The King of the World: The Collected Works of René Guénon

René Guénon was a French intellectual who wrote extensively on the metaphysics of traditional societies, especially those of the East. He argued that there is a single, universal truth that underlies all religions and that this truth has been progressively obscured over time by materialism and rationalism. Guénon's work has been influential in the development of the traditionalist school of thought, which seeks to revive traditional values and institutions.

The King of the World (The Collected Works of Rene Guenon)

by Day Leitao

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The Metaphysics of Tradition

Guénon's metaphysics is based on the idea that there is a single, immutable reality that underlies all of the phenomenal world. This reality is known by different names in different traditions, but it is essentially the same thing. Guénon called this reality the "Absolute" or the "Transcendent." It is beyond time and space, and it is the source of all being. The phenomenal world is simply a manifestation of the Absolute, and it is subject to constant change. However, the Absolute itself is unchanging and eternal.

Guénon argued that the traditional societies of the East were based on a correct understanding of the metaphysics of tradition. These societies recognized the primacy of the Absolute and they lived in accordance with its laws. However, the modern West has lost its understanding of the metaphysics of tradition. It has replaced it with a materialistic and rationalistic worldview that has led to a decline in traditional values and institutions.

The Symbolism of Tradition

Guénon believed that the symbolism of traditional societies is a key to understanding their metaphysics. He argued that symbols are not arbitrary signs, but rather they are expressions of the Absolute. Symbols can be found in all aspects of traditional life, from art and architecture to ritual and myth. By studying the symbolism of tradition, we can gain a deeper understanding of the metaphysics that underlies it.

Guénon identified three main types of symbols:

• Cosmological symbols represent the structure of the universe. They include symbols of the heavens, the earth, and the underworld.
• Anthropological symbols represent the structure of the human being. They include symbols of the body, the soul, and the spirit.
• Theological symbols represent the relationship between the human being and the Absolute. They include symbols of the gods, the prophets, and the saints.

The Traditionalist School

Guénon's work has been influential in the development of the traditionalist school of thought. Traditionalists believe that the modern world is in a state of decline and that the only way to revive it is to return to traditional values and institutions. Traditionalists argue that traditional societies are based on a sound understanding of the metaphysics of tradition and that they have much to teach us about how to live in harmony with the universe.

The traditionalist school is a diverse group of thinkers, but they all share a common commitment to the following principles:

• The existence of a single, universal truth that underlies all religions.
• The importance of traditional values and institutions.
• The need to revive traditional societies.

The Legacy of René Guénon

René Guénon was a prolific writer and his work has had a profound influence on the development of traditionalist thought. He is considered to be one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, and his work continues to be studied and debated today. Guénon's legacy is a reminder that there is more to life than meets the eye. There is a deeper reality that underlies the phenomenal world, and it is this reality that we must seek to understand.

Further Reading

• René Guénon: World Wisdom
• The Traditionalist School
• René Guénon: Wikipedia

The King of the World (The Collected Works of Rene Guenon)

by Day Leitao

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	273 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	83 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE