Corpus Hermeticum, Libellus VII : Hermes Trismegistus Urges Us to Wake Up! (part 1)

In this series we will be delving into Book VII (a very short book indeed) of the Corpus Hermeticum, wherein we find Hermes Trismegistus urging us to sober up, to wake from our current way of life. He urges us to see things as they actually are, so that we can escape from the worldviews that keep us unreflectively acting according to the dictates of our little ego, and that keep us seeking after ephemeral things that will never lead to true happiness.

And in order for us to hear Hermes' teaching even more clearly so that we can put them into practice we will draw upon Buddhist, Vedantic, Yogic, Mystical, and even Magical teachings as well. The aim is for us to understand that we are currently not embarked upon the best path, and to act accordingly, so that we might arrive at the "doors of Gnosis". 

I offer the Greek text a bit at a time (in bold type), a translation of the text, followed by some (often lengthy) notes, for which I take no credit with respect to originality: my only goal is to point out the glorious teachings that already exist which are designed to lead us to liberation. (I do take credit for all the mistakes: please feel free to point these out to me!) The most important part of this is, needless to say, Hermes' own teaching. Read it. Sit with it. Contemplate it. And please share your insights: we can all benefit from one another's experiences.

ΚEΦΑΛΑΙΟΝ ζ΄

Ἑρμοῦ τοῦ τρισμεγίστου.

LITTLE BOOK VII

Of Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus is the author of this work. The most important thing to realize about Hermes Trismegistus is that he is Enlightened Consciousness: his teachings come to us from a supra-mundane reality, and are designed to lead us to this same reality. That is, Hermes is one who has transcended the three spatial dimensions of our bodily experience (q.v. Corpus Hermeticum, Book XIII); is one who has overcome our greedy egoic tendencies, instincts built in by evolution, and is now reporting to us from a place of true Gnosis.

It is extremely important to understand that Hermes is not asking us to believe a single thing. He points out self-evident truths: if we don't agree with him, if we don't see what he's talking about, there really isn't any need for us to go further. If we do take up his teaching we should find, fairly quickly, some relief and rewards which will encourage us to keep deepening our understanding and practice. 

In this respect, Hermes' teaching can be compared to the Buddha's, of which it was often said that it is "well-proclaimed, visible here in this world, immediately available, a 'come-and-see-for-yourself' kind of teaching, which leads to liberation, and should be known by each and every wise person[1]". This completely summarizes the spirit of the esoteric undertaking. Not a word about belief, or even grace, for that matter: we must make an effort, and by doing so we can expect good results.

Additionally, in one place[2] it is said that because of the teaching now "the Doors to the Deathless State are open[3]". Such a beautiful declaration. This is what we have to look forward to.

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1. In the original Pāli: svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opaneyyiko paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhi. 

2. Found in the Longer Discourses of the Buddha (Dīghanikāya), specifically in the Janavasabhasuttaṃ. 

3. The Pali is: apārutā amatassa dvārā.