the idea, in this case, the purpose or function of the bed, remains constant and is what gives the object its meaning. The choice of klinè over other objects emphasizes how form and purpose are integral to understanding Platonic ideas.


Koinonia (Κοινωνία)

Community or Fellowship
Latin: Communitas
Sanskrit: संघ (Saṅgha)
Hebrew: קְהִלָּה (Qehillah)
Arabic: جماعة (Jamāʿah)

Koinonia signifies a community of individuals united by a shared purpose, particularly in a spiritual or religious context. It mirrors the Sangha in Buddhism, the collective of practitioners following the path of Dharma. In Greek thought, Koinonia embodies the idea of fellowship and collective engagement toward a higher goal, whether in philosophy, religion, or moral development.


Kosmogonia (Κοσμογονία)

Cosmogony
Latin: Cosmogonia
Sanskrit: सृष्टिविद्या (Sṛṣṭividyā)
Hebrew: קוסמוגוניה (Kosmogonyah)
Arabic: نشأة الكون (Nash'at al-Kawn)

Kosmogonia refers to the theory or narrative of the origin and development of the universe. In ancient Greek thought, it is often tied to myths like Hesiod’s Theogony, where the cosmos emerges from a primordial state of chaos. In a broader sense, kosmogonia encompasses both mythological and scientific accounts of the birth of the cosmos, such as the Big Bang in modern cosmology.


Kosmogonia (Κοσμογονία)

Cosmogony
Latin: Cosmogonia
Sanskrit: सृष्टिविद्या (Sṛṣṭividyā)
Hebrew: קוסמוגוניה (Kosmogonyah)
Arabic: نشأة الكون (Nash'at al-Kawn)

Kosmogonia refers to the theory or narrative of the origin and development of the universe. In ancient Greek thought, it is often tied to myths like Hesiod’s Theogony, where the cosmos emerges from a primordial state of chaos. In a broader sense, kosmogonia encompasses both mythological and scientific accounts of the birth of the cosmos, such as the Big Bang in modern cosmology.

It reflects humanity’s attempt to understand how order and structure emerged from an original state of chaos, connecting mythology, philosophy, and science.


Kosmos (Κόσμος) – The Physical Universe

Latin: Mundus
Sanskrit: ब्रह्मांड (Brahmāṇḍa)
Hebrew: יקום (Yekum)
Arabic: الكون (Al-Kawn)

Meaning: Kosmos refers to the physical universe as a well-ordered, harmonious system. In Greek thought, it represents the structured and intelligible nature of reality, as opposed to chaos.
Usage: The term was used in both philosophical and mythological contexts to describe the universe as a living, ordered whole. Plato, in his Timaeus, depicted the Kosmos as a living being imbued with soul and intellect, created according to a perfect, eternal model.
Connection: Kosmos emphasizes that the universe is not merely random but governed by divine principles of order and harmony, reflecting the philosophical view that everything in existence has a purpose and function within a greater whole.


Krisis (κρίσις)

Judgment, Decision, Separation
Latin: Judicium
Sanskrit: निर्णय (Nirṇaya)
Hebrew: הכרעה (Hachra'ah)
Arabic: قضاء (Qadā')

Krisis refers to the act of distinguishing, deciding, or judging. It is the root of the English words "crisis" and "critique." In a philosophical context, krisis implies the ability to make discerning judgments, particularly in complex or uncertain situations. In Plato’s Sophist, the term takes on a role in distinguishing between different arts, and even between the sophist and the philosopher. In a medical context, as used by Hippocrates, krisis refers to the critical turning point in a disease, where a decision about the outcome


Kryptósis (Κρύπτωσις)

Hidden or Concealed
Latin: Occultatio
Sanskrit: तिरोधान (Tirodhāna)
Hebrew: הסתרה (Hastarah)
Arabic: إخفاء (Ikhfāʼ)

Kryptósis is derived from kryptós (κρυπτός), meaning hidden or secret. It reflects the idea of something being concealed from view or knowledge, much like Tirodhāna, where spiritual reality is veiled, leading to ignorance or misunderstanding in the metaphysical journey. Both Kryptósis and Apókrypsis are relevant in describing the spiritual process of occlusion and forgetting, particularly in mystical and esoteric contexts.


Kundalini Samādhi (कुण्डलिनी समाधि)

Samādhi Induced by Kundalini Awakening
Greek: Enérgeia Synénoia (Ἐνέργεια Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Energiae
Sanskrit: कुण्डलिनी समाधि (Kundalini Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות באנרגיה (Hitbonenut Be'energia)
Arabic: تأمل الطاقة (Ta'ammul Al-Taqah)

Kundalini Samādhi refers to the meditative state achieved through the awakening of Kundalini energy. Enérgeia Synénoia captures the powerful and transformative energy involved in this spiritual experience.

Enoēróniros (Ἐνοηρόνειρος)
Lucid Dream
Latin: Somnium Lucidum
Sanskrit: स्वप्नसाक्षात्कार (Svapnasākṣātkāra)
Hebrew: חלום מודע (Chalom Muda)
Arabic: حلم واعي (Ḥulm Wāʿi)

Enoēróniros refers to a state of lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is aware of being in a dream and can often control the dream’s events. This term combines "enóēros," meaning conscious or aware, with "óneiros," meaning dream, to describe the heightened awareness during dreaming.


Laya Samādhi (लय समाधि)

Dissolution Samādhi
Greek: Dialýsis Synénoia (Διάλυσις Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Dissolutionis
Sanskrit: लय समाधि (Laya Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות של התמוססות (Hitbonenut Shel Hitmosesut)
Arabic: تأمل الذوبان (Ta'ammul Al-Dhuban)

Laya Samādhi signifies the dissolution of the individual self into the universal consciousness. Dialýsis Synénoia reflects the idea of dissolving into a unified, non-dual awareness.


Logistikos (λογιστικός)

Pertaining to reasoning, rational
Latin: Rationalis
Sanskrit: तर्किक (Tārkika)
Hebrew: שכלי (Sikhli)
Arabic: عقلي (ʿAqli)

Logistikos is derived from logos and refers to reasoning or the rational part of the soul. In the context of Plato's tripartite soul (presented in the Republic), to logistikon represents the rational part, responsible for logical thinking and decision-making. This part of the soul seeks truth and is associated with intellectual pursuits, and its proper functioning leads to wisdom. In the analogy of the chariot from the Phaedrus, logistikos corresponds to the charioteer, guiding the other parts of the soul.


Logos (Λόγος)

Word, Reason, Divine Order, Cosmic Law
Latin: Verbum, Ratio, Lex
Sanskrit: वाक् (Vāk), शब्द (Śabda), धर्म (Dharma)
Hebrew: דבר (Davar), תּוֹרָה (Torah), שכל (Sikhlel)
Arabic: الكلمة (Al-Kalima), العقل الإلهي (Al-ʿAql Al-Ilāhī), شريعة (Sharīʿah)

Logos is a central concept in Greek philosophy, encompassing a range of meanings, including word, reason, discourse, and the rational principle that governs the cosmos. In its most profound sense, Logos represents the divine reason or cosmic order underlying all existence, akin to Dharma in Eastern thought. It is both the rational structure of the universe and the moral law guiding ethical behavior. In Neoplatonism, Logos refers to the divine reason structuring the cosmos, while in Christian theology, it is the divine Word, particularly in the Gospel of John, signifying God's creative power. Nomos (Νόμος), meaning law, complements Logos by reflecting the ethical and legal principles that guide human actions within the divine order.


Logos and Eros (Λόγος και Ἔρως)

Reason and Desire
Latin: Ratio et Amor
Sanskrit: बोध और काम (Bodha Aur Kāma)
Hebrew: לוגוס וארוס (Logos V'Eros)
Arabic: العقل والحب (Al-ʿAql Wa-Al-Ḥubb)

Logos (reason) and Eros (desire) represent the dual forces of rational thought and passionate longing. Plato’s Eros drives the soul toward transcendence, while Logos represents the rational and orderly aspect. Together, they mirror the process of integrating desire with reason, reflecting the balance needed for spiritual growth and self-realization.


Lucid Dream (Enoēróniros - Ἐνοηρόνειρος)
Lucid Dreaming
Latin: Somnium Lucidum
Sanskrit: स्वप्नसाक्षात्कार (Svapnasākṣātkāra)
Hebrew: חלום מודע (Chalom Muda)
Arabic: حلم واعي (Ḥulm Wāʿi)

Enoēróniros refers to a state of conscious dreaming where the dreamer is aware of their dream state and often able to control the events within the dream. The term combines "enóēros," meaning conscious or aware, with "óneiros," meaning dream, to describe this unique state of self-awareness during dreaming.


Magnum Opus (Μεγάλο Ἔργον)

Great Work
Latin: Magnum Opus
Sanskrit: महाकर्म (Mahākarma)
Hebrew: מעשה גדול (Ma'aseh Gadol)
Arabic: العمل العظيم (Al-ʿAmal Al-ʿAẓīm)

Magnum Opus, or Megálo Érgon in Greek, refers to the process of spiritual transformation and enlightenment. In alchemical and mystical traditions, it symbolizes the transformation of the base human self into the "gold" of divine consciousness. This journey represents the highest goal of spiritual practice


Mahāsamādhi (महासमाधि)

Great Samādhi
Greek: Mégas Synénoia (Μέγας Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Magna
Sanskrit: महासमाधि (Mahāsamādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות גדולה (Hitbonenut Gedolah)
Arabic: التأمل العظيم (Al-Ta'ammul Al-'Azim)

Mahāsamādhi is the ultimate meditative state, often referring to the conscious departure from the body. Mégas Synénoia means "Great Union," representing the final and most profound level of samādhi.


Mataiotes (Ματαιότης)

Latin: Vanitas
Sanskrit: व्यर्थता (Vyarthatā)
Hebrew: הבל (Havel)
Arabic: عبث (‘Abath)

Mataiotes means vanity or futility, representing the pursuit of superficial or fleeting goals. This condition distracts the soul from its spiritual journey, focusing instead on transient material pursuits that lead to disillusionment.


Mens

Latin: Mind
Sanskrit: मनस् (Manas)
Hebrew: שכל (Sekhel)
Arabic: عقل (ʿAql)

Mens refers to the intellect or higher rational soul, signifying the faculty that contemplates divine truths and grasps higher realities. It encompasses the mind’s ability to transcend mere sensory experience and reach for a deeper understanding of universal principles. Mens is the gateway to spiritual insight, enabling individuals to connect with the underlying order of the cosmos and participate in the unfolding of divine wisdom.


Merismos (Μερισμός)

Parsing or Distinction
Latin: Divisio
Sanskrit: विभाजन (Vibhāga)
Hebrew: הבחנה (Havchanah)
Arabic: تقسيم (Taqsīm)

Merismos refers to the act of parsing or distinguishing parts within a whole, as opposed to diairesis, which divides a genus into its component species. It is used in philosophical and logical contexts to analyze complex ideas by breaking them into smaller, understandable components. This method allows for a detailed examination of various aspects of a subject.


Merismos (Μερισμός)

Distinguishing Parts
Latin: Divisio
Sanskrit: विभाजन (Vibhājan)
Hebrew: חלוקה (Chalukah)
Arabic: تقسيم (Taqsīm)

Merismos refers to the act of dividing or distinguishing the parts of a whole. In contrast to diairesis, which divides a genus into its components, merismos focuses on parsing or analyzing distinctions within a system or entity. It is often used in philosophical contexts to understand complex structures through their individual elements.

Dynamis and Energeia (Δύναμις και Ἐνέργεια)

Potential and Actualization
Latin: Potentia et Actus
Sanskrit: शक्ति और क्रिया (Śakti Aur Kriyā)
Hebrew: כוח ואנרגיה (Koach Va'Energia)
Arabic: القوة والطاقة (Al-Qūwa Wa-At-Tāqa)

Dynamis refers to potential, the inherent capability for growth or change, while Energeia refers to the actualization or activity of that potential. In Aristotle's metaphysics, the journey from Dynamis to Energeia reflects the movement from possibility to reality, a process of creative evolution that brings beings toward their highest state of fulfillment.


Metatropí Katástasis (Μετατροπή Κατάστασις)
Altered State of Consciousness
Latin: Status Mutatus
Sanskrit: परिवर्तितावस्था (Parivartitāvasthā)
Hebrew: מצב תודעתי שונה (Matzav Toda'ati Shoneh)
Arabic: حالة وعي متغيرة (Ḥālat Waʿi Mutaghayyirah)

Metatropí Katástasis means "altered state" or "transformed condition," referring to a change in one’s normal state of consciousness. This can occur through various means such as meditation, substances, or spiritual practices, resulting in a shift in perception or awareness.


Metaxy Ánasa Theōría (Μεταξύ Ἀνάσα Θεωρία)

Contemplation Between Breaths
Latin: Contemplatio Inter Spiritus
Sanskrit: आद्यन्त-कोटि-निभालना (Adyanta-koṭi-nibhālana)
Hebrew: התבוננות בין נשימות (Hitbonenut Bein Neshemot)
Arabic: تأمل بين الأنفاس (Ta'ammul Bayn al-Anfās)

Metaxy Ánasa Theōría translates to "Contemplation Between Breaths." This term focuses on the meditative space between inhalations and exhalations, similar to the Sanskrit Adyanta-koṭi-nibhālana, where the practitioner meditates on the transitional moments between breaths, fostering deep spiritual awareness.


Methexis (μέθεξις)

Latin: Participatio
Sanskrit: भागीदारी (Bhāgīdārī)
Hebrew: השתתפות (Hishtatfut)
Arabic: مشاركة (Mushāraka)

Methexis refers to the concept of participation in Platonic philosophy, particularly how individual things in the physical world partake in the eternal Forms. It signifies the soul’s participation in higher realities, especially the divine or transcendent truths.


Methodos (Μέθοδος)

Way or Path
Latin: Methodus
Sanskrit: उपाय (Upaya)
Hebrew: שיטה (Shitah)
Arabic: طريقة (Ṭarīqa)

Methodos means "way" or "method," signifying the techniques or means by which one ascends to universal consciousness. It corresponds to Upaya, which represents skillful means or methods to realize one's inherent unity with the divine.


Methodos (Μέθοδος)

Way or Path
Latin: Methodus
Sanskrit: उपाय (Upaya)
Hebrew: שיטה (Shitah)
Arabic: طريقة (Ṭarīqa)

Methodos refers to the ways or means by which an individual consciousness can rise to universal consciousness. It signifies the approaches or techniques, similar to Upaya, that lead to a greater awareness or spiritual ascent.


Metousía (Μετουσία)

Participation in Divinity
Latin: Participatio Divinitatis
Sanskrit: ईश्वरसंयोग (Īśvarasaṃyoga)
Hebrew: שִׁתּוּף בֵּאל (Shittuf Ba-El)
Arabic: مشاركة في الإلهية (Mushārakah fī-l-Ilāhiyyah)

Metousía means "participation," particularly in the context of partaking in the divine essence. This term is used in Christian theology, notably by Saint Gregory of Nyssa, to describe the soul’s participation in God’s perfections after enlightenment. In a broader philosophical sense, it reflects the idea of the individual engaging with and embodying divine qualities, leading to a closer union with the sacred.


Metousía Theoû (Μετουσία Θεοῦ)

Participation in God's Perfections
Latin: Participatio Dei
Sanskrit: ईश्वर की पूर्णता में सहभागिता (Īśvara Kī Pūrṇatā Mein Sahabhāgitā)
Hebrew: שותפות בשלמות האל (Shutafut B'Shleimut HaEl)
Arabic: المشاركة في كمال الله (Al-Musāhama Fī Kamāl Allāh)

Metousía Theoû means "participation in God’s perfections," describing the process of becoming one with the divine through enlightenment and spiritual realization. According to Saint Gregory of Nyssa, this term reflects the idea of sharing in God’s attributes, a process that aligns with personal transformation and ascension to a higher state of being.


