What is Neoplatonism?

This video is part of an amazing collaboration with ESOTERICA, Seekers of Unity, Angela's Symposium, The Modern Hermeticist and John Vervaeke. You can find their videos on Neoplatonism below:
ESOTERICA: • The Ancient Neo-Platon...
Seekers of Unity: • From Neoplatonism to K...
Angela's Symposium: • Plotinus & Iamblichus ...
The Modern Hermeticist: • The Platonic Philosoph...
John Vervaeke: • Levels of Intelligibil...
Part 2 of my contribution, tackling Neoplatonism in Islamic thought, hopefully comes out next week!
Sources/Recomended Reading:
Cooper, John M. (ed.) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing Company.
Dillon, John (1996). "The Middle Platonists". Bristol Classical Press.
Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. (This is the translation of the Enneads I have been using in this episode).
Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press.
Gregory, John (ed.) (1998). "The Neoplatonists: a reader". Routledge.
Iamblichus "On the Mysteries". Tranlsated by Emma C. Clarke, John M. Dillon & Jackson P. Hershell. Writings from the Graeco-Roman World. Society of Biblical Literature.
Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press.
O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press.
Shaw, Gregory (2014). "Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus". Angelico Press/Sophia Perennis.
Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company.
Also check out the excellent episodes about Plotinus on the "Secret History of Western Esotericism" pocast: shwep.net/
----
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:30 Collaboration
03:06 Intro (Part 2)
05:26 Plotinus - Life and works
18:22 Metaphysical underpinnings
26:46 Ascent & Participatory Metaphysics
35:01 Union with the Nous (Intellect)
36:17 Apophatic nature of the One
39:47 Alone with the Alone: Union with the One?
45:17 Neoplatonism after Plotinus
51:11 Defining Neoplatonism
52:24 The influence of Neoplatonism
54:10 Conclusion
#neoplatonism #philosophy #plotinus

[@LetsTalkReligion]

As always, check the description for sources and recomended reading to study the topic further. A video like this will always be a particular interpretation of a complex thinker like Plotinus. This video is part of an amazing collaboration with ESOTERICA, Seekers of Unity, Angela's Symposium, The Modern Hermeticist and John Vervaeke. You can find their videos on Neoplatonism below: ESOTERICA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIeYppWGhd-Hbbc Seekers of Unity: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57Oi2ZuaLGWjZo Angela's Symposium: kzbin.info/www/bejne/on_Un4GgqKx4rq8 The Modern Hermeticist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/javHamuPiKxpftU John Vervaeke: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPOZJ93a992n8U

[@ready1fire1aim1]

Would you consider doing an episode on the Samaritan Chronicle (Tribe of Ephraim's Oral Tradition Book of Joshua)?

[@mysticbeastproductions6811]

You have done a great job of explaining the complexity of the mystical union. I wish I had you to talk to when I had my kundalini awakening 25 years ago. The first "stage" of this union provided me with insights into the material world as being forms based on archetypes in the mind of God. Fortunately I had taken a university course that briefly covered Plato 15 years prior. That info didn't become useful or mean much until I experienced for myself. I look forward to your next installment.

[@nicanornunez9787]

Quick question... Isn't in the 10:50 Epictetus instead of Olympus of Alexandria. I have never seen a representation of Olympus, but that image is the one most used for Epictetus.

[@klyanadkmorr]

Kinda sounds like Lao Zsu and the Dao

[@ChessPlayer78]

19:45 reigns a Bell 🔔 " Satyam Shivam Sundaram "

[@MrMikkyn]

I love how these videos are one hour. It's like free university lectures. So generous

[@Z10N4Z1]

Utterly brilliant from Cambridge Muslim College students 👏

[@gabriels302]

I love it too.

[@agucci]

I feel the same way, Michael. So grateful

[@tashkashka]

Speaking of which did you know you can walk into any decently big public university lecture and it's not illegal or anything as a taxpayer you have the right to inspect how your money is being used.

[@naglastuden39]

Yeah, whatever university this guy attended I never want to see on a postcard.

[@goblinsdammit]

Holy cow, this collaboration is like a masterclass on Neoplatonism

[@johnsondoeboy2772]

They should also add Theoria Apophasis for a assholes version of Neoplatonism 😂

[@CatastrophicDisease]

It’ll be the definitive video on the topic for a long time.