Moirae (Μοῖραι)

Fates
Latin: Parcae
Sanskrit: भाग्य देवियाँ (Bhāgya Deviyān)
Hebrew: הגורלות (Ha'Goralot)
Arabic: القدر (Al-Qadar)

The Moirae, or Fates, are three sisters, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who weave the destiny of gods and mortals. They control the thread of life, determining each individual's fate from birth to death. Their role in deciding one's destiny mirrors the idea of karmic consequence, where the fabric of life is shaped by past actions.


Monē (Μονή)

Abiding or Rest
Latin: Mansio
Sanskrit: स्थायित्व (Sthāyitva)
Hebrew: מנוחה (Menuḥa)
Arabic: الثبات (Ath-Thabāt)

Monē refers to the state of abiding or resting, where all things remain in the source, The One, before any outward movement or differentiation occurs. It represents the immanence and self-contained nature of the divine, where all beings are unified within the One. Monē is the phase of pure potentiality, where no multiplicity or procession has yet unfolded, and all remains in perfect unity with the source.


Narkissos (Νάρκισσος)

Latin: Narcissus
Sanskrit: आत्मरत (Ātmarata)
Hebrew: נרקיסיזם (Narkisizm)
Arabic: النرجسية (Nargisiyya)

Narkissos refers to narcissism, or excessive self-love and absorption in one’s own image. This condition keeps the soul fixated on external appearances and worldly attachments, preventing spiritual growth. Narkissos represents the ego’s distortion of self-awareness, hindering the soul’s ascent.


Negative Ego (Ἄγνοια - Agnoia)

Latin: Ignorantia
Sanskrit: अज्ञान (Ajñāna)
Hebrew: בערות (Be'erut)
Arabic: جهل (Jahl)

The Negative Ego is the self, steeped in Agnoia (ignorance), focused on material existence and self-importance. It leads the soul astray from its divine nature, driven by Pathos (passion) and Philautia (excessive self-love), pulling the soul away from spiritual wisdom.


Nekyia (Νέκυια) – Necromantic Rite

Latin: Evocatio Animarum
Sanskrit: पितृ-आह्वान (Pitṛ-Āhvāna)
Hebrew: העלאת רוחות (Ha’alat Ruhot)
Arabic: استدعاء الأرواح (Istid‘ā’ Al-Arwāḥ)

Nekyia refers to the ancient Greek ritual of summoning and questioning the dead, particularly to gain insight into the future or the unknown. It is distinct from Katabasis (a journey to the underworld), although both involve communication with the dead. In Greek mythology, Nekyia is famously portrayed in Homer’s Odyssey (Book 11), where Odysseus calls upon the spirits of the dead to seek guidance. This ritual was used for divination and seeking prophetic visions from the deceased. Nekyia has also been adopted in psychological contexts, particularly in Carl Jung’s work, where it symbolizes an inward journey into the unconscious mind to retrieve buried aspects of the self, akin to a psychological descent for self-integration.


Nemesis (Νέμεσις)

Retribution
Latin: Nemesis
Sanskrit: प्रतिकार (Pratikār)
Hebrew: נקמה (Nikmah)
Arabic: الانتقام (Al-Intiqām)

Nemesis personifies retribution and divine justice, ensuring that excessive pride or wrongdoings are met with appropriate consequences. She is closely linked to the concept of karma, where balance is restored in the universe through the punishment of hubris and the restoration of moral order.


Nirvikalpa Samādhi (निर्विकल्प समाधि)

Samādhi without Distinctions
Greek: Adiákrisis Synénoia (Ἀδιάκρισις Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio sine Distinctionibus
Sanskrit: निर्विकल्प समाधि (Nirvikalpa Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות ללא הבחנות (Hitbonenut Belo Havchanot)
Arabic: تأمل بلا تمييز (Ta'ammul Bila Tamyeez)

Nirvikalpa Samādhi represents a state of non-duality where the distinctions between self and object dissolve. Adiákrisis Synénoia reflects this non-dual awareness, a state where no cognitive separation exists.


Noein (νοεῖν)

To perceive, think, understand
Latin: Intelligere
Sanskrit: ज्ञातुम् (Jñātum)
Hebrew: להבין (Le'havin)
Arabic: فهم (Fahm)

Noein means to perceive or understand through the mind, as opposed to the senses. Plato frequently contrasts noein with horan ("to see"), emphasizing that noein involves intellectual insight rather than sensory perception. It is a core activity of the mind (nous) and is essential for understanding the abstract forms or ideas that go beyond mere appearances.


Noèsis (νόησις)

Intellectual thought, understanding
Latin: Intellectus
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: השגה שכלית (Hasaga Sihlit)
Arabic: إدراك عقلي (Idrak ʿAqli)

Noèsis is the process of intellectual thought or direct understanding. In Plato’s Republic, it represents the highest form of knowledge, associated with the understanding of the Forms or Ideas. It is contrasted with dianoia (discursive thinking) and doxa (opinion). Noèsis is intuitive and immediate, allowing one to grasp the essence of things without reliance on sensory experience or argumentation.


Noethesis (Νοέθησις, Noéthesis)

Direct Pointing to the Mind
Latin: Intellectionis Directio
Sanskrit: मनः प्रत्यक्ष (Manaḥ Pratyakṣa)
Hebrew: הנחיה ישירה למוח (Hanachayah Yeshirah Lamoch)
Arabic: التوجيه المباشر للعقل (Al-Tawjīh Al-Mubāshir Lil‘Aql)

Noethesis refers to the direct, non-verbal pointing to the mind or intellect, a concept found in both Greek philosophy and Zen Buddhism. It implies a form of teaching that transcends words and leads to direct insight or realization. Similar to the Buddhist idea of "direct pointing to the mind," noethesis captures the essence of understanding that arises without conceptual mediation.


Noethesis (Νοέθησις) – Direct Pointing to the Mind

Noethesis combines νοέσις (noēsis), meaning "intellectual understanding," and θέσις (thesis), meaning "placing" or "setting." This term captures the Zen concept of "direct pointing to the mind"


Noèton (νοητόν)

Intelligible, fit to be thought
Latin: Intelligibile
Sanskrit: बोध्य (Bodhya)
Hebrew: מושג (Musag)
Arabic: معقول (Maʿqul)

Noèton refers to what is intelligible, as opposed to what is perceptible by the senses (horaton). It characterizes objects or concepts that can only be grasped by the mind, such as the Platonic Forms. In the Republic, noèton is linked to the realm of pure knowledge, which is accessible through the intellect alone, beyond the illusions of sensory experience.


Nomos (νόμος)

Custom, law
Latin: Lex
Sanskrit: नियम (Niyama)
Hebrew: חוק (Hok)
Arabic: قانون (Qānun)

Nomos refers to laws, customs, or social conventions. In Plato’s view, nomoi are essential for maintaining order within society, especially because not all people can attain the wisdom necessary to govern themselves. Good laws reflect the order of the kosmos and are seen as an expression of human reason. In the Crito, Socrates defends the importance of abiding by the laws even when they result in an unjust outcome for individuals.


Nous (Νοῦς)

Divine Mind, Intellect, Universal Consciousness
Latin: Mens, Intellectus, Mens Universalis
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi), चित्त (Chit)
Hebrew: שכל (Sechel), שכל עליון (Sekhel Elyon)
Arabic: العقل (Al-ʿAql), العقل الكلي (Al-ʿAql Al-Kulli), العقل الإلهي (Al-ʿAql Al-Ilāhī)

Nous is the highest intellectual faculty in Neoplatonism and ancient Greek thought, representing the divine intellect or universal consciousness. It is the realm of pure thought and the source of rationality and order in the cosmos. Nous contains all intelligible realities and the archetypal Forms that govern existence. It aligns with Eastern concepts like Buddhi (higher intellect) and Chit (universal consciousness), representing the ultimate substratum of reality. In Neoplatonism, union with Nous is the key goal of philosophical and spiritual contemplation, guiding the soul toward truth, harmony, and divine understanding.


Oikeiosis (Οἰκείωσις) – Familiarization or Appropriation

Understanding One's Place
Latin: Familiaritas
Sanskrit: आत्मीयता (Ātmīyatā)
Hebrew: הַתְאֲמָה (Hat'amah)
Arabic: التآلف (Al-Ta'aluf)

Meaning: Oikeiosis refers to the Stoic process of recognizing one's role in the cosmos, starting from self-concern and gradually expanding to encompass family, society, and the entire universe. It is the natural progression toward understanding one’s connection with all things.
Usage: Stoics believed that by understanding this interconnectedness, individuals act responsibly and harmoniously, embracing all circumstances as part of a greater cosmic order.
Connection: This concept helps one face everything in life, understanding that their actions and responsibilities extend beyond the self to the whole cosmos.


On (ὄν)

Being, existent
Latin: Ens
Sanskrit: सत् (Sat)
Hebrew: יש (Yesh)
Arabic: كائن (Kāʾin)

On, derived from the verb einai ("to be"), refers to that which exists or is. In Plato’s metaphysics, onta (the plural of on) are the subjects of knowledge and discourse. They encompass everything that can be thought of or referred to, including both material and immaterial entities. Plato uses to on ("being") to discuss the nature of existence, particularly in contrast to to mè on ("not-being").


Oneirós (Ὄνειρος)

Dreaming State
Latin: Somnium
Sanskrit: स्वप्न (Svapna)
Hebrew: חֲלוֹם (Chalom)
Arabic: حلم (Ḥulm)

Oneirós represents the dreaming state, a state of consciousness where the mind turns inward, creating vivid experiences disconnected from sensory input. Dreams are generated by the subconscious, often blending memory, imagination, and emotion. This inner world of dreams reflects the activity of the mind when freed from the restrictions of the waking state.


Onoma (ὄνομα)

Name, word
Latin: Nomen
Sanskrit: नाम (Nāma)
Hebrew: שם (Shem)
Arabic: اسم (Ism)

Onoma primarily means “name,” referring to a designation for people or things. In the allegory of the cave, Socrates uses the verb onomazein ("to name") to describe how prisoners would habitually assign names to the shadows they see, taking them for reality. This word is crucial in Plato's exploration of language and meaning, as it highlights the relationship between names and the objects or concepts they refer to. In a broader sense, onoma can also refer to "words" in language, and when paired with rhèma, it helps Plato differentiate between names (nouns) and actions (verbs), emphasizing the necessity of both for meaningful discourse. Plato's engagement with the word reflects his interest in how language shapes understanding and reality.


Ontologia (Ὀντολογία)

Latin: Ontologia
Sanskrit: सत् (Sat)
Hebrew: הוויה (Havayah)
Arabic: الأنطولوجيا (Al-ʾAnṭūlūjiyā)

Ontologia is the study of being and existence, describing the hierarchical structure of reality. It includes the exploration of different levels of existence, from the divine to the material, and seeks to understand the essence of all that is, including the soul’s place within the cosmos.


Orchesis (ὄρχησις)

Latin: Saltatio
Sanskrit: नृत्य (Nritya)
Hebrew: מחול (Machol)
Arabic: رقص (Raqs)

In ancient Greek, Orchesis (ὄρχησις) refers to the "art of dancing" or cosmic dance. It reflects the sacred or ritualistic aspect of dance, often related to divine or cosmic movements. In Sanskrit, नृत्य (Nritya) similarly denotes classical or ritual dance in Indian traditions, associated with the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Nataraja). Orchesis can refer to a ritual dance or to the cosmos as a cosmic dance of The One.


Ousia (οὐσία)

Substance, essence, property
Latin: Essentia, Substantia
Sanskrit: तत्व (Tattva)
Hebrew: עצם (Etzem)
Arabic: جوهر (Jawhar)

Ousia carries a dual meaning in Greek, rooted in both "being" and "having." While it can mean "essence" or "beingness" in a metaphysical sense, it also commonly refers to material possessions or property. In Plato's dialogues, ousia is a key term in discussions of what constitutes true wealth and value


Out-of-Body Experience (Exōmatikí Empeiría - Ἐξωματικὴ Ἐμπειρία)
Out-of-Body Experience
Latin: Experientia Extra Corpus
Sanskrit: शरीरत्यागानुभव (Śarīratyāgānubhava)
Hebrew: חוויה חוץ-גופית (Chavayah Chutz-Gufit)
Arabic: تجربة خارج الجسد (Tajrubat Khārij al-Jasad)

Exōmatikí Empeiría means "experience outside the body." It describes the sensation of leaving one's physical body and observing oneself from an external perspective. This experience often occurs spontaneously or as part of certain meditative or mystical practices.


Paideia (Παιδεία) – Education or Cultivation of the Soul

Soul Formation
Latin: Educatio Animi
Sanskrit: आत्मविकास (Ātmavikāsa)
Hebrew: חינוך הנשמה (Chinukh Haneshamah)
Arabic: تربية الروح (Tarbiya Al-Ruh)

Meaning: Paideia refers to the process of cultivating and educating the soul, both individually and culturally, through intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.
Usage: In Greek philosophy, Paideia was central to shaping both personal character and the ethical fabric of society, emphasizing holistic development.
Connection: This aligns with the development of cultural consciousness in Spiral Dynamics, where each stage reflects not only personal growth but also societal evolution.


Palingenesis (Παλινγενεσία)

Rebirth or Renewal
Latin: Palingenesis
Sanskrit: पुनर्जन्म (Punarjanma)
Hebrew: לידה מחדש (Leidah Meḥadash)
Arabic: إعادة الخلق (Iʿādatu-l-Khalq)

Palingenesis means "rebirth" or "renewal," describing a process where something is recreated or comes back into being. In Stoic cosmology, it refers to the rebirth of the cosmos after the ekpyrosis, where the universe is regenerated in a perfect cycle. The term also holds theological significance in Christianity, representing the spiritual rebirth of individuals through salvation. In broader contexts, palingenesis can describe the rebirth of any system, idea, or being, whether in philosophy, biology, or politics.


Palingenesis (Παλινγενεσία)

Rebirth or Renewal
Latin: Palingenesis
Sanskrit: पुनर्जन्म (Punarjanma)
Hebrew: לידה מחדש (Leidah Meḥadash)
Arabic: إعادة الخلق (Iʿādatu-l-Khalq)

Palingenesis means "rebirth" or "renewal," describing a process where something is recreated or comes back into being. In Stoic cosmology, it refers to the rebirth of the cosmos after the ekpyrosis, where the universe is regenerated in a perfect cycle. The term also holds theological significance in Christianity, representing the spiritual rebirth of individuals through salvation. In broader contexts, palingenesis can describe the rebirth of any system, idea, or being, whether in philosophy, biology, or politics.


Paraclete (Παράκλητος, Paraklētos)

Advocate, Helper, Comforter
Latin: Paraclitus
Sanskrit: परामर्शदाता (Paramarśadātā)
Hebrew: מְנַחֵם (Menachem)
Arabic: الشفيع (Al-Shafi')

Paraclete refers to the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition, particularly in the New Testament, as an advocate, helper, or comforter. It is mentioned in John 14:16, 26 as the divine presence sent to guide and support believers after the departure of Jesus. In the broader Christian context, the term signifies a spiritual guide who offers solace and wisdom.


Paraclete (Παράκλητος, Paraklētos)

Meaning: Advocate, Helper, Comforter
In Christian tradition, the term Παράκλητος (Paraclete) refers to the Holy Spirit, described as a divine advocate or helper. In the New Testament, it is used to denote the comforting and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, especially in passages like John 14:16, 26, where Jesus promises his disciples a helper after his departure. The Paraclete is seen as the divine presence that empowers believers, provides spiritual support, and offers consolation in their faith journey.