[@yusufg.1281]

@@CatastrophicDisease Unfortunately Neoplatonism wasn't the name of a school of philosophy and the so called Neoplatonists were independent or adversaries.

[@yusufg.1281]

In the truest sense this video is nothing but lies. Plotinus

[@MrGarthboy]

Are you expressing that plotinus was a liar. I believe plotinus lied to make a point and told jokes. I'd like to make a video on what I think he was like an diogenes

[@stphaun]

This will go down in Let's Talk Religion history as an absolute banger.

[@kkupsky6321]

Slays it and plays the tunes. This guy. He’s great.

[@SeekersofUnity]

Thank you Filip for this superb exposition. Helping the Many see the One is no small feat. It's a privilege and pleasure to be working alongside you. Looking forward to the next episode on Islam and Neoplatonism.

[@affanshaikh8492]

Islam and neoplatonism???!!! Oh boi I'm super excited for that one!

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

@@affanshaikh8492 No such thing except from few islamic schools that have actual studies in neoplatonism, but most of those were medieval.

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

The One is not One deity, but One order, One singularity. The Monad doesn't deny the Many Gods, it's amazing how many people get the Monad so wrong.

[@Trysomieflexntjes]

​@@americaeaustraliaepius4338 shia islam ;)

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

@@Trysomieflexntjes Shia is still islam. If shias start worshipping the old Gods and practice according to that, then maybe, but they don't do that.

[@TheYellowshuttle]

Wow!❤ This is so strikingly similar to Vedanta philosophy, where: One = Brahman Nous = Mahat (Intellect) Soul = Ahamkara (Self) Also, much of the vocabulary is the same. For example the aphophatic description of the One is similar to Neti Neti (not this, not this) approach to Brahman. The Union with One is similar to Samadhi experience where the individual Self unites with Brahman. The routine of Plotinus is also similar to what a Vedanta sage would have. Vegetarianism, abstinence or ascetic life, nonviolence, minimalism and such. And as Plotinus mentioned, Gods would actually come to Sages because even among Gods the knowledge of Nous or Brahman was rare & they would secretly come down & associate with Sages who had access to that knowledge. I'm very positive that if different people at different times saw the same thing, then there must be some truth in it.❤

[@anastasiya256]

I thought it was similar to what people teach with meditation, although I don’t know about Vedanta philosophy specifically, but it’s probably where teachings on meditation come from nowadays?

[@roberthand3320]

As student of Neoplatonism for several decades, this is the best short introduction I have ever seen or read.

[@QED_]

Sorry . . . but where does this "best" video discuss the most important practical aspect of Neo-Platonism -- the Emanations (?)

[@twoforcesinbalance1543]

I'm so glad you covered this topic, it's actually surprising how Plotinus does not feature in a lot of philosophy videos despite how critical neoplatonism was in bridging antiquity with the middle ages. Really tough to explain the unexplainable but you did it flawlessly and I hope to see more videos expanding on some of these ideas (theurgy, christian/islamic neoplatonism, mysticism, etc)

[@yusufg.1281]

Neoplatonism is a word invented in modern times and is used to create the appearance that the philosophers called this were members of the same school of philosophy. In truth, the neoplatonists didn't exist. At least not by this name. Plotinus did not consider himself to be a Platonist and was more dependent on Aristotle whose doctrine he represents fully, according to Porphyry.

[@leeds48]

Plotinus did not consider himself to be "Neoplatonist", which is a modern term - but he absolutely considered himself to be an explicator of Plato's teachings. And Plotinus's philosophy is centered on his teachings about the One, which is beyond being, and this is quite different than Aristotle whose ultimate God was being itself and more analogous to Plotinus's Nous. Eric Perl summarizes it this way, "In opposition to Aristotle, by insisting that the first principle cannot be form, intellect, or reality, Plotinus expresses the insight that being, or reality, does not account for itself."

[@zzzzoot]

Thank you! I've been praying someone like you would make one of these because I always hear references to neoplatonism but never had it properly introduced and explained

[@realpastorvlad]

Thanks for all that. That was the best explanation I've so far encountered. As you discussed The One, the opening lines of the Tao Te Ching kept coming to mind--"The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao." This, and the other collaborations, were a great way to spend New Years Day. 👌

[@samuelyoung6272]

yes! i thought the same thing, I find the tao te ching to be the most concise of all teachings, however the more you speak of it the less you understand. becoming the right note that is in key with the melody of your surroundings until they just flow together.\

[@bobaldo2339]

I was immediately struck with the many parallels with Buddhism, especially the Mind Only school and, of course zen. Huang Po taught that there was nothing but the One Mind, but that this "Mind" was not "mind" in the ordinary sense. Enlightenment was always a "realization" of reality rather than an alteration of it. And, through the Hwa Yen (Avatamsaka Sutra), the "non-obstruction of realms within realms".

[@CatastrophicDisease]

Right as I am getting into Neoplatonism, my favorite KZbinr releases an hour long video on it. This is the best Christmas gift.

[@isaacmaxham6804]

Same here, this is a huge treat.

[@faroulalou7641]

Kabbalah trying to deny and fight God by using pseudo science called phylosophy

[@yusufg.1281]

How does one go about "getting into" something that was invented by modern day academics? There was never a school of philosophy that was called the Neo Platonists and the philosophers who are claimed to have been the Neo Platonists were actually a variety of philosophers and philosophies. Peripatetic philosophers knew that they were Peripatetic philosophers but the "Neoplatonic" philosophers, they never existed. Nobody ever claimed to be a member of this philosophy you believe that you are getting into.

[@yusufg.1281]

Again, the idea that there was an ancient school of New Platonists is a joke. The most important of the so called Neoplatonists, Plotinus, did not consider himself to be a follower of any philosophy but his own. This according to his one famous student Porphyry who was his biographer.

[@yusufg.1281]

@@isaacmaxham6804 A true student of something does not refer to the subject by a name that wasn't used by the people being discussed. If Plotinus did not call himself the founder of New Platonism, we should not. If Plotinus said he followed only his own philosophy, we should not call him a Platonist, even. What did Plotinus identify as? He was a Hellenic philosopher, one of the last. He quoted from Aristotle and Plato and anyone who he could use to further his argument. He was not a member of a school of philosophy but taught his own peculiar philosophy, and it was not the philosophy of Plato.

[@muhammadsafwanqureshi9937]

I will run out of words but never be able to thanks Filip for such great content, he explains it so well.

[@MichaelYoder1961]

The Nous sounds like the Tao - or the Tao is like the One. It seems all inter-related and Plotinus is really talking Taoism. Wonderful work! Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@deacudaniel1635]

Yes.Seems like Neo-platonism is the Western counterpart of Taoism.These 2 currents of thought are symmetrical.

[@paununs8719]

Absolutely. The Tao that can be named is not the real Tao, very similar to the concept of One. It seems to me though that Taoism is more concerned with the unfolding of things and events; the Tao it's not only the "origin" or "the first" in this metaphysical hierarchy, but the inmediate causing agent of any development in the natural world. I have to research these things more.

[@man2meandyou]

I was just about to say the same thing. Indeed, the Tao is considered both the "One" and source of all creation or the "manifestations". I wonder if Plotinus had access to any taoist thought, or was it divine inspiration to reach a similar conclusion? The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of the ten thousand things. Ever desireless, one can see the mystery. Ever desiring, one sees the manifestations. These two spring from the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gate to all mystery. (Tao Te Ching)

[@victortironi2403]

It is the same concept as the Dharmakaya, or the Buddha’s Dharma body, or Brahman in hindu doctrines. In essence, that which may be called the Absolute is found in some way in all spiritual traditions.

[@zootsoot2006]

@@victortironi2403 Plotinus did visit Persia after all, not that far from India, so likely picked up a lot of his ideas there. Was this even mentioned in the video? Maybe I missed it.

[@davieboy3814]

This series is blowing my mind. Thank you for being part of it.

[@ethanstiles948]

Always blown away by the amount of detail you can put into a video and keep it very beginner friendly. Thank you for the all the work you do running this channel, and producing videos that are so well researched and sourced.

[@patryklucka376]

It’s such an amazing material Filip! Explaining such difficult topic in so clear and entertaining way + still maintaining apophatic and mystical layer! Hats off man!

[@jasonboa6321]

I’ve always wanted you to cover this topic. Seeing this in my feed warmed my heart.

[@RaptorSeer]

I really enjoy these super collaborations with the other esoteric and philosophy channels. Looking forward to more insights on this topic. Thanks for your efforts!

[@johnsondoeboy2772]

Bro you are excellent at your work. Can’t thank you enough for the work you delivered over the years.

[@nihilean]

this might be your best work yet. you really have a gift for sharing these concepts. thanks filip

[@ianaliciaperry5243]

Wow, fantastic video. I can't thank you enough for the work you do on this channel. It has been so enriching and I will be forever grateful to have had such a fantastic introduction to religion.

[@canaaknight2305]

This really broadened my perspective on understanding what the human experience could be. Interesting to see how men of the past viewed life as we know it. Amazing video, I hope to one day have the skills to produce videos of this calibre !

[@betweenearthandsky4091]

Fascinating transmission of ideas. You have a natural gift at teaching and sharing knowledge. You are a great gift to humanity 🙏

[@colingallagher1648]

It’s finally come,another great video as always you have our endless thanks Phillip

[@MuftiMasala]

I always watch your videos fully, so I get to absorb and understand the subjects. Truly appreciate your hardwork

[@malikfahdaliawan178]

Filip! I just love the way you described everything in 56 minutes.. ears all to your every word.. thank you for making us understand this beauty.

[@jeffsansone7576]

I learned so much during university and subsequent PhD in philosophy, but, I learned the real lessons after many years of reflections on the arguments. Surprisingly this all makes perfect sense. I love these posts.

[@wildfood1]

20:19 "Nous is a word in Greek that is basically impossible to translate." I can't tell you how long I've struggled with trying to fathom this word. At least now I know I'm not alone!

[@user-sleepingpills]

In modern greek it basicaly means "mind" and is often translated as such. However, when reading philosophical texts the exestential nature of the word becomes apparent. I'd say it is a mix of conciousness and mind. Growing up in greece, this side of the word was always kind of self-explanatory to me but now, knowing how confusing it may be to foreigners, I get to examine it from a different angle. I am thankful for this perspective.

[@wildfood1]

@user-bi7pj2nb5m I heard one Orthodox writer define it as "attention."

[@user-sleepingpills]

@@wildfood1 It can be used as such. There is a phrase in greek "Που τρεχει ο νους σου" which directly translates to "where is your nous running". Basicaly we use it to say " have you lost your focus?" The presense of ones nous is equivalent to attention. Nous in this context is being present in the moment, consious. It wouldnt surprise me if this writetr was in fact referencing this aspect of the word

[@antoniobarbalau1107]

This is an amazing project. Thank you for everything ♥️

[@mariyasemenova9244]

Thank you for doing such a great job explaining this philosophy with its seemingly unexplainable metaphysical concepts. It was very accessible and fascinating.

[@93komuso]

Thank you for this excellent presentation! I've just begun learning about Plotinus and his works, and this was tremendously helpful.

[@samirkarki192]

Almost 1 hour of pure enlightenment and illumination. Thanx for the great content.

[@sophianarida]

What an incredible topic; those 56 minutes flew by. Your explanation and delivery is incredibly clear and pleasant to watch. Highly looking forward to your next video! Will check out the collaboration channels as well. Ps. Your knowledgeability and modesty really shines through. Thank you for putting out this incredible content, I can't imagine all the work that goes into this!

[@holyfool343]

I’m incredibly grateful for the collaboration and this video in particular. Once I read Plotinus, it became difficult to see the world through any other lens. I want to thank you, in particular, for giving context for the term “Neoplatonism”. It’s clear from the philosopher’s works that they viewed their philosophies as entirely within the tradition of the Academy.

[@akosludvig]

Love this video and as a huge fan of John Vervaeke, I am looking forward to see the forthcoming videos. Thank you very much!

[@ligerbomb7991]

Filip please never stop making KZbin videos, this much info, that too for free. Great time to be alive. Thankyou

[@TheForeignersNetwork]

Neoplatanism is so fascinating and it's interesting to note that it may have taken inspiration from some eastern traditions (such as Hinduism) and in turn it may have also influenced those traditions in its own right. Buddhism, for example, is similar to neoplatanism in terms of how it talks about sunyata (emptiness). Neoplatanism's descending creation schema is also similar to Vedanta and Samkhya philosophy, in which the one Brahman is obscured by descending layers of tattvas.