Paradosis (παράδοσις)

Latin: Traditio
Sanskrit: परंपरा (Paramparā)
Hebrew: מסורת (Mesorah)
Arabic: التقليد (Al-Taqālīd)

Paradosis refers to the transmission of knowledge, customs, or teachings from one generation to another. In Neoplatonism and mystery traditions, it involves the passing down of esoteric wisdom or sacred practices, often conveyed through ritual or symbolic means.


Parousía (Παρουσία)

Presence or Arrival
Latin: Adventus
Sanskrit: उपस्थिति (Upasthiti)
Hebrew: נוֹכְחוּת (Nokhakhut)
Arabic: الحضور (Al-Ḥuḍūr)

Parousía means "presence" or "arrival," often used to denote the divine presence or a significant manifestation. In religious contexts, it can refer to the anticipated return or presence of a divinity, as in Christianity where it represents the Second Coming of Christ. This term can also convey the transformative presence of a guru or enlightened figure, marking a profound spiritual encounter.


Paschein (πάσχειν)

To suffer, to be affected
Latin: Pati
Sanskrit: अनुभू (Anubhū)
Hebrew: לְהִיפָּגַע (Lehipaga)
Arabic: يعاني (Yu‘ānī)

Paschein refers to the experience of having something done to oneself or being affected by external forces. It contrasts with prattein ("to act") and poiein ("to make"), emphasizing a passive experience rather than active engagement or creation. In philosophical discussions, especially in Plato’s works, this distinction between acting and being acted upon plays a critical role in understanding the dynamics between the soul, external influences, and moral responsibility.


Pathèma (πάθημα)

Affection, experience, suffering
Latin: Passio
Sanskrit: अनुभूतिः (Anubhūtiḥ)
Hebrew: סֵבֶל (Sevel)
Arabic: معاناة (Mu‘āna)

Derived from paschein, pathèma refers to a specific instance of suffering or an event in which one is affected. It is more concrete than pathos, which refers to suffering in a general sense. In Plato’s works, pathèmata are the "affections" or experiences that arise in the soul due to external influences, whether emotional, intellectual, or physical. The term illustrates how we are passively shaped by circumstances, contributing to the overall philosophical inquiry into the nature of the soul’s interaction with the external world.


Pathos (Πάθος)

Latin: Passio
Sanskrit: दुःख (Duḥkha)
Hebrew: ייסורים (Yisurim)
Arabic: معاناة (Mu‘ānāh)

Pathos refers to emotional disturbances or passions that cloud judgment and disrupt the soul’s peace. In the spiritual path, overcoming pathos is necessary for the purification of the soul and its alignment with higher realities.


Pathos (Πάθος)

Passion, Emotional Disturbance
Latin: Passio
Sanskrit: दुःख (Duḥkha)
Hebrew: ייסורים (Yisurim)
Arabic: عاطفة (ʿĀṭifah)

Pathos refers to passions or emotional disturbances that cloud the intellect and distort judgment. In the context of spiritual ego, it manifests as emotional attachment to one's spiritual status or achievements. This emotional attachment ties the soul to the lower realms of existence, preventing it from ascending to the divine intellect (Nous).


Pathos (Πάθος)

Emotional Passion
Latin: Passio
Sanskrit: भाव (Bhāva)
Hebrew: רגשות (Regashot)
Arabic: الشغف (Ash-Shaghaf)

Pathos refers to passions or emotions that disturb the rational balance of the soul in Stoic philosophy. From a spiritual perspective, these passions can be seen as unconscious forces or impulses (shadow elements) that need to be recognized and integrated. Mastery over Pathos allows one to attain inner harmony, similar to the Jungian process of confronting and integrating the shadow.


Pax Deorum (Latin)

Peace of the Gods
Greek: Εἰρήνη τῶν Θεῶν (Eirēnē tōn Theōn)
Sanskrit: देवशान्ति (Devaśānti)
Hebrew: שלום האלים (Shalom HaElohim)
Arabic: سلام الآلهة (Salām al-Āliha)

Pax Deorum, or "Peace of the Gods," was a fundamental concept in ancient Roman religion and political thought. It referred to the state of harmony between the Roman people and their gods, maintained through proper rituals, sacrifices, and observance of divine laws. This divine peace was believed to ensure the prosperity, stability, and success of the Roman state, both in times of war and peace.

If this Pax Deorum was disrupted by improper religious practices or impiety, the Romans believed that divine displeasure could manifest in disasters, military defeats, or other calamities. Therefore, maintaining this peace was the responsibility of religious and political leaders, who interpreted signs from the gods and performed the necessary rituals to restore or preserve divine favor.

In essence, Pax Deorum was a mutual covenant between humans and gods: the people fulfilled their duties through worship and piety, and in return, the gods ensured peace, protection, and prosperity for the state.


Pentakhrēsía (Πενταχρησία)

Meditation on the Five Actions
Latin: Contemplatio Quinque Actionum
Sanskrit: पञ्च-कृत्य (Pañca-kṛtya)
Hebrew: התבוננות בחמש הפעולות (Hitbonenut Bakhamesh Hape'ulot)
Arabic: التأمل في الخمسة الأفعال (al-Ta'ammul fi al-Khamsat al-Af‘āl)

Pentakhrēsía represents the contemplation or practice of the five essential actions in meditation. It directly corresponds to Pañca-kṛtya, where meditation is focused on five cosmic actions that encompass creation, preservation, dissolution, concealment, and revelation.


Pentakhrēsía (Πενταχρησία)

Meditation on the Five Actions
Latin: Contemplatio Quinque Actionum
Sanskrit: पञ्च-कृत्य (Pañca-kṛtya)
Hebrew: התבוננות בחמש הפעולות (Hitbonenut Bakhamesh Hape'ulot)
Arabic: التأمل في الخمسة الأفعال (al-Ta'ammul fi al-Khamsat al-Af‘āl)

Pentakhrēsía combines the Greek for "five" (penta) with "usage" or "practice" (khrēsía), referring to contemplation or practice of five distinct actions, much like Pañca-kṛtya, which involves meditating on the five fundamental cosmic actions.


Periodos (Περίοδος)

Latin: Circulatio
Sanskrit: आवर्तन (Āvarta)
Hebrew: מחזוריות (Machzoriyut)
Arabic: دورة (Dawra)

Periodos refers to the cyclical process of emanation and return. All beings proceed from the divine source and, through spiritual purification, seek to return to their origin. This cycle underscores the recurring journey of the soul toward unity with the divine, emphasizing the perpetual nature of cosmic and spiritual renewal.


Philautia (Φιλαυτία)

Latin: Amor Sui
Sanskrit: आत्मप्रेम (Ātma-prema)
Hebrew: אהבת עצמו (Ahavat Atzmo)
Arabic: حب الذات (Ḥubb adh-Dhāt)

Philautia refers to self-love, often in a negative form associated with narcissism or egoism. Excessive philautia blocks spiritual growth by reinforcing attachment to the self and material world, obstructing the soul’s recognition of its divine essence.


Philautia (Φιλαυτία)

Self-Love, Egoism
Latin: Amor Sui
Sanskrit: आत्मप्रेम (Ātma-prema)
Hebrew: אהבה עצמית (Ahavah Atzmit)
Arabic: حب الذات (Ḥubb al-Dhāt)

Philautia refers to excessive self-love or egoism, particularly in a spiritual context where the individual becomes attached to their own perceived spiritual progress or superiority. It represents an inflated sense of self that hinders the soul from transcending ego and realizing its unity with the divine.


Philos (adjective):
Beloved, dear, friend
Latin: Amicus
Sanskrit: प्रिय (Priya)
Hebrew: חָבֵר (Chaver)
Arabic: صديق (Ṣadīq)

The word philos is used to describe affection or deep connection, whether toward a person or a concept. It forms the basis of many compound words, such as philosophos ("lover of wisdom") and philanthrôpos ("lover of humanity"). Unlike erôs, philos lacks sexual connotations and instead implies a strong, enduring bond or friendship, one of care and mutual benefit.


Philosophos (noun):
Lover of wisdom
Latin: Philosophus
Sanskrit: दर्शनिक (Darśanika)
Hebrew: פִילוֹסוֹף (Filosof)
Arabic: فيلسوف (Faylasūf)

The philosophos is not simply a person engaged in abstract thought but is, according to Plato, someone dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and truth. In the Republic, Plato distinguishes his vision of the philosopher from common perceptions. True philosophoi are capable of leading others, seeking higher understanding of the good, and are committed to reason. They are not daydreamers but engaged with the world in pursuit of higher truth.


Phōsis (Φῶσις) – Illumination

Spiritual Enlightenment
Latin: Illuminatio
Sanskrit: प्रकाश (Prakāśa)
Hebrew: הארה (Ha'arah)
Arabic: إضاءة (Idā’a)

Meaning: Phōsis refers to the process of spiritual enlightenment or the illumination of the mind and soul.
Usage: This term conveys the awakening to higher truths and the divine, similar to the state of Satori in Zen Buddhism.
Connection: Phōsis represents the experience of divine light or truth, guiding the soul toward ultimate knowledge.


Phronesis Synkrasis (Φρόνησις Σύγκρασις)

Practical Wisdom and Integration
Latin: Prudentia Mixtura
Sanskrit: प्रज्ञा मिश्रण (Prajñā Miśraṇa)
Hebrew: חכמת התבונה (Chokhmat HaTevunah)
Arabic: فطنة الخليط (Fiṭna al-Khalīṭ)

Phronesis refers to practical wisdom or intelligence, a key concept in Aristotelian ethics, signifying the ability to make good decisions by combining experience, knowledge, and ethical judgment. This wisdom guides action in real-world contexts, ensuring that choices are aligned with ethical virtues. Synkrasis, meaning blending or integration, complements Phronesis by implying that true wisdom comes from harmonizing diverse experiences and knowledge into a unified whole. Together, Phronesis Synkrasis suggests that practical wisdom is achieved not through isolated knowledge, but through the integration and balanced synthesis of multiple perspectives, traditions, or experiences, leading to sound ethical decisions and actions.


Phthonos (Φθόνος)

Latin: Invidia
Sanskrit: ईर्ष्या (Īrṣyā)
Hebrew: קנאה (Qina’ah)
Arabic: حسد (Ḥasad)

Phthonos means envy, a state of dissatisfaction arising from attachment to worldly things. Phthonos causes inner turmoil and prevents the soul from achieving contentment and spiritual insight, making it an obstacle to spiritual growth.


Phusis (noun; pl. phusei):
Nature, growth, becoming
Latin: Natura
Sanskrit: प्रकृति (Prakṛti)
Hebrew: טֶבַע (Teva)
Arabic: طَبيعة (Ṭabī‘a)

Phusis refers to the natural order of things, the inherent qualities that emerge through growth and development. It encompasses the process of becoming, as well as the fulfillment of potential. In Plato's work, phusis often contrasts with nomos (law), with phusis representing what occurs naturally, while nomos represents human-made conventions. Phusis is key in philosophical discussions about what is innate and what is shaped by society.


Physis (φύσις)

Latin: Natura
Sanskrit: प्रकृति (Prakṛti)
Hebrew: טבע (Teva)
Arabic: الطبيعة (Al-Ṭabīʿa)

Physis refers to the inherent nature or essence of all things, both seen and unseen. It points to the underlying spiritual order present in the material world. Contemplating Physis involves recognizing that nature reflects a deeper divine reality, revealing the intricate relationship between the physical world and the transcendent. This concept calls for an understanding of nature as an active participant in the spiritual process, continually manifesting the unity and diversity of creation.


Physis (Φύσις) – Nature

Latin: Natura
Sanskrit: प्रकृति (Prakriti)
Hebrew: טבע (Teva)
Arabic: طبيعة (Tabī‘ah)

Meaning: Physis refers to the natural world and the processes and principles that govern it. It is the inherent force or essence of things, representing growth, change, and the unfolding of life.
Usage: In Greek philosophy, Physis was used to describe both the physical world and the inner nature of things. It encompasses the laws and processes by which the universe operates, often contrasted with Nomos (law or convention).
Connection: Physis corresponds to the idea of nature as a dynamic, self-regulating system that operates according to universal principles, much like the Tao in Chinese philosophy or Prakriti in Indian thought.

Physis (Φύσις)

Nature or Growth
Latin: Natura
Sanskrit: प्रकृति (Prakṛti)
Hebrew: טבע (Teva)
Arabic: الطبيعة (Aṭ-Ṭabīʿa)

Physis refers to the inherent nature or process of becoming. It is associated with the constant flow of change and growth, as seen in Heraclitus’ philosophy, where everything is in a state of flux. Physis represents the evolutionary impulse within all things, driving them toward transformation and new expressions of life.


Physis Aeidios (Φύσις Αἰδίος)

Eternal Nature
Latin: Natura Aeterna
Sanskrit: सनातन स्वभाव (Sanātana Svabhāva)
Hebrew: טבע נצחי (Teva Nitzchi)
Arabic: الطبيعة الأبدية (Aṭ-Ṭabīʿa Al-Abadīya)

Physis Aeidios refers to "eternal nature," capturing the essence of the mind's inherent, primordial state. It reflects the idea of Rigpa as the unchanging, ever-present, and naturally liberated quality of consciousness, beyond dualistic conceptions of existence.


Pistis (noun):
Trust, confidence, faith
Latin: Fides
Sanskrit: श्रद्धा (Śraddhā)
Hebrew: אֱמוּנָה (Emunah)
Arabic: إيمان (Īmān)

Pistis in Plato’s Republic refers to a level of understanding in which one has trust or confidence in sensory perceptions, knowing they are not the complete truth but are reliable enough for navigating the visible world. It is a stage beyond illusion (eikasia), where one begins to see the limits of appearances and starts to seek deeper principles of intelligibility. Pistis is necessary for action in the material world, but it must eventually be transcended to attain higher knowledge.


Plane (Πλάνη)

Latin: Error
Sanskrit: भ्रम (Bhrama)
Hebrew: טעות (Ta'ut)
Arabic: ضلال (Ḍalāl)

Plane refers to error or deception, where the soul is led astray by false appearances or desires. Plane symbolizes the soul’s misalignment with spiritual truth, and overcoming it is essential for regaining clarity and reconnecting with higher realities.


Pneuma (Πνεῦμα, Pneûma)

Breath of Life or Spirit
Latin: Spiritus
Sanskrit: प्राण (Prāṇa)
Hebrew: רוּחַ (Ruach)
Arabic: نَفَس (Nafas)

Pneuma is the "breath of life" in Stoic philosophy, representing the active, generative principle that organizes both the cosmos and individual beings. It combines air and fire, symbolizing vitality and divine presence. Pneuma is the life force that structures matter and is the soul's animating essence, reflecting its connection to the divine. This concept plays a central role in Stoic cosmology and ethics, where it is the creative fire that drives cosmic cycles and personal development.


Pneuma (πνεῦμα)

Latin: Spiritus
Sanskrit: प्राण (Prāṇa)
Hebrew: רוח (Ruach)
Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)

Pneuma refers to the spirit or vital breath that animates life. It signifies the invisible, life-giving force that permeates the cosmos and all living beings. This essence serves as the medium through which humans connect with the divine, sustaining both physical life and spiritual existence. Pneuma is often described as the force that aligns the material world with a greater spiritual reality, guiding individuals toward deeper awareness of their interconnectedness with the cosmos.


Pneuma (Πνεῦμα)

Spirit or Breath
Latin: Spiritus
Sanskrit: प्राण (Prāṇa)
Hebrew: רוּחַ (Ruach)
Arabic: نَفْس (Nafs)

Pneuma in Stoic philosophy refers to the vital spirit or breath that permeates all things. It serves as both the life force and the organizing principle of the universe. Pneuma has varying grades, from the basic unifying force in inanimate objects to the rational soul in humans. It provides the structure and function of matter, giving life and cohesion to all forms of existence. The divine pneuma is the cosmic force that upholds the order of the universe, connecting everything through its presence.


Poiotēs (Ποιότης)
Quality or Nature
Latin: Qualitas
Sanskrit: गुण (Guṇa)
Hebrew: איכות (Eichut)
Arabic: جودة (Jawdah)

Poiotēs describes the essential characteristics or qualities of something, distinguishing its nature or intrinsic properties. In ancient Greek philosophy, it refers to the qualitative aspects of things, such as color, texture, or the inherent nature of a substance or being.


Politeia (noun): "constitution, citizenship"
Latin: Res publica
Sanskrit: राज्यसंविधान (Rājyasaṃvidhāna)
Hebrew: מַדִינָה (Medinah)
Arabic: دُسْتُور (Dustūr)

The term politeia in ancient Greece referred broadly to the organization of the polis, encompassing everything from the rights and duties of citizens to the constitution that governed the community. Plato’s Republic (Politeia) is not only about political structures but delves into how the moral character of individuals influences the health of the state. The ideal politeia for Plato would be one ruled by philosopher-kings, ensuring that the city’s laws and customs align with the good.


Politès (noun; pl. politai): "citizen"
Latin: Civis
Sanskrit: नागर (Nāgara)
Hebrew: אֶזְרָח (Ezrach)
Arabic: مُوَاطِن (Muwāṭin)

A politès was a free male citizen in ancient Greece, typically native to the city, enjoying certain rights and duties within the polis. In Athens, citizenship excluded women, slaves, and resident aliens (metics), who did not have the full privileges of politai. Plato’s discussions about the politès emphasize the moral and civic responsibilities attached to being part of the community, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual virtue and collective well-being.


Politikos (adjective): "of or relating to the city and its citizens"
Latin: Politicus
Sanskrit: राजनैतिक (Rājanaitika)
Hebrew: פּוֹלִיטִי (Politi)
Arabic: سِيَاسِيّ (Siyāsī)

The term politikos describes anything pertaining to governance, civic life, or the administration of the polis. For Plato, the distinction between politikos and other terms like philosophos (philosopher) and sophist is critical. In his dialogues, Plato argues for a true politikos—a wise and virtuous ruler who leads not for personal gain but for the good of the city—contrasting this with the manipulative and self-serving rhetoric of sophists.


Positive Ego (Ἐπιστήμη - Episteme)

Latin: Scientia
Sanskrit: ज्ञान (Jñāna)
Hebrew: דעת (Da'at)
Arabic: علم (Ilm)

The Positive Ego also aligns with Episteme, true knowledge or intellectual insight into the nature of reality. This ego expresses wisdom and understanding, allowing the individual to live harmoniously with both self and the cosmic order, bridging the personal and the universal.

Negative Ego (Πάθος - Pathos)

Latin: Passio
Sanskrit: दुःख (Duḥkha)
Hebrew: ייסורים (Yisurim)
Arabic: معاناة (Mu'ānāh)

The Negative Ego is dominated by Pathos, emotional disturbances, and passions that cloud judgment and prevent spiritual alignment. Driven by selfish desires, this ego steers the soul away from reason and into a life governed by fleeting


Positive Ego (Λόγος - Logos)

Latin: Ratio
Sanskrit: बुद्धि (Buddhi)
Hebrew: שכל (Sekhel)
Arabic: عقل (ʿAql)

The Positive Ego represents the aspect of self that engages with the world constructively and in harmony with the cosmic order. Governed by Logos, it embodies reason and wisdom, maintaining individuality while recognizing the soul's deeper connection to the divine.


Pothos (Πόθος)

Latin: Desiderium
Sanskrit: तृष्णा (Tṛṣṇā)
Hebrew: געגוע (Ga'agua)
Arabic: شوق (Shawq)

Pothos expresses the deep longing for the divine, a yearning that compels the soul toward spiritual realization. It is the complementary force to Eros, driving the individual’s desire for unity with the higher, transcendent reality. In Neoplatonic mysticism, it describes the soul’s intrinsic desire to return to its source, complementing Eros as the driving force for union with the divine. This yearning reflects the soul's aspiration for spiritual ascent and connection with the ultimate truth.


Pragma (noun; pl. pragmata): "action, affair"
Latin: Res
Sanskrit: कार्य (Kārya)
Hebrew: דָּבָר (Davar)
Arabic: شَيْء (Shay’)

A pragma refers to an action, event, or matter of concern, often translated as "thing" but carrying the connotation of something achieved or accomplished through activity. It has a dynamic quality, highlighting how actions produce tangible outcomes. In Plato’s usage, pragma contrasts with passive experiences (pathèmata), emphasizing the active role of humans in shaping reality through deliberate effort.


Prattein (verb): "to act, accomplish"
Latin: Agere
Sanskrit: कर्तुं (Kartum)
Hebrew: לַעֲשׂוֹת (La’asot)
Arabic: يَفْعَلُ (Yaf‘alu)

The verb prattein implies deliberate action, the opposite of paschein (to suffer or be acted upon). Plato’s philosophical discussions often revolve around the importance of rational, purposeful action, where prattein embodies the ideal of the human capacity to shape both personal destiny and the greater order of the polis through intelligent and virtuous deeds.

Phaneropepsía (Φανεροπέψια)

Clear Absorption or Manifest Clarity
Latin: Manifestatio Absorptionis
Sanskrit: स्वाभास समर्पण (Svābhāsa Samarpaṇa)
Hebrew: התגלות הספיגה (Hitgalut HaSefigah)
Arabic: وضوح الامتصاص (Wudūḥ Al-Imtisāṣ)

Phaneropepsía combines "phaneros" (φανερός), meaning "manifest" or "clear," with "pepsis" (πέψις), meaning "digestion" or "absorption." It refers to the natural clarity and presence of mind, where mental phenomena are self-liberating in their manifest clarity. This concept reflects a state of heightened awareness where thoughts and experiences are fully absorbed and dissolve effortlessly, symbolizing the natural clarity of Rigpa.


Phantasma (noun; pl. phantasmata):
Apparition, phantom, vision
Latin: Phantasma
Sanskrit: मरीचिका (Marīcikā)
Hebrew: דִּמְיוֹן (Dimyon)
Arabic: طيف (Ṭayf)

Phantasma refers to an image or reflection that appears to the senses, but does not represent the actual essence of a thing. Plato uses this term in the Republic to describe reflections and shadows, such as those in bodies of water, in the analogy of the line and the allegory of the cave. These images are illusions that represent a distorted or incomplete version of reality, which the soul must move beyond to achieve true knowledge.

Prohairesis (Προαίρεσις) – Moral Choice or Will

Responsibility for Choices
Latin: Voluntas Moralis
Sanskrit: विकल्प (Vikalpa) नैतिक संकल्प (Naitika Sankalpa)
Hebrew: בְּחִירָה (Bechirah)
Arabic: إرادة (Irada) الإرادة الأخلاقية (Al-Irāda Al-Akhlāqīya)

Meaning: Prohairesis is the Stoic concept of moral choice or rational will. It represents the faculty that allows individuals to make decisions and judgments, exercising responsibility for their actions. In Stoic philosophy, prohairesis is considered the only thing under a person’s control, everything else is external and indifferent.
Usage: Epictetus emphasizes prohairesis in his teachings, arguing that we cannot control external events, but we are fully responsible for our responses through the choices we make.
Connection: This term embodies the Stoic belief that our character is defined by our inner decisions and moral integrity, not by external circumstances.


Prohodos (Πρόοδος)

Procession
Latin: Processio
Sanskrit: प्रसरण (Prasaraṇa)
Hebrew: יציאה (Yetzia)
Arabic: انبثاق (Inbiṭāq)

Prohodos refers to the phase of emanation, during which life flows forth from the One, representing the outpouring of existence from the ultimate source. This process begins as a formless, infinite stream that progressively gives rise to multiplicity and diversity, allowing for the creation of the cosmos. In Plotinian thought, Prohodos symbolizes the initial movement away from pure unity, associated with the dynamic, generative aspect of the divine.


Prolepsis (Πρόληψις)

Preconception, Prejudice
Latin: Praejudicium
Sanskrit: पूर्वधारणा (Pūrvadhāraṇā)
Hebrew: דעה קדומה (De'ah Qedumah)
Arabic: تحيز (Taḥayuz)

Prolepsis refers to preconceptions or biases that shape how reality is understood. In spiritual ego, this manifests as the mistaken belief that one has reached a higher state of spiritual realization than is actually the case. These false beliefs impede the soul's journey back to The One, creating barriers to true enlightenment.


Prolēpsis Aeidion Nous (Πρόληψις Αἰδίων Νούς)

Eternal Intuition of the Mind
Latin: Praenotio Aeterna Mentis
Sanskrit: सनातन बुद्धि (Sanātana Buddhi)
Hebrew: הבנה נצחית של השכל (Havanah Nitzchit Shel HaSechel)
Arabic: الإدراك الأبدي للعقل (Al-Idrāk Al-Abadī Lil-'Aql)

Prolēpsis Aeidion Nous translates to "eternal intuition of the mind," combining "prolēpsis" (intuition or preconception) with "aeidion" (eternal) and "nous" (mind or intellect). It represents the eternal, intuitive recognition of the mind's self-liberating nature, echoing the primordial and ever-present quality of Rigpa.


Proodos (Πρόοδος)

Procession
Latin: Processio
Sanskrit: प्रसारण (Prasāraṇa)
Hebrew: תהליך (Tahalikh)
Arabic: الانبثاق (Al-Inbiṭāq)

Proodos means procession, signifying the emanation or unfolding from The One. It represents the movement from unity into multiplicity, where the Nous (Divine Intellect) or the soul proceeds outward from the source. Proodos is the dynamic force that brings the cosmos and all beings into existence, embodying the transition from indivisibility into diversity, and from the source into creation.


Proskollisis (Προσκόλλησις)

Latin: Adhaesio
Sanskrit: आसक्ति (Āsakti)
Hebrew: התקשרות (Hitkashrut)
Arabic: التعلق (At-ta‘alluq)

Proskollisis refers to attachment, particularly to material things and desires. This condition binds the soul to the physical world, making it difficult to transcend and attain higher spiritual realities. Detaching from proskollisis is essential for spiritual liberation.


Prosochē (προσοχή)

Latin: Attentio
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: תשומת לב (Tsumat Lev)
Arabic: الانتباه (Al-Intibāh)

Prosochē in Stoic philosophy refers to the practice of vigilant attention or mindfulness, maintaining constant awareness of one’s thoughts and actions to align with reason and virtue.


Pseudepigrapha

The term Pseudepigrapha refers to ancient writings that are falsely attributed to biblical figures or other famous authors. In religious contexts, particularly in Judaism and Christianity, the Pseudepigrapha includes texts written under assumed names, often claiming to contain secret revelations or teachings. These writings are typically considered non-canonical but provide valuable insight into early religious thought and the diversity of beliefs within those traditions.


Pseudepigrapha (Ψευδεπίγραφα, Pseudepígrapha)

Falsely Attributed Writings
Latin: Pseudepigrapha
Sanskrit: मिथ्यालेख (Mithyālekha)
Hebrew: פסידו-אפיגרפה (Pseido-Afigrafa)
Arabic: الكتابات المزيفة (Al-Kitābāt Al-Muzayafa)

Pseudepigrapha refers to a collection of ancient books falsely attributed to biblical figures or prophets. These texts, which were excluded from the canonical Bible, hold significance in theological and historical studies but are not considered authentic by most religious authorities. The term highlights the importance of discerning authentic religious teachings from spurious ones.


Psyche (Ψυχή)

Latin: Anima
Sanskrit: आत्मा (Ātmā)
Hebrew: נפש (Nefesh)
Arabic: نفس (Nafs)

Psychè refers to the soul or life force, representing the immaterial part of human beings that animates the body. For Plato, it is the principle of life and motion, making it central to understanding what it means to be human. The psychè is what distinguishes living beings from inanimate matter, and its nature and destiny, especially after death, remain one of Plato's core philosophical inquiries. The tripartite division of the psuchè in Plato’s works, logistikon (reason), epithumètikon (desire), and thumoeides (spirit), illustrates the complex inner life and moral psychology of individuals. Plato’s exploration of the soul seeks to understand how the psychè relates to the pursuit of virtue and the good life.


Psyche Desmos (Ψυχὴ Δεσμὸς)

Soul Bound to the Body
Latin: Anima Vincula Corporis
Sanskrit: आत्मा बंधन (Ātmā Bandhana)
Hebrew: נשמה קשורה לגוף (Neshamah Keshura LaGuf)
Arabic: الروح مقيدة بالجسد (Al-Rūḥ Muqayyada bi'l-Jasad)

Psyche Desmos refers to the soul being bound to the body through attachment to material existence. In Plotinus' system, this binding prevents the soul from realizing its higher nature by keeping it focused on the physical self and individual personality, leading to spiritual stagnation and misidentification with the lower faculties of existence.


Psyche Kosmike (Ψυχὴ Κοσμική)

Latin: Anima Mundi
Sanskrit: ब्रह्मांड आत्मा (Brahmāṇḍ Ātmā)
Hebrew: נשמת העולם (Nishmat Ha'Olam)
Arabic: روح الكون (Rūḥ al-Kawn)

Psyche Kosmike refers to the soul of the universe, the animating force that orders and gives life to all beings. It connects the intelligible and material realms, ensuring the flow of life and order throughout the cosmos. This soul is integral in maintaining cosmic harmony and guiding all existence back to its divine origin.


Psychopompós (Ψυχοπομπός)

Guide of Souls
Latin: Psychopompus
Sanskrit: यमदूत (Yamadūta)
Hebrew: מַלְאָךְ מָוֶת (Mal'ach Mavet)
Arabic: ملَك المَوت (Malak al-Mawt)

Psychopompós refers to a spiritual guide or deity responsible for leading souls to the afterlife. In Greek tradition, figures like Hermes served as psychopomps, guiding the souls of the dead to the underworld. This concept exists in various spiritual traditions and is akin to the role of Yamadūta in Hinduism or the Angel of Death in Abrahamic faiths. The psychopomp ensures the soul's safe passage to its next stage of existence.


Quies (Latin)

Rest, Calm, or Quietness
Greek: Ἡσυχία (Hesychia)
Sanskrit: शान्ति (Śānti)
Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם (Shalom)
Arabic: سكينة (Sakīna)

Meaning: "Quies" translates to rest, calm, or stillness. It denotes a state of inner tranquility, often used in religious and philosophical contexts to describe mental peace free from disturbance.
Usage: Roman philosophers like Seneca and Christian theologians used quies to describe the ideal state of emotional equilibrium, akin to the Stoic pursuit of apatheia (freedom from passions).
Connection: Quies can be compared to samatha in Eastern meditation, where the focus is on cultivating inner calm and mental clarity.


reason, spirit, and desire


recovery or death


remains constant and is what gives the object its meaning. The choice of klinè over other objects emphasizes how form and purpose are integral to understanding Platonic ideas.