[@xenocrates2559]

That was a beautiful, and highly informative, presentation. Thanks for putting in all the energy it took to distill a very complex and subtle philosopher such as Plotinus. Plotinus has become my favorite source of wisdom and guide to the transcendent. Plotinus never fails to inspire. His writings are not easy to access and it takes some patience and persistence to comprehend them. But if one takes the time to read, and reread, them they are immensely rewarding. // I look forward to the future presentations. Thanks again.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

I totally agree! It isn't always the most pleasant reading experience, but in the end you get a lot of gems from Plotinus

[@faroulalou7641]

Are you a new ager? I don't see the difference between kabbalah, platonism and New age spirituality.l think that only names changed through the time but their principles and goals are the same . fighting God almighty's laws,defect people from God the creator of this life and the after life.

[@sakogekchyan7366]

@@faroulalou7641 There is a huge difference. New Age spirituality is commodified spirituality or what I like to call fast food spirituality. It’s all about thinking positive thoughts and manifesting things like cars and houses. Oh and of course there is the appropriation of ancient wisdom traditions and emulsifying them into this amorphous goo that has no substance and uses big sounding words without knowing what they mean. Neoplatonism is an ancient wisdom tradition firmly grounded in both mysticism and rigorous logic and deduction. Far from appealing to the desire for material comfort and self affirmation, the goal is the destruction of ego and the transcendence of the shallow and material. Getting back to what you said above, you have to prove your revelation before we can except it. How do you know that your revelation is the truth? Every spiritual tradition believes they have the truth, but the key difference is that Hindus like myself as well as Buddhists and Jews are not trying to convert anybody. We believe that the truth will reveal itself in due time, and there is no eternal damnation for those who simply did not see it at a particular point in time. The fact that Christians and Muslims have to use the threat of eternal torment to scare people into believing in their interpretation of God exposes the insecurity inherent in these religions.

[@faroulalou7641]

@@sakogekchyan7366 Neoplatonism and New age spirituality have the one same origin, which the kabbalah mysticism.the kabbalah is the interpretation of the corrupted Torah. Otherwise,I don't need to prove anything to be the truth.look to the religions that are promoted to know that they are wrong and that they are the revelation of Satan and then look what are the religions that are fought to find out that they are the pure Truth. Hinduism is promoted because it's related to satanism which will be the one world religion of the new world order.But God won't let it happen.All the devine Truth will spread and survive to the fake World we are leaving in.

[@dubcount]

Thank you Filip! For another year of quite simply fascinating insight into the deepest and most interesting thoughts we have as people of the world. It has truly helped with the ups and downs of a very turbulent time to see that we have teachers like yourself that are dedicated to a truly unified understanding of the truth. Once more thank you!!! For your dedication research and nuance of understanding you are a true light.

[@amalmohamed6918]

This is incredible. Thank you for making this body of work accessible.

[@MrPeanutMr]

Mest underskattade youtubern utan tvekan. Sjukt välformulerad och nyanserat, keep it up!

[@TheModernHermeticist]

I wanna see a wizard battle between two exceedingly holy wizards so that the planetstrikes just bounce back and forth between them forever like some kind of Dragon Ball Z episode.

[@johnnewton8017]

🤯

[@seanteoh98]

Thank you so much for this collaboration. I've loved Vervaeke for starting me on the path to understanding religion(and philosophy, and cog Sci), but you've truly filled that gap in my knowledge for truly being introduced both in depth and breath of religious tenets. In doing so, I'd like to thank you for truly filling my heart with wonder for all these beautiful religions ♥️ P.S Shout out to Micheal Sugrue, for those that would like to delve in introductions to philosophy too!

[@johnnewton8017]

You really have a wonderful channel here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Avitymist]

Its quite amazing to think that Plato realized that all of the inputs from our senses are just a simulation of true reality.

[@yusufg.1281]

I seriously doubt he realized anything of the sort. It's not a simulation when you sense something, it's just the connection of stink and the ability to detect stink. By smell. Philosophers are idiots. Plato probably thought he sounded like a genius, as you believe, by commenting on the senses using so many elegant sounding words.

[@yusufg.1281]

I don't think Plato was capable of realizing anything. The nature of natural philosophy is speculative and deals with the unseen and unknowable, the unprovable. Reality itself can't be stimulated. What's real is true by default.

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

@@yusufg.1281 Define "true", since "truth" can't be defined from mere naturalism... since "truth" doesn't exist in the natural reality. It's an abstract concept, 100% anthropocentric. This is how you know Plato was inspired by the Gods and not "an idiot"

[@yusufg.1281]

@@americaeaustraliaepius4338 You don't have access to a dictionary? I don't have my own personal definition. I'm not so eccentric.