Rhèma (ῥῆμα)
Expression, phrase, verb
Latin: Verbum
Sanskrit: वाक्य (Vākya)
Hebrew: דָּבָר (Davar)
Arabic: كَلِمَة (Kalima)

Rhèma primarily refers to a phrase or expression, and in a grammatical sense, it is often associated with verbs. Plato contrasts rhèma with onoma (name), suggesting that meaningful discourse requires both nouns and verbs, naming things and describing actions. In the Sophist, the Eleatic Stranger uses rhèma in the sense of a "verb," defining it as a word indicating action. The term emphasizes the dynamic aspect of speech, reflecting Plato’s deeper inquiry into the structure of language and its role in expressing reality and thought.


Sahaja Samādhi (सहज समाधि)

Natural, Spontaneous Samādhi
Greek: Physikós Synénoia (Φυσικός Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio Naturalis
Sanskrit: सहज समाधि (Sahaja Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות טבעית (Hitbonenut Tivit)
Arabic: تأمل طبيعي (Ta'ammul Tabee'i)

Sahaja Samādhi describes a natural and effortless meditative absorption. Physikós Synénoia represents this spontaneous unity of mind with no effort or contrivance.


Saṃhāra (संहार) – Dissolution, Reabsorption, Retraction

Greek Equivalent: "Katálysis" (Κατάλυσις)
Latin: Resolutio
Hebrew: התפרקות (Hitparkut)
Arabic: انحلال (Inḥilāl)

Katálysis means dissolution or a bringing to an end. It refers to the breakdown or reabsorption of elements back into their origin, akin to Saṃhāra, where the universe retracts into a state of dissolution, completing the cosmic cycle.


Samprajñāta Samādhi (सम्प्रज्ञात समाधि)

Cognitive Samādhi
Greek: Syntonía Synnoía (Συμφωνία Συννoία)
Latin: Contemplatio Cognitiva
Sanskrit: सम्प्रज्ञात समाधि (Samprajñāta Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות הכרתית (Hitbonenut Hakartit)
Arabic: تأمل معرفي (Ta'ammul Ma'rifi)

Samprajñāta Samādhi is a meditative state accompanied by cognitive awareness. Syntonía Synnoía combines the concepts of harmony and awareness, symbolizing a harmonious mental absorption.


Savikalpa Samādhi (सविकल्प समाधि)

Samādhi with Distinctions
Greek: Diákrisis Synénoia (Διάκρισις Συνένοια)
Latin: Contemplatio cum Distinctionibus
Sanskrit: सविकल्प समाधि (Savikalpa Samādhi)
Hebrew: התבוננות עם הבחנות (Hitbonenut Im Havchanot)
Arabic: تأمل مع تمييز (Ta'ammul Ma'a Tamyeez)

Savikalpa Samādhi refers to a meditative state where distinctions between subject and object still exist. The term Diákrisis Synénoia combines "Diákrisis" (distinction) with "Synénoia" (mental union), representing an awareness that maintains cognitive separation but remains deeply absorbed.


Schèma (σχῆμα)
Form, shape, figure
Latin: Forma
Sanskrit: रूप (Rūpa)
Hebrew: צוּרָה (Tzurah)
Arabic: شَكْل (Shakl)

Schèma refers to the external form or shape of something, especially in a geometric context. Derived from the verb echein ("to have"), it implies possession of a particular form or structure. Plato often uses schèma to describe the visible outline of objects, but it also has metaphorical implications in philosophy when discussing forms and ideas. In the Meno, schèma is used to help explain abstract ideas, demonstrating how the form of an object can serve as a bridge between the visible and the intelligible, thus playing a foundational role in understanding Plato's theory of forms.


Schèma (noun) (σχῆμα)
English: "form, shape"

Schèma refers to form or shape, particularly in geometry. Derived from the verb echein (to have), it emphasizes external appearances and is sometimes synonymous with eidos or idea. In the Meno, Socrates uses schèma in its geometric sense to illustrate the concept of defining a common form shared by multiple entities.


Self (ἑαυτός, Heauton)

Latin: Ipsum
Sanskrit: आत्मन् (Ātman)
Hebrew: עצמו (Atzmo)
Arabic: ذاته (Dhātuh)

Self (ἑαυτός) in Neoplatonism is not typically used to describe The One, as The One transcends all categories of being, intellect, and soul. However, in the mystical experience of union with The One, the individual soul (Psyche) recognizes a profound identification with this universal ground, similar to how Atman is realized as non-distinct from Brahman in Advaita Vedanta.


Self-Knowledge and Care of the Soul (Gnōthi Seauton)

For Michel Foucault, the care of one's well-being involves a deep form of self-knowledge. The ancient Greek imperative Γνῶθι Σεαυτόν ("know thyself"), inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, is central to philosophical introspection. It calls for an understanding of one's own nature, limitations, and responsibilities. This principle is echoed in Stoic, Platonic, and Christian traditions, emphasizing that personal and ethical care requires a clear knowledge of oneself and one's relation to the world.


self-realization, union with the divine, and transcendence of the ego. Alternatively, Hieró Érgon (Ἱερό Ἔργον), or "Sacred Work," emphasizes the sacred nature of this transformative process.


Siope (Σιωπή)

Latin: Silentium
Sanskrit: मौन (Mauna)
Hebrew: שתיקה (Shtikah)
Arabic: صمت (Ṣamt)

Siope refers to the profound silence of the mind and ego, a necessary state in spiritual practice to transcend ordinary thought. This silence is not merely the absence of sound but the quieting of mental noise, allowing deeper communion with the divine.


so that each part functions properly within its role. This internal order mirrors societal justice, where each person performs their assigned role for the greater good. Thus, dikaiosunè is both a personal and social virtue, fundamental to achieving the good life.


something that exists as opposed to something that does not exist.
Philosophical Context:
In Platonism, the ὄν is associated with the Forms or Ideas, perfect, eternal entities that truly exist in the realm of intelligibles, as opposed to the changeable and impermanent things in the physical world.
In Aristotle, ὄν is central to ontology, the study of being, and refers to both actual beings in the world and the underlying reality or essence of things.


Sophistès (σοφιστής)
Sophist, expert
Latin: Sophista
Sanskrit: विद्वान् (Vidvān)
Hebrew: חָכָם (Chakam)
Arabic: مُعَلِّم (Mu'allim)

Sophistès originally referred to someone who was an expert or master of a particular craft. By the time of Socrates and Plato, however, it took on a pejorative connotation, describing itinerant teachers of rhetoric and public speaking who charged high fees to teach wealthy young men. These sophists often prioritized persuasion over truth, which led to their being criticized by philosophers like Plato. Prominent sophists, such as Protagoras, Gorgias, and Thrasymachus, appear in Plato’s dialogues, often representing the misleading use of rhetoric in opposition to genuine philosophical inquiry.


Sophos (σοφός)
Wise, skilled
Latin: Sapiens
Sanskrit: विद्वान् (Vidvān)
Hebrew: חָכָם (Chakam)
Arabic: حَكِيم (Hakīm)

Sophos denotes wisdom or skill, and in Plato’s philosophy, it represents not just technical expertise but a deep understanding of life and reality. The sophos seeks truth, but Plato is clear that complete wisdom is unattainable for humans. Instead, people can be philosophoi, lovers of wisdom, constantly striving toward understanding. Plato’s dialogues emphasize that the search for wisdom requires humility, as those who claim to possess it are often the furthest from the truth. This exploration of sophia underpins the contrast between philosophers and sophists, the latter being more concerned with appearances than with true knowledge.


Polis (noun; plural poleis): "city"
Latin: Civitas
Sanskrit: नगर (Nagara)
Hebrew: עִיר (Ir)
Arabic: مَدِينَة (Madīnah)

The polis in ancient Greece referred not only to a city in a geographic sense but to a political community of citizens (politai). It was a self-sufficient unit that included an urban center and the surrounding countryside, operating as an independent state with its own laws, government, and military. When Plato speaks of the polis, he is concerned with its role as the environment that shapes individuals and their ethical lives, rather than merely its physical infrastructure. The polis represents the complete socio-political unit that embodies the philosophical concerns of justice, governance, and citizenship.


Sôphrosunè (σωφροσύνη)
Temperance, moderation, self-control
Latin: Temperantia
Sanskrit: संयम (Saṃyama)
Hebrew: יִרְאַת הַשָּׁמַיִם (Yirat HaShamayim)
Arabic: تَعَقُّل (Ta'aqqul)

Sôphrosunè refers to temperance or self-control, derived from sôs (safe, sound) and phrèn (mind, intellect). It represents a form of moderation, especially in managing desires and passions, and is considered an essential virtue in Plato's ethical framework. In the Charmides, Plato explores this concept in relation to wisdom, showing that self-control is a stepping stone toward achieving deeper philosophical insight. Sôphrosunè balances desires, ensuring that reason governs the soul in harmony with one's actions and emotions.


Sophrosyne (Σωφροσύνη)

Temperance and Self-Control
Latin: Temperantia
Sanskrit: सत्त्व (Sattva)
Hebrew: תבונה מוסרית (T'vunah Musarit)
Arabic: التعقل (At-Ta'akkul)

Sophrosyne is the ancient Greek concept of sound-mindedness, moderation, and self-control. It represents a well-balanced individual who embodies virtues such as prudence, purity, and temperance. Similar to the Chinese zhōngyōng and the Indian sattva, sophrosyne is seen as a harmonious alignment of character that counters excesses like hubris and fosters moral and intellectual virtue.


Sōtēria (Σωτηρία)

Salvation or Deliverance
Latin: Salus
Sanskrit: मोक्ष (Mokṣa)
Hebrew: ישועה (Yeshuʿah)
Arabic: خلاص (Khalāṣ)

Sōtēria means "salvation" or "deliverance," often referring to rescue from danger or the state of being saved, particularly in a spiritual or eternal sense. In Christian theology, it signifies salvation from sin and reconciliation with God, but in a broader context, it encompasses preservation and protection in a variety of perilous situations, spiritual or physical.


Spiritus

Latin: Spirit
Sanskrit: आत्मन् (Ātman)
Hebrew: רוח (Ruach)
Arabic: روح (Rūḥ)

Spiritus refers to the spiritual essence or soul, the animating force within all living beings. It signifies the connection between individual consciousness and the greater divine reality. Spiritus is the vital breath that sustains both life and spiritual awareness, linking the human soul to the infinite, unseen realms that shape existence.


Spoudaîos (σπουδαῖος)

Virtuous or Serious Person
Latin: Virtuosus
Sanskrit: उत्तम (Uttama)
Hebrew: יָשָׁר (Yashar)
Arabic: جاد (Jād)

Spoudaîos refers to a person who is serious, earnest, or virtuous. This term was used to describe individuals who are morally upright and committed to living a life of virtue. In the context of ethics, the spoudaîos person is one who takes life seriously, striving toward the good and embodying moral integrity.


Sṛṣṭi (सृष्टि) – Creation, Emission, the Flowing Forth of Self-Expression

Greek Equivalent: "Génesis" (Γένεσις)
Latin: Genitura
Hebrew: בריאה (Beriah)
Arabic: خلق (Khalq)

Génesis refers to creation, origin, or the act of coming into being. It aligns with the idea of an unfolding or self-expression, much like Sṛṣṭi in the cosmic sense. The term Génesis is commonly used in cosmology and theology to describe the origin of the universe or life, corresponding to the flowing forth of creative energy.


Sthiti (स्थिति) – Stasis, Maintenance, and Preservation

Greek Equivalent: "Diaphýlaxis" (Διαφύλαξις)
Latin: Conservatio
Hebrew: שמירה (Shmirah)
Arabic: حفظ (Hifz)

Diaphýlaxis means preservation or maintenance. It conveys the notion of safeguarding and keeping something in its intended state. This reflects the concept of Sthiti, which refers to the maintenance or stability of the created universe, ensuring its ongoing existence and balance.


such as wealth, fame, and power


Sympatheia (Συμπάθεια) – Cosmic Interconnectedness

Universal Connection
Latin: Consociatio Universalis
Sanskrit: सहानुभूति (Sahānubhūti)
Hebrew: סִימְפַּתִיָּה (Simpatyah)
Arabic: تعاطف كوني (Ta'atuf Kawni)

Meaning: Sympatheia refers to the Stoic belief in the interconnectedness of all things within the cosmos. Everything is part of a larger, divine order.
Usage: Stoic philosophers saw the cosmos as a unified whole, and individuals as integral parts of that order, encouraging an acceptance of all events as necessary and purposeful.
Connection: Sympatheia reinforces the Stoic approach to embracing fate and facing life’s challenges without avoidance, as everything is interwoven in the grand design.


Sympatheia (Συμπάθεια)

Cosmic Interconnectedness
Latin: Communitas
Sanskrit: सहानुभूति (Sahānubhūti)
Hebrew: הזדהות (Hizdaḥut)
Arabic: تعاطف (Ta‘āṭuf)

Sympatheia describes the Stoic belief in the interconnectedness of all things in the cosmos. According to this concept, everything in the universe is part of a single, rational, and living whole. Each part of the cosmos, including individuals, interacts with and depends on others. Sympatheia reflects the idea of mutual exchange and unity, encouraging the Stoic practice of understanding one’s role within the greater whole.


Synaitia Genesis (Συναίτια Γένεσις)

Mutual Causation
Latin: Causa Mutua
Sanskrit: परस्पर कारण (Paraspara Kāraṇa)
Hebrew: סיבה משותפת (Sibah Meshutefet)
Arabic: السببية المشتركة (As-Sababiya Al-Mushtarika)

Synaitia Genesis refers to the concept of mutual causality, where events or phenomena arise together through interdependent causes. In philosophical terms, it represents the idea that nothing exists in isolation and that all things influence each other through interconnected causes and effects. This aligns with the Buddhist concept of dependent origination (Pratītyasamutpāda).


Syndimiourgia (Συνδημιουργία)

Co-Creation
Latin: Co-Creatio
Sanskrit: सहनिर्माण (Sahanirmāṇa)
Hebrew: יצירה משותפת (Yetzira Meshutefet)
Arabic: الخلق المشترك (Al-Khalq al-Mushtarak)

Syndimiourgia refers to co-creation, the act of creating together. It emphasizes the collaboration between humans and the divine in the process of bringing new realities into being. This concept underscores the participatory role of individuals in the ongoing divine creation, grounded in their conscious awareness of their connection to the One.


Synechō (Συνέχω)

To Hold Together or Sustain
Latin: Sustineo
Sanskrit: धारण (Dhāraṇa)
Hebrew: להחזיק יחד (Lahazik Yachad)
Arabic: الحفاظ على (Al-Hifāẓ 'Ala)

Synechō means "to hold together" or "sustain." In the context of samādhi, it represents the sustaining of a unified, stable state of consciousness during deep meditation. This reflects the idea of the mind remaining steady and cohesive in its focused state.


Synergeia Theourgikē (Συνεργία Θεουργική)

Divine Co-Creation
Latin: Cooperatio Theurgica
Sanskrit: दिव्य सह-निर्माण (Divya Saha-Nirmāṇa)
Hebrew: שיתוף פעולה תאורגי (Shituf Peula Theurgi)
Arabic: التعاون الإلهي (Al-Taʿāwun Al-Ilāhī)

Synergeia Theourgikē expresses the active collaboration between humans and the divine in the process of creation, grounded in the awareness of the One. It emphasizes the role of human participation in divine acts, where creation is a joint venture between the human and the sacred.


Synkéntrōsis Dynameōn (Συγκέντρωσις Δυνάμεων)

Contraction of the Sense Energies in the Heart
Latin: Concentratio Virium
Sanskrit: शक्तिः-संकोच (Śakti-saṅkoca)
Hebrew: ריכוז הכוחות בלב (Rikuz Hakhoachot Balev)
Arabic: تركيز الطاقات في القلب (Tarkīz at-Tāqāt fī al-Qalb)

Synkéntrōsis Dynameōn means the concentration or contraction of energies, particularly within the heart. This term reflects the inward drawing of sensory and energetic forces, mirroring the Sanskrit Śakti-saṅkoca, where energies are pulled inward to the heart center for focused awareness.


Syntheourgia (Συνθεουργία)

Joint Divine Action
Latin: Actus Divinus Conjunctus
Sanskrit: सह-देवीय क्रिया (Saha-Deviya Kriyā)
Hebrew: פעולה תאורגית משותפת (Peula Theurgit Meshutefet)
Arabic: العمل الإلهي المشترك (Al-ʿAmal Al-Ilāhī Al-Mushtarak)

Syntheourgia emphasizes the shared creative acts between humans and the divine, where both contribute to bringing forth new realities through joint action. It stresses the idea that divine and human energies work together to manifest the sacred in the world.


Taciturnitas (Latin)

Silence or Stillness
Greek: Σιωπή (Siopē)
Sanskrit: मौन (Mauna)
Hebrew: דּוּמִיָּה (Dumiyah)
Arabic: صمت (Samut)

Meaning: "Taciturnitas" refers to silence or stillness, focusing on the practice of maintaining both verbal and mental quiet.
Usage: In Roman culture and Christian monasticism, taciturnitas was seen as a virtue that allowed practitioners to focus on inner contemplation. The practice of silence was essential for developing mental stillness, similar to meditative silence in other traditions.
Connection: Taciturnitas aligns with practices of silence and non-verbal meditation found in traditions like vipassana and Zen meditation, emphasizing the power of stillness in spiritual and philosophical reflection.


Technè (τέχνη)
Art, craft, skill
Latin: Ars
Sanskrit: कला (Kalā)
Hebrew: אוּמָנוּת (Omanut)
Arabic: فَنّ (Fann)

Technè refers to any kind of art, skill, or craft, including manual or intellectual disciplines. In Plato's philosophy, it is sometimes contrasted with epistèmè (knowledge), though the two can be intertwined. Plato uses the term to describe various human activities, from rhetoric to medicine, emphasizing that the true mastery of technè involves not only practical skill but an understanding of its principles and its ethical dimensions. A dialectical art or technè of dialogue plays a key role in philosophical inquiry, guiding the soul toward truth.


Telos (τέλος)

Latin: Finis
Sanskrit: लक्ष्य (Lakṣya)
Hebrew: תכלית (Takhlit)
Arabic: الهدف (Al-Hadaf)

Telos means the ultimate end or purpose of an entity. It represents the guiding principle or goal toward which all beings naturally move. In the spiritual context, Telos involves the realization of higher truths and the fulfillment of one's divine potential. It is the culmination of a soul’s journey toward wholeness, where individual purpose aligns with the universal order. This concept suggests that everything has an inherent purpose tied to its spiritual evolution, whether that is union with the divine or the embodiment of higher wisdom.


Telos (Τέλος)

Latin: Finis
Sanskrit: लक्ष्य (Lakṣya)
Hebrew: תכלית (Tachlit)
Arabic: غاية (Ghāya)

Telos means the ultimate purpose or goal. It signifies the highest aim of existence, which, in spiritual terms, is the return of the soul to its divine origin. Telos encompasses the end to which all beings strive, embodying the completion of spiritual and existential fulfillment.


Telos (τέλος)
End, purpose, goal
Latin: Finis
Sanskrit: अन्त (Anta)
Hebrew: תַּכְלִית (Tachlit)
Arabic: غَايَة (Ghayah)

Telos means "end" in the sense of fulfillment or the ultimate purpose of a process. For Plato, achieving the telos involves the realization of one's full potential, particularly in terms of moral and intellectual excellence. This concept is central to Plato’s ethical thought, as he believes that the good life is one that is directed toward the highest telos, which is the contemplation of the Good itself. The idea of telos also underlies much of his political theory, where the purpose of the state is to cultivate virtuous citizens who can achieve their individual and collective teloi.


Telos (Τέλος)

Purpose or Fulfillment
Latin: Finis
Sanskrit: लक्ष्य (Lakṣya)
Hebrew: מטרה (Matarah)
Arabic: الغاية (Al-Gh

āya)

Telos refers to the inherent purpose or goal that drives beings toward their full potential. In Aristotle’s philosophy, every being has a telos


Tetártos (Τέταρτος)

Turiya (The Fourth State)
Latin: Quartus
Sanskrit: तुरीय (Turiya)
Hebrew: הרביעי (Ha-Revi'i)
Arabic: الحالة الرابعة (Al-Ḥālah Al-Rābiʿah)

Tetártos signifies Turiya, the "fourth state" of consciousness, which transcends the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. It represents a state of pure, non-dual awareness, where the duality of subject and object dissolves, allowing for an experience of unity with the underlying reality of existence. This state of transcendental consciousness is often described as a realization of the true nature of being.


the direct, non-conceptual transmission of understanding or realization. In Buddhism, especially Zen, Noethesis reflects the process by which enlightenment is transmitted non-verbally, beyond conceptual knowledge, through a shared presence and realization between teacher and disciple.


the fundamental reality of an object that makes it what it is. Aristotle distinguishes between primary οὐσία (particular things) and secondary οὐσία (the universal essence of a thing, such as "humanity").
In Plato, οὐσία can be understood as the essence of the Forms, which are the true realities that exist beyond the physical world. The physical world is seen as a shadow or reflection of these eternal Forms, which have true οὐσία.
In Neoplatonism, particularly in Plotinus, οὐσία is part of the metaphysical hierarchy, with The One beyond οὐσία, followed by Nous (Intellect) and Psyche (Soul). οὐσία represents the level of being and essence below the ineffable One.


The Indefinite Dyad (ἀόριστος δυάς, Ahóristos Dyás)

The Principle of Indeterminacy
Latin: Dualitas Indefinita
Sanskrit: अनिश्चित द्वैत्व (Aniśchita Dvaitva)
Hebrew: דואליות בלתי מוגדרת (Dualitas Bilti Mugderet)
Arabic: الثنائية الغير محددة (Ath-Thunāʾiyya Al-Ghayr Muḥaddada)

The Indefinite Dyad represents the principle of indeterminacy, unlimitedness, or ambiguity. It introduces multiplicity, change, and potentiality into the cosmos, standing as the opposite of The One. Known as "the Great and the Small," the Dyad is responsible for distinctions like more and less, bigger and smaller, and excess and deficiency. It introduces relativity and potentiality, giving rise to differentiation and the changing aspects of reality, without which the world would lack variety and contrast. The Dyad allows for the possibility of multiplicity within the unity established by The One.


The One (τὸ Ἕν, To Hen)

The Principle of Unity
Latin: Unitas
Sanskrit: एकत्व (Ekatva)
Hebrew: אחדות (Aḥdut)
Arabic: الوحدة (Al-Waḥda)

The One refers to the principle of absolute unity and simplicity, from which all multiplicity and differentiation in the cosmos emanate. It is the source of all determinacy and order, giving coherence and structure to both the intelligible and sensible worlds. In Plato’s thought, The One can be linked to the Form of the Good, the highest principle that ensures the order, intelligibility, and purpose of all things. It is beyond being, multiplicity, and division, representing the perfect and complete unity that all beings strive to return to.


the true realities that underpin the material world.


the whatness of a thing, what it truly is beyond its appearances. It is also used to describe the substantial being of something, its core or essential nature.
Philosophical Context:
In Aristotle’s philosophy, οὐσία is closely associated with substance


Theía Anágnōsis (Θεία Ανάγνωση)

Latin: Lectio Divina
Sanskrit: दिव्य अध्ययन (Divya Adhyayana)
Hebrew: קריאה אלוהית (Kri'a Elohit)
Arabic: القراءة الإلهية (Al-Qirāʾah al-Ilāhīyah)

Theía Anágnōsis translates to "Divine Reading," referring to a sacred or spiritual practice of reading texts, practiced in many traditions but consciously developed in Western Christianity as Lectio Divina, which emphasizes meditative engagement with sacred scriptures. This practice can be done alone or in groups.


Theia Boulesis (Θεία Βούλησις)

Divine Will
Latin: Voluntas Divina
Sanskrit: इच्छाशक्ति (Icchā Shakti)
Hebrew: רצון אלוהי (Ratzon Elohi)
Arabic: الإرادة الإلهية (Al-Irāda al-Ilāhiyya)

Theia Boulesis refers to the transcendent will of the One, the primordial divine volition that initiates the manifestation of the cosmos from unity. This is not ordinary will or desire, but the ultimate, absolute will of the divine source that gives rise to all existence.


Theia Energeia (Θεία Ἐνέργεια)

Divine Action or Divine Creative Power
Latin: Actus Divinus
Sanskrit: क्रियाशक्ति (Kriya Shakti)
Hebrew: פעולה אלוהית (Pe'ulah Elohit)
Arabic: الطاقة الإلهية (Al-Ṭāqa al-Ilāhiyya)

Theia Energeia refers to the divine activity or creative power of the One. This term emphasizes the actualization of potential into form, indicating the divine creative force that shapes reality itself, bringing the universe into existence through the ultimate realization of divine will.


Theia Gnosis (Θεία Γνώσις) / Theia Noēsis (Θεία Νόησις)

Divine Knowledge or Divine Intellectual Activity
Latin: Gnosis Divina / Intellegentia Divina
Sanskrit: ज्ञानशक्ति (Jnana Shakti)
Hebrew: דעת אלוהית (Da’at Elohit)
Arabic: المعرفة الإلهية (Al-Ma‘rifa al-Ilāhiyya)

Theia Gnosis refers to divine knowledge or mystical wisdom, representing the pure, transcendent awareness that arises from the One. Alternatively, Theia Noēsis signifies divine intellectual activity, emphasizing the self-contemplating intellect of the Nous, where the divine knows itself and the cosmos.


Theia Makariotēs (Θεία Μακαριότης) / Theia Eudaimonia (Θεία Εὐδαιμονία)

Divine Bliss or Blessedness
Latin: Beatitudo Divina / Felicitas Divina
Sanskrit: आनन्दशक्ति (Ananda Shakti)
Hebrew: אושר אלוהי (Osher Elohi)
Arabic: السعادة الإلهية (Al-Sa‘āda al-Ilāhiyya)

Theia Makariotēs refers to the divine bliss associated with union with the One. Makariotēs expresses the state of blessedness experienced by the divine, while Theia Eudaimonia conveys the idea of ultimate flourishing or spiritual happiness in a divine context, representing the fulfillment and joy of spiritual realization.


Theia Syneidesis (Θεία Συνείδησις) / Theia Noēsis (Θεία Νόησις)

Divine Consciousness or Awareness
Latin: Conscientia Divina / Intellegentia Divina
Sanskrit: चित् शक्ति (Chit Shakti)
Hebrew: תודעה אלוהית (Tuda’a Elohit)
Arabic: الوعي الإلهي (Al-Wa‘y al-Ilāhī)

Theia Syneidesis refers to the all-encompassing divine consciousness of the One, representing the pure, universal awareness that transcends individual perception. Alternatively, Theia Noēsis emphasizes the divine intellect as the self-knowing activity of the Nous, highlighting the absolute consciousness that encompasses and transcends all of creation.


Theia Synergeia (Θεία Συνεργία)

Divine Cooperation
Latin: Cooperatio Divina
Sanskrit: दिव्य सहयोग (Divya Sahayoga)
Hebrew: שיתוף פעולה אלוהי (Shituf Peula Elohi)
Arabic: التعاون الإلهي (Al-Taʿāwun Al-Ilāhī)

Theia Synergeia refers to the divine cooperation between the human and the divine realms, highlighting the partnership where humans work in concert with the divine will. This cooperation reflects a harmonious balance where both human effort and divine guidance intersect.


Theios Aner (Θεῖος Ἀνήρ)

Latin: Vir Divinus
Sanskrit: दिव्य पुरुष (Divya Puruṣa)
Hebrew: איש אלוהי (Ish Elohi)
Arabic: الرجل الإلهي


Themis (Θέμις)

Divine Order
Latin: Lex Naturalis
Sanskrit: ऋत (Ṛta)
Hebrew: חוק אלוהי (Chok Elohi)
Arabic: النظام الإلهي (An-Niẓām Al-Ilāhī)

Themis is the goddess of divine order and natural law, ensuring that the cosmos operates in accordance with universal principles. She presides over the balance of actions and their consequences, maintaining harmony in both the mortal and divine realms. Themis upholds the law of cause and effect, ensuring that every action follows its natural course according to divine will.


Theoria (θεωρία)

Latin: Contemplatio
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: תיאוריה (Teorya)
Arabic: نظرية (Nazarīya)

Theoria refers to the act of contemplation or intellectual vision, particularly in Greek philosophy. In Platonism and Aristotelianism, it is the highest form of intellectual activity, where one contemplates ultimate truths or divine realities. In mystery schools, it is akin to the experience of divine vision or truth beyond sensory perception.


Theoria (Θεωρία)

Contemplation
Latin: Contemplatio
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: חֶשְׁבּוֹן הַנֶּפֶשׁ (Cheshbon HaNefesh)
Arabic: تأمل (Ta'ammul)

Theoria means "contemplation" or "viewing," often associated with intellectual meditation on higher truths. In Platonic and Aristotelian traditions, it refers to the activity of contemplating eternal truths or the divine. This mental stillness resembles Eastern practices like dhyana or jnana yoga, where the goal is to understand reality through deep contemplation.


Theos (Θεός)

Latin: Deus
Sanskrit: देव (Deva)
Hebrew: אל (El)
Arabic: الله (Allāh)

Theos refers to God or a deity, representing the highest level of being in spiritual and intellectual traditions. The gods are manifestations of divine intellect and order, playing roles in the cosmic structure and the soul’s ascent toward the divine source.


Theourgia (Θεουργία)

Latin: Divina Opus
Sanskrit: दिव्य कार्य (Divya Kārya)
Hebrew: עבודה אלהית (Avodah Elohit)
Arabic: العمل الإلهي (Al-‘Amal al-Ilahi)

Theourgia is the practice of divine work or theurgy, involving rituals to invoke and interact with divine beings. Through symbolic acts and invocations, practitioners aim to transcend intellectual contemplation and directly commune with the divine, achieving spiritual ascent.


Thiasus (Θίασος)

Latin: Thiasus Sanskrit: संघ (Sangha) Hebrew: חבורה (Chavura) Arabic: جماعة (Jama'ah)

The Thiasus (Θίασος) refers to a spiritual or religious community, similar to the concept of Sangha or Kula in Eastern traditions, where members gather for spiritual practice, devotion, or communal activities centered around shared beliefs. This term embodies the collective aspect of spiritual engagement, emphasizing fellowship and unity.

Historically, in Greek mythology, the Thiasus was the ecstatic retinue of Dionysus. This group was often depicted as participating in processions or celebrations, symbolizing divine worship and connection. The grandest of these processions was Dionysus’s triumphant return from India, as narrated in Nonnus's Dionysiaca.


things exist insofar as they can be truly understood through their relation to the Good.


Thumos (θυμός)
Spirit, courage, emotion
Latin: Animus
Sanskrit: साहस (Sāhasa)
Hebrew: רוּחַ (Ruach)
Arabic: حَمَاسَة (Hamāsah)

Thumos refers to the spirited part of the soul that is responsible for emotions such as anger, courage, and the sense of honor. In Plato's tripartite division of the soul in the Republic, thumos acts as the intermediary between reason (logistikon) and desire (epithumètikon). It is the source of impulses that respond to challenges, whether in defense of personal dignity or in pursuit of justice. While thumos is necessary for action and assertiveness, it must be governed by reason to ensure that it serves the greater good rather than personal pride or aggression.