[@yusufg.1281]

@@americaeaustraliaepius4338 But by all means it it's so amazing to think that Plato realized some gibberish nonsense, do your thing. I just couldn't resist commenting on how ridiculous your shared thought was.

[@sophiarahmaputri]

I'm a long time viewer but it's my first time to comment on your channel. Just want to drop by and say my thanks for your awesome videos! Can't wait for the next part of neoplatonism that relates to islamic thought since I'm a muslim myself, but definitely also interested in seeing the other collabs

[@deddydeejay3960]

Thanks for explaining such a difficult thing in a simple way, God bless you

[@Facerip]

Love you, dude. Thanks for enriching my life with all of these interesting topics.

[@roundninja]

Always been a bit confused about the exact distinction between Neo-Platonism and Gnosticism, I think these videos are helping me understand a lot better

[@kasturiswami784]

As a person who has studied a little of vedanta this is totally understandable.

[@shatzco]

Yeah the being with the one and the one part sounds so Indian XD

[@williamwebster7985]

I was thinking the same thing after reading the Upanishads

[@mariakhan5427]

I am deeply moved and amazed over your indepth analyses, you've attained so much in such a short span

[@mr.coolmug3181]

Thank you so much. Sometimes things arrive right when you need to hear them. Keep up the excellent work, brother 👍👍

[@dejanpetkovic7995]

Damn Filip, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for this beautiful video and for sharing the source material! Am I the only one that sees the strong mystic link between major world religions and philosophies? Hearing Plotinuses teachings reminds me of the same aspects in Hinduism, Taoism, and even mystical experiences under the influence of psychedelics. I can't ponder enough whether that kind of experience is a genuine encounter with the oneness/brahman/tao/god, or is it just what we experience in a trance or deep meditation, but we use cultural and religious symbolism to fathom that numinous experience. I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in a future video. Maybe you can explore the topic of perenialism in the future. I wish you a great 2023 with plenty of videos!

[@TheBookofBeasts]

Thank you so much for this. This has similar elements that have come up in my own meditations and I am very grateful to hear it.

[@brentweissert6524]

thank you so much for a really informative presentation. I have been reading about Neoplatonism and your talk was concise, scholarly, and lucid. I also want to thank you for including a list of recommended readings. So often educational videos fail to provide that. i will definitely look into each of those titles and, no doubt, avail myself of at least some of them. i fully intend on watching all of the videos in this ambitious project. Again, thank you.

[@nassimmahfoud8832]

Thank you very much I ve learnt so many things

[@rebeccaminnich5670]

This collaboration is amazing! I am spending the semester break studying the philosophical links between Plato, the Neoplatonists, and 19th Century English Romantics. This video, and the whole collaboration is a gift! Thank you so much for all the work you put into it.

[@RenatoOliveira-renoli]

if I may humbly suggest you a short text for your endeavor, It would be the essay "The Nightingale of Keats" from 1952 by jorge luis borges. Take a look, it's only 4 pages long.

[@ary8956]

omg this channel is pure gold I love it!

[@crowlangel9999]

"How shall I ever be in doubt!" Great information and video as usual* Thank you Filip

[@michaelmullard4292]

Dear Filip: Would love to see a comparison of Advaita Vedanta to Neo-Platonism. These two systems seem very similar.

[@Christoth2012]

You should check similarity of tripartite soul of plato and the three Gunas of Indian philosophy (Samkhya/Samkhya). I would say that Platonism/NeoPlatonism and Advaita Vedanta is basically the same philosophy.

[@michelleeden2272]

@@Christoth2012 Suggesting a lost Persian/Indian origin...?

[@Christoth2012]

@@michelleeden2272 I believe that a lot of philosophical information traveled back and forth along the trade routes (India, Persia, Egypt Greece), but mostly i believe that different peoples came to the same conclusion because they were right, and that there is an objective truth to be find.

[@michelleeden2272]

@@Christoth2012 So if we assume a few philosophical traders, the very incense ingredients burned in temples may have played a role. Interesting. I take your second point, and agree, but somehow "objective" truth in this context sounds odd. Ultimate?

[@Christoth2012]

@@michelleeden2272 agreed, and regarding the incense, there is a lot of evidence for psychedelic use in antiquity, I would highly recommend Brian C. Muraresku's book "The Immortality Key" if you are interested in the subject.

[@KRISTIANITY_]

I have been waiting for you to talk about Neoplatonism, I find it so fascinating!!

[@catoelder4696]

Mysticism definitely deserves a video.

[@Marphoon]

Thanks for informative and great quality content. I appreciate the work you do.

[@harmonicpeace7340]

Thank you for making these videos, so fulfilling

[@dreamliner2]

Fascinating. First time I learned about Neoplatonism which completely reminds me of Advaita Vedanta (be it a bit less clearly expressed). Even down to the use of Apophasis (Neti-Neti or Prajnaparamita) to describe ‘The One’ (Brahman) and the understandings of the Jiva (Soul), Pancha-kosha etc. Pure Vedanta. Also the coming into existence of ‘offsprings’ of Neoplatonism (Theurgy) which reminds me of the Visistadvaita Vedanta (Porphyry) and Dvaita Vedanta (Theurgy). This all begs the question if/how Plato was inspired by the teaching of the Veda’s / Vedanta or if indeed all true ‘seer's’ see the same truth. In this case Plato (and Plutonium) could be called a Jnani.

[@nerthus4685]

After so much discussion on Sufism, now we are getting to the source of it all. Thanks Filip.

[@yusufg.1281]

What did you learn about Sufism? I find that academics like to claim that Sufism was influenced by neoplatonism, and according to the literature of Sufism, that this could not be more untrue. Plotinus and Porphyry are of no interest to the pens of the Sufis from Dhu al-Nun al-Misri to al-Qushayri to al-Ghazali and the modern literature that I am familiar with.

[@yusufg.1281]

Were you told that Sufism was influenced by the Greek philosophy or specifically neoplatonism? I find this claim is popular. Not so popular is evidence that it's true, proof. Plotinus might as well have not existed and Sufism would be no different.

[@VerdantSeeker]

@@yusufg.1281salam, could you tell me more about this so i can dismantle this notion? id appreciate it a lot

[@yusufg.1281]

@@VerdantSeeker Absolutely.

[@yusufg.1281]

@@VerdantSeeker Top of head first. Neoplatonism was fabricated in modern times by academics who used it to describe many independent, even adversarial philosophers under one name, the new Platonists. Read the Life of Plotinus by Porphyry. He is said to have embodied both all of Aristotle's and the Stoic doctrines, too. He is never referred to as a Platonist. I'm just getting started.

[@mauriciocaceres5068]

I love this channel! Some saying true mastery consists of explaining in a single way otherwise complex things. You, sir, have atained mastery. And Dr. Justin Sledge is the incarnated manifestation of awesomeness.

[@waynegaffney8995]

This a great way to end the year. Amazing work.

[@jefflister7890]

Fantastic! Well done Filip! Of course Plotinus means that the god can make an appearance in Plotinus' meditative experience; no need to make a trip to the altar.

[@Kyle_Schaff]

Third century Rome fascinates me, and this was a brick wall I ran into. Incomprehensible esoterica to me, but now you’ve helped me so much. What a wonderful surprise! Thank you

[@abdulmujeeb8764]

Absolute masterpiece!! very complicated topic yet brilliant smart and consice presentation of course one need to follow all videos of your channel as well read recommended literature to fully grasp these recurring themes which are often subtle

[@MootingInsanity]

Great timing, I was just looking the other day to see if you'd done anything on Neoplatonism

[@jasonboa6321]

Plotinus’s experiences are near certainly similar to (or even the same as) ego deathing on psychedelics. Easier to do today given modern drugs, but what many people fail to do is integrate their new knowledge and perspective into their lives going forward. Compare that to Plotinus, for whom the process to achieve this state was the integration.

[@josevanreyes]

My thoughts exactly. It felt like he was describing some experiences I had on LSD

[@hereticmorte666]

Love the effort, you are spoiling us Filip!

[@ekopujiraharjo]

Im studying philosophy and theology so far by myself, with my limited capacity and sources.. this video makes me understand more and brings me to confusion at the same time.. I've learned something new from this.. thank you..

[@khidirkarawitah2539]

One lesser known aspect of Plotinus was his sartorial decision to wear exclusively yellow robes, as he was infamous for going crazy with the mustard

[@LangThoughts]

I wonder how Plotinus's Apophatic conception of The One compares with the Dao De Jing's Apophatic