Thymatismos (Θυματισμός)

Victimhood
Latin: Victimitas
Sanskrit: पीड़िता मानसिकता (Pīḍitā Mān-sikta)
Hebrew: תחושת הקורבן (T'chushat Ha'Korban)
Arabic: عقلية الضحية (ʿAqliyyat Aḍ-Ḍaḥiyya)

Thymatismos refers to the state of victimhood, encompassing both the condition and mindset of seeing oneself as a victim. It highlights the psychological aspect of feeling wronged or oppressed, and, in a broader context, how this can shape personal identity and worldview.

Tirodhāna (तिरोधान) – Concealment, Occlusion, Forgetting

Greek Equivalent: "Apókripsis" (Απόκρυψις)
Latin: Occultatio
Hebrew: הסתרה (Hastarah)
Arabic: إخفاء (Ikhfāʼ)

Apókripsis means concealment, hiding, or occlusion. It conveys the idea of something being hidden or veiled, which corresponds to the concept of Tirodhāna as the act of forgetting or obscuring knowledge, a key step in the cyclical cosmic processes.


To Agathon and To Kakón (Τὸ Ἀγαθόν και Τὸ Κακόν)

The Good and The Bad
Latin: Bonum et Malum
Sanskrit: सद् और असद् (Sad Aur Asad)
Hebrew: הטוב והרע (HaTov VeHaRa)
Arabic: الخير والشر (Al-Khayr Wa-Ash-Sharr)

To Agathon (the Good) and To Kakón (the Bad/Evil) represent the moral duality present in Platonic thought. They mirror the conflict between the virtuous aspects of the self and the darker, base instincts. This concept symbolizes the internal struggle, which is key in many philosophical and spiritual systems, much like the process of integrating the shadow in Jungian psychology.


Tonicê Kinêsis (Τονικὴ Κίνησις)

Tensile Motion
Latin: Motus Tensionis
Sanskrit: तनाव गति (Tanāv Gati)
Hebrew: תנועה מתוחה (Tenuah Metuchah)
Arabic: الحركة المشدودة (Al-Ḥaraka Al-Mashdūda)

Tonicê Kinêsis refers to the concept of "tensile motion" in Stoic philosophy, describing the inner tension and energy that gives form and cohesion to all things in the universe. This concept emphasizes how pneuma (spirit or breath) moves outward to create quality and quantity, while simultaneously moving inward to maintain unity and substance.


Trapeza (τράπεζα)
Table
Latin: Mensa
Sanskrit: मेज (Meja)
Hebrew: שֻׁלְחָן (Shulchan)
Arabic: طَاوِلَة (Tāwilah)

Trapeza means "table" and plays an illustrative role in Plato’s dialogues, particularly in discussions about forms and practical objects. In Republic X, Plato uses the example of a table alongside a bed to differentiate between the material object and its ideal form (eidos). The word derives from tetra (four) and peza (foot), emphasizing its four-legged structure. Plato's use of trapeza symbolizes the distinction between visible, physical objects and their deeper, conceptual realities.


Tyche (Τύχη)

Fortune
Latin: Fortuna
Sanskrit: भाग्य (Bhāgya)
Hebrew: מזל (Mazal)
Arabic: الحظ (Al-Ḥaẓẓ)

Tyche is the goddess of fortune, chance, and luck. While she governs the randomness of life, her role is intertwined with causality, where unforeseen events and luck contribute to the unfolding of one’s destiny. Tyche represents the unpredictability of life’s outcomes, which are often influenced by both karma and chance.


Via Negativa (ὁδὸς ἀποφατική)

The Negative Way
Latin: Via Negativa
Sanskrit: निषेध मार्ग (Niṣedha Mārga)
Hebrew: דרך השלילה (Derekh HaShlilah)
Arabic: الطريقة السلبية (Al-Ṭarīqah al-Salbīyah)

Via Negativa refers to a method of describing the divine or ultimate reality by negation, focusing on what it is not, rather than affirming positive attributes. This approach emphasizes the incomprehensibility of the divine, asserting that it transcends human concepts and language. It is often used in Christian, Neoplatonic, and mystical traditions to describe the ineffable nature of God or The One.


when individuals subject their opinions to critique and discussion, they strive for a consensus grounded in truth. This self-consistency over time marks the distinction between one who knows and one who merely holds an opinion.

Homologia (ὁμολογία)

Agreement
Latin: Consensus
Sanskrit: सहमति (Sahamati)
Hebrew: הסכמה (Haskamah)
Arabic: اتفاق (Ittifaq)

Homologia is the noun form of homologein and refers to the state of agreement or accord. In Platonic philosophy, homologia is the goal of dialectical discussion, where participants seek alignment in their understanding of truth through dialogue and shared reasoning.


whether material possessions or something more profound, such as moral and intellectual virtue. Plato often plays with this dual meaning, challenging the assumption that material wealth equates to real substance or essence. His usage of ousia therefore reflects a deeper inquiry into what truly constitutes the "substance" of a good and meaningful life, linking it to the concept of the Good (to agathon).

Oikeiôsis (Οἰκείωσις)

Internal and External Appropriation
Latin: Appropiatio
Sanskrit: आत्मसात्करण (Ātmasātkarana)
Hebrew: התאמה פנימית וחיצונית (Hit'amah Pnimít Ve'Chitzonít)
Arabic: التملك الداخلي والخارجي (At-Tamalluk Ad-Dākhili Wa-Al-Khāriji)

Oikeiôsis refers to the Stoic concept of appropriation or familiarization. It is the process by which living beings extend care for themselves and others. Hierocles divided it into internal (self-appropriation and constitution) and external forms (familiarization with others and external goods). This concept serves as the basis for Stoic theories of "appropriate acts" or duties, where acts are seen as a natural extension of care, first for oneself and then for others, aligning with the universal principle of "living in accordance with nature."


whether philosophical or civilizational


who weave the destiny of gods and mortals. They control the thread of life, determining each individual's fate from birth to death. Their role in deciding one's destiny mirrors the idea of karmic consequence, where the fabric of life is shaped by past actions.


you’re on an inspiring journey!


you’re on an inspiring journey!


your journey of growth is always leading you to higher truths!


your journey of growth is always leading you to higher truths!


Zèn (ζῆν)
To live
Latin: Vivere
Sanskrit: जीवित (Jīvit)
Hebrew: חַיִּים (Chayim)
Arabic: عَيْش (Aish)

Zèn means "to live," typically referring to the life of animals and humans. For Plato, the act of living is more than mere biological survival; it involves the pursuit of higher knowledge and ethical fulfillment. Life (zèn) is closely related to the possession of a psuchè (soul), which animates beings and gives them the capacity for movement, perception, and thought. In his works, Plato discusses the importance of living a life that is aligned with virtue and the higher good.


Zôion (ζῷον)
Living being, animal
Latin: Animal
Sanskrit: प्राणी (Prāṇī)
Hebrew: בַּעַל חַיִּים (Ba'al Chayim)
Arabic: حَيَوَان (Hayawān)

Zôion refers to any living creature, particularly animals, in contrast to phuton (plants). Plato uses the term to describe the animate beings that possess a psuchè (soul), which allows them to move independently and perceive their surroundings. In the Republic, zôia are distinguished from inanimate objects due to their capacity for self-movement and sensation. Plato's classification of living beings highlights the distinction between those that can act and react and those that grow passively, contributing to his broader exploration of the nature of life and the soul.


Ἄδηλος (Adelos)

Latin: Incertus
Sanskrit: अस्पष्ट (Aspaṣṭa)
Hebrew: לא ברור (Lo Barur)
Arabic: غير واضح (Ghayr Wāḍiḥ)

Adelos refers to that which is unclear or obscure, whether in perception or thought. Recognizing the presence of Adelos promotes humility and the understanding that not all phenomena can be fully grasped by the senses or the intellect. By acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in life, this concept encourages an open, receptive stance toward the mystery of existence, allowing space for deeper wisdom to emerge.


Ἀπάθεια (Apatheia)

Latin: Impassibilitas
Sanskrit: समत्व (Samatva)
Hebrew: אדישות (Adishut)
Arabic: لامبالاة (Lā-mubālāt)

Apatheia is the state of being free from emotional disturbances, allowing the soul to remain tranquil and focused. This detachment is not indifference but a cultivated inner peace that leads to greater clarity and connection to the divine. It is a core practice in achieving spiritual alignment.


Ἀπείρων (Apeiron)

Latin: Infinitum
Sanskrit: अनन्त (Ananta)
Hebrew: אין סוף (Ein Sof)
Arabic: غير محدود (Ghayr Maḥdūd)

Apeiron refers to the boundless, infinite aspect of reality, representing the undifferentiated potential from which all things emerge. This concept suggests that the universe originates from an infinite source, which transcends the limitations of form and structure. It calls attention to the dynamic tension between the infinite and the finite in the process of creation, offering insight into the spiritual journey toward understanding and integration.


Ἀταραξία (Ataraxia)

Latin: Tranquillitas
Sanskrit: शान्ति (Śānti)
Hebrew: שלווה (Shalva)
Arabic: سكينة (Sakīna)

Ataraxia refers to a state of tranquility or inner peace, free from disturbance. It is achieved through the suspension of judgment and the avoidance of dogmatic beliefs, allowing one to be present without being swayed by external or internal turbulence. This state reflects a spiritual equilibrium where one experiences clarity and harmony, unburdened by the need for certainty or fixed truths. Ataraxia aligns with the broader human quest for balance between awareness and detachment, facilitating deeper connection with universal consciousness.


αὐτὸ τὸ ὄν (Auto to On)

Latin: Ipsum Esse
Sanskrit: आत्मस्वरूप (Ātmasvarūpa)
Hebrew: היות עצמית (Heyot Atzmit)
Arabic: الذات الوجودية (Al-Dhāt Al-Wujūdiyya)

αὐτὸ τὸ ὄν refers to "being itself," representing the highest level of being before reaching The One in Neoplatonism. It signifies the individualized expression of a universal principle, yet The One is beyond this, as the source of all selfhood and being. The term corresponds to the concept of Atman in Advaita Vedanta, where the individual self is an expression of the universal Brahman.


Δεσμός σώματος (Desmos Somatos)

Bondage of the Body
Latin: Vinculum Corporis
Sanskrit: शरीर बंधन (Śarīra Bandhana)
Hebrew: כבלי הגוף (Kivlei HaGuf)
Arabic: قيود الجسد (Quyūd al-Jasad)

Desmos Somatos refers to the bondage or imprisonment of the soul by the body. Plato, especially in the Phaedo, frequently describes the body as a prison for the soul, from which the soul must seek liberation. This condition of being bound to the body resonates with the concept of Samsara, where the soul’s entrapment in the material world causes ignorance and suffering, requiring philosophical or spiritual liberation for transcendence.


Διάνοια (Dianoia)

Latin: Ratio
Sanskrit: तर्क (Tarka)
Hebrew: שכל (Sekhel)
Arabic: عقلانية (ʿAqlāniya)

Dianoia is the discursive or analytical mode of thought, contrasting with intuitive understanding. It involves reasoning step by step, often used in philosophical inquiry to discern truths. Dianoia is crucial for intellectual development but is seen as a lower form of knowledge compared to direct, intuitive insight.


εἶναι (Einai)

Latin: Esse
Sanskrit: अस्तित्व (Astitva)
Hebrew: היות (Heyot)
Arabic: الكينونة (Al-Kaynoona)

εἶναι (Einai) is the infinitive form of "to be," referring to the act or process of existing. It describes the state of being itself, not limited to any particular entity, but as an abstract and dynamic condition of all that is. In Neoplatonism, εἶναι is seen as a reflection of divine emanation from The One.


εἶναι (Einai)

Meaning: To be, Being
Usage: εἶναι is the infinitive form of the Greek verb "to be." It represents the state of being itself, the act or process of existing. It is an abstract term, often used in metaphysical discussions to describe existence as such, without reference to particular beings or entities.
Philosophical Context:
In Platonism and Neoplatonism, εἶναι represents the essence of being and existence. For instance, in Plato’s theory of Forms, the Forms are not just static entities (ὄν) but participate in εἶναι, or being itself, making them the most real and enduring aspects of reality. In Neoplatonism, especially in Plotinus, εἶναι is seen as a dynamic process that emanates from The One, reflecting how all existence derives from and participates in the divine source.


Ἔκστασις (Ekstasis)

Latin: Extasis
Sanskrit: समाधि (Samādhi)
Hebrew: אקסטזה (Ekstaza)
Arabic: النشوة الروحية (Al-Nashwa al-Rūḥiyya)

Ekstasis refers to the state of transcendence or standing outside oneself, often experienced during moments of mystical union with the divine. In this state, the individual transcends their ordinary consciousness and merges with a higher reality, experiencing profound spiritual insight and unity with the cosmos. Ekstasis is a key concept in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment, representing the soul’s movement beyond the limitations of the ego.


ἔκστασις (Ekstasis)

Latin: Extasis
Sanskrit: समाधि (Samādhi)
Hebrew: אקסטזה (Ekstaza)
Arabic: النشوة (Al-Nashwa)

ἔκστασις refers to ecstasy or "standing outside oneself," where the soul transcends personal identity to experience union with The One. This ecstatic state involves the dissolution of the individual self into a higher, impersonal reality, mirroring the Advaita Vedanta teaching of self-transcendence and unity with Brahman.


Ἑνάδες (Henades)

Latin: Singularitates
Sanskrit: एकत्वम् (Ekatvam)
Hebrew: ייחודים (Yihudim)
Arabic: الوحدات (Al-Waḥdāt)

Henades are the divine singularities or manifestations of the One. They act as intermediaries between the transcendent source and the multiplicity of the cosmos. These unique expressions of the One facilitate the soul’s connection to divine attributes, offering a bridge between the infinite and the particular, and guiding the individual toward spiritual unity.


Ἐνάργεια (Enargeia)

Latin: Claritas
Sanskrit: प्रकाश (Prakāśa)
Hebrew: בהירות (Behirut)
Arabic: وضوح (Wudūḥ)

Enargeia refers to the clarity or vividness with which one perceives truth or reality. In spiritual practices, it signifies the heightened awareness and presence that comes from deep contemplation. Enargeia allows individuals to experience reality with full consciousness, revealing truths that are often obscured by mundane perception.


Ἑνάς (Hen)

Latin: Unus
Sanskrit: अद्वैत (Advaita)
Hebrew: אחד (Eḥad)
Arabic: الواحد (Al-Wāḥid)

Hen refers to the One, the ineffable, transcendent source of all reality. All existence emanates from and returns to Hen, which is beyond thought and being. It signifies the ultimate goal of spiritual life, where the soul seeks to reunite with its origin in the divine source, transcending individual identity to merge with the infinite.


Ἐνέργεια (Energeia)

Latin: Actus
Sanskrit: क्रिया (Kriyā)
Hebrew: פעולה (Pe'ulah)
Arabic: نشاط (Nashāṭ)

Energeia is the realization or actualization of potential, the active principle that brings forth divine intention into the material world. It is the dynamic force that transforms potentiality into reality, manifesting the divine will within the cosmos. Energeia is essential for spiritual practice, where contemplation becomes action.


ἑνότητα (Henotēs)

Latin: Unitas
Sanskrit: एकता (Ekatā)
Hebrew: אחדות (Eḥdut)
Arabic: وحدة (Wahda)

ἑνότητα refers to oneness or unity, describing The One as the ultimate reality that transcends all individual identities and multiplicity. In this mystical state, the soul realizes it is an expression of a universal, impersonal ground. The term reflects the Vedantic notion of Brahman, where the realization of unity transcends personal selfhood.


ἐποχή (Epoché)

Latin: Suspensio
Sanskrit: विचार-संयम (Vicāra-Saṃyama)
Hebrew: השעיה (Hashaya)
Arabic: تعليق الحكم (Taʿlīq al-Ḥukm)

Epoché signifies the practice of suspending judgment concerning non-evident propositions. It is a spiritual discipline aimed at cultivating mental peace and openness, enabling a person to remain free from the pressure of having to resolve every question or problem definitively. Through Epoché, individuals develop a form of non-attachment to beliefs, allowing them to engage with reality without preconceptions. This practice supports the cultivation of mental clarity and the open-mindedness needed for the exploration of deeper spiritual truths.


Θάνατος (Thanatos)

Latin: Mors
Sanskrit: मृत्यु (Mṛtyu)
Hebrew: מוות (Mavet)
Arabic: موت (Mawt)

Thanatos refers to death, not just as the physical end of life but as a transition for the soul. Death marks the soul’s release from the body, allowing it to begin its journey toward the higher realms. Thanatos is not seen as an end but as part of the soul's continuous cycle of growth and return.


Θεωρία (Theoria)

Latin: Contemplatio
Sanskrit: ध्यान (Dhyāna)
Hebrew: התבוננות (Hitbonenut)
Arabic: تأمل (Taʾammul)

Theoria is the practice of contemplation, through which the soul perceives higher truths. It involves deep meditative focus that transcends intellectual understanding and allows one to experience divine realities directly. Theoria is a central method of attaining spiritual insight.


Κάθαρσις (Katharsis)

Latin: Purificatio
Sanskrit: शुद्धि (Śuddhi)
Hebrew: טיהור (Tihur)
Arabic: تطهير (Tat'hīr)

Katharsis refers to the purification of the soul from impurities, allowing it to ascend to higher realms of existence. This process can be achieved through ritual, meditation, or ethical practices that cleanse the soul of attachments to the material world. Katharsis is a vital step toward spiritual enlightenment and inner clarity.


Κατάληψις (Katalepsis)

Latin: Apprehensio
Sanskrit: ग्रहण (Grahana)
Hebrew: הבנה (Havana)
Arabic: إدراك (Idrāk)

Katalepsis traditionally refers to comprehension or the ability to grasp truth. However, the spiritual practice surrounding Katalepsis emphasizes the acknowledgment that ultimate truths remain elusive. This recognition promotes a stance of intellectual humility, where the practitioner is encouraged to remain open to deeper levels of insight that transcend ordinary cognitive understanding, aligning personal knowledge with greater cosmic awareness.


Κένωσις (Kenosis)

Latin: Exinanitio
Sanskrit: निर्वाण (Nirvāṇa)
Hebrew: ריקון (Rikkun)
Arabic: تفريغ (Tafrīgh)

Kenosis refers to the act of self-emptying, particularly in meditation or spiritual practice. By letting go of ego and attachment, the individual makes space for the divine to enter. Kenosis represents the pathway to transcendence, where the soul opens itself fully to the higher realities beyond personal identity.


Κύκλος γενέσεως (Kyklos Geneseos)

Cycle of Becoming
Latin: Circulus Generationis
Sanskrit: संसार (Saṃsāra)
Hebrew: גלגול (Gilgul)
Arabic: دورة التكوين (Dawrat al-Takwīn)

Kyklos Geneseos refers to the cycle of becoming or birth. In Plato's thought, especially in the Phaedrus and Phaedo, the soul undergoes a cycle of incarnation in the material world, repeatedly descending due to ignorance or attachment to the material, followed by attempts to ascend through philosophical knowledge and return to the realm of Forms. This cycle is akin to Samsara, the endless loop of birth, death, and rebirth in Eastern philosophy.


Λόγος (Logos)

Latin: Verbum
Sanskrit: शब्द (Śabda)
Hebrew: דבר (Davar)
Arabic: الكلمة (Al-Kalima)

Logos signifies the principle of reason, order, and structure that governs the universe. It is the divine force that gives form to matter and organizes the cosmos in accordance with higher laws. In spiritual terms, aligning with the Logos involves living in harmony with the universal order, allowing divine reason to guide one’s actions and thoughts, thereby integrating the individual with the cosmic whole.


Μαθηματικά (Mathematika)

Latin: Mathematica
Sanskrit: गणित (Gaṇita)
Hebrew: מתמטיקה (Matematika)
Arabic: رياضيات (Riyāḍiyyāt)

Mathematika refers to the study of numbers and relationships, seen as the underlying structure of the cosmos. For ancient traditions, mathematics reveals the divine order and harmony present in the universe. Mastering mathematical principles was seen as a way to understand the deeper truths of existence.


Μάταιος (Mataios)

Vain or Deceptive
Latin: Vanus
Sanskrit: माया (Māyā)
Hebrew: הֶבֶל (Hevel)
Arabic: باطل (Bāṭil)

Mataios means vain or deceptive, referring to the illusory or misleading nature of the material world. In a philosophical context, particularly in Neoplatonism, the sensible world is not inherently false, but the interpretation of it through ignorance can be deceptive. This concept parallels Samsara, where the material world, when seen through the lens of ignorance, traps the soul in a cycle of vain pursuits and transient experiences.


Μεταξύ (Metaxy)

Latin: Intermedius
Sanskrit: मध्य (Madhya)
Hebrew: בין לבין (Bein BeIn)
Arabic: بين (Bayn)

Metaxy describes the intermediary state between two extremes, such as the divine and the material worlds. It represents the soul's liminal space, where it is neither fully immersed in the physical nor entirely united with the divine. This in-between state reflects the soul's ongoing journey and transformation.


Μονάς (Monas)

Latin: Unitas
Sanskrit: एक (Eka)
Hebrew: אחדות (Aḥdut)
Arabic: وحدة (Wahda)

Monas signifies the indivisible unity at the foundation of all reality. It reflects the understanding that beneath the diversity of forms lies a single, unifying principle. This unity is not merely conceptual but is the living essence that binds all of existence together. Monas highlights the spiritual aim of moving beyond multiplicity to experience the oneness of being.


Νόησις (Noesis)

Latin: Intellectio
Sanskrit: ज्ञान (Jñāna)
Hebrew: הבנה עליונה (Havana Elyona)
Arabic: الإدراك العقلي (Al-Idrāk al-ʿAqlī)

Noesis refers to the highest form of intellectual or spiritual contemplation. It involves the direct apprehension of ultimate truths, transcending ordinary reasoning. Through Noesis, the mind participates in the eternal and the divine, experiencing knowledge that is not derived from sensory experience but from direct, intuitive insight into the essence of reality.


ὄν (On)

Latin: Ens
Sanskrit: सत् (Sat)
Hebrew: ישות (Yeshoot)
Arabic: الكائن (Al-Kāʾin)

ὄν (On) refers to being or that which exists, signifying any entity or particular being in the broadest sense. In philosophical terms, it represents what is real, as opposed to appearances or illusions. In Platonism, ὄν is linked to the eternal and perfect Forms, standing in contrast to the transient material world.


ὄν (On)

Meaning: Being, That which is, Entity
Usage: ὄν refers to what is, or being in the most general sense. It signifies a particular being or existent entity


Ὀντολογία (Ontologia)

Latin: Ontologia
Sanskrit: सत् (Sat)
Hebrew: הוויה (Havayah)
Arabic: الأنطولوجيا (Al-ʾAnṭūlūjiyā)

Ontologia is the study of being and existence, exploring the nature of reality at its most fundamental level. It deals with questions of what it means to exist and the various layers of reality that encompass both the material and spiritual realms. Understanding ontology is essential for navigating the path to spiritual realization.


οὐσία (Ousia)

Latin: Substantia
Sanskrit: सार (Sāra)
Hebrew: מהות (Mahut)
Arabic: جوهر (Jawhar)

οὐσία (Ousia) represents essence or substance, the true nature of a thing beyond its appearances. It is the foundational reality that makes something what it is. In Aristotle’s metaphysics, οὐσία is primary substance, while in Platonism, it refers to the eternal Forms


οὐσία (Ousia)

Meaning: Essence, Substance, Being
Usage: οὐσία is one of the most important terms in Greek philosophy and is often translated as essence or substance. It refers to the underlying reality or true nature of something


Παιδιά (Paidiá)

Play or Playfulness
Latin: Ludus
Sanskrit: लीला (Līlā)
Hebrew: משחק (Misḥak)
Arabic: لعب (Laʿb)

Paidiá originally means play, sport, or childlike playfulness. In a metaphysical sense, Paidiá can be interpreted as the cosmic playfulness of the divine, where the universe and life are seen as a spontaneous expression of divine will. Plato's dialogues touch on this concept, suggesting that the Demiurge (divine creator) engages in the creation of the cosmos with a playful yet purposeful intent, reflecting the harmonious, ordered unfolding of life.


Πεῖρα (Peira)

Latin: Experientia
Sanskrit: अनुभव (Anubhava)
Hebrew: ניסיון (Nisayon)
Arabic: تجربة (Tajriba)

Peira signifies the knowledge gained through experience, learning, or trials. Unlike theoretical knowledge, it emphasizes the importance of lived experience in the pursuit of wisdom. Peira is central to spiritual practices that value growth through personal encounters with the divine or challenges of life.


Περίοδος Ψυχῶν (Periodos Psychon)

Cycle of Souls
Latin: Circulus Animarum
Sanskrit: संसार चक्र (Saṃsāra Chakra)
Hebrew: מחזור הנשמות (Maḥzor HaNeshmot)
Arabic: دورة الأرواح (Dawrat al-Arwāḥ)

Periodos Psychon refers to the cycle or circuit of souls. In Neoplatonism, particularly in Plotinus' writings, the soul descends into the material world and ascends back to the divine through intellectual purification. This cycle of descent and return reflects the soul’s journey through the physical realm, seeking to transcend material existence and rejoin the divine–a concept analogous to Samsara.


Περιφορά (Periphora)

Revolving Motion or Cycle
Latin: Revolutio
Sanskrit: चक्र (Chakra)
Hebrew: סיבוב (Sivuv)
Arabic: دوران (Dawrān)

Periphora refers to a revolving or circular movement, often symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence. In philosophical terms, it represents the repetitive cycle of life, desire, and suffering in the material world, much like Samsara in Eastern thought. Periphora encapsulates the notion of being trapped in cycles of reincarnation or endless becoming.


Πίστις (Pistis)

Latin: Fides
Sanskrit: श्रद्धा (Śraddhā)
Hebrew: אמונה (Emunah)
Arabic: إيمان (Īmān)

Pistis refers to belief or trust, particularly the skepticism around believing in things beyond appearances. While faith in spiritual practices can be valuable, this concept invites individuals to exercise discernment and to hold their beliefs lightly, recognizing the limits of knowledge. By doing so, Pistis encourages an openness to continual discovery, allowing for a dynamic and evolving understanding of the divine and reality.


Πλάνη (Planē)

Wandering or Deception
Latin: Error
Sanskrit: भ्रम (Bhrama)
Hebrew: תועה (Toeh)
Arabic: ضلال (Ḍalāl)

Planē means wandering or deception, symbolizing the soul’s misguidance in the material world. For Plotinus, the soul lost in multiplicity and material distractions is in a state of Planē, forgetting its true nature and divine origin. This wandering reflects the soul's entrapment in Samsara, where it is unaware of its true source and remains caught in cycles of illusion and suffering.


Πρόνοια (Pronoia)

Latin: Providentia
Sanskrit: प्रज्ञा (Prajñā)
Hebrew: השגחה (Hashgachah)
Arabic: العناية (Al-ʿInāya)

Pronoia represents divine providence or the guiding intelligence that orders the universe. It is the force that aligns all things with their ultimate purpose, ensuring that the cosmos follows a harmonious and purposeful design. Pronoia reflects the divine plan in which everything moves toward fulfillment and spiritual growth.


Σωφροσύνη Σύγκρασις (Sophrosyne Synkrasis)

Balanced Integration of Wisdom
Latin: Temperantia Mixtura
Sanskrit: संयम मिश्रण (Saṃyama Miśraṇa)
Hebrew: יִשׁוּב הדַעַת (Yishuv HaDa'at)
Arabic: إعتدال الخليط (Iʿtidāl al-Khalīṭ)

Sophrosyne means prudence, moderation, or sound-mindedness, often used in ancient Greek ethics to represent self-control and harmony in life. Synkrasis refers to the balanced mixture or blending of elements, originally used in Greek medicine to describe the harmonious blending of humors to maintain health.

Together, Sophrosyne Synkrasis conveys the idea of a balanced integration of wisdom traditions, suggesting that true harmony


Τάξις (Taxis)

Latin: Ordo
Sanskrit: व्यवस्था (Vyavasthā)
Hebrew: סדר (Seder)
Arabic: ترتيب (Tartīb)

Taxis refers to the order or arrangement that governs the cosmos. It is the principle of divine harmony, where all things have their place and function within the grand design. Taxis emphasizes the idea that the universe is structured according to divine laws that maintain balance and order at all levels of existence.


Τὸ Ἀγαθόν (To Agathon)

Latin: Bonum
Sanskrit: शिवम् (Śivam)
Hebrew: הטוב (HaTov)
Arabic: الخير (Al-Khayr)

To Agathon represents the ultimate good, the highest principle from which all reality and knowledge flow. It is the source of unity and harmony in the cosmos, providing the foundation for ethical and spiritual life. In spiritual practice, the pursuit of Agathon involves aligning one’s will with the highest principles, seeking a life of virtue and wisdom that reflects the underlying goodness of the universe.


Τὸ Ἕν καὶ Τὸ Πλῆθος (To Hen kai To Plethos)

Latin: Unitas et Multiplicitas
Sanskrit: एकत्वम् और अनेकता (Ekatvam aur Anekta)
Hebrew: האחדות והריבוי (Ha’Aḥdut veHaRibuy)
Arabic: الوحدة والكثرة (Al-Wahda wal-Kathra)

To Hen kai To Plethos expresses the metaphysical dichotomy of unity and multiplicity, where the One represents the source of all things, and the Many reflects the differentiated expressions within the material world. Spiritual practice involves navigating this tension, seeking to recognize the underlying unity within the diversity of existence, thus reconciling the transcendent with the immanent.


Ὕλη (Hyle)

Latin: Materia
Sanskrit: पदार्थ (Padārtha)
Hebrew: חומר (Chomer)
Arabic: مادة (Māda)

Hyle refers to matter or the material substrate of the universe. It is the lowest aspect of reality, often formless and awaiting divine action to shape it. Hyle is considered the passive principle that receives form and purpose from higher spiritual forces, playing a foundational role in the material world.


Φαινόμενα (Phainomena)

Latin: Apparentia
Sanskrit: प्रतीयमान (Pratīyamāna)
Hebrew: מראית עין (Mar'it Ayin)
Arabic: الظواهر (Al-Ẓawāhir)

Phainomena refers to the appearances of things as they are perceived by the senses or consciousness. In spiritual practice, it is important to engage with Phainomena without attaching fixed meaning or assumptions about their underlying reality. By embracing appearances without making definitive claims about their truth or falsehood, practitioners develop a sense of fluidity and adaptability in their relationship with the world, which aligns with a deeper exploration of the nature of reality.


Φαντασία (Phantasia)

Latin: Imaginatio
Sanskrit: कल्पना (Kalpanā)
Hebrew: דמיון (Dimyon)
Arabic: خيال (Khayāl)

Phantasia refers to the imagination or the appearance of things as they seem, rather than as they are. It highlights the role of perception in shaping our understanding of reality. While imagination can lead to insights, it can also deceive, thus discerning between phantasia and true knowledge is key in spiritual practice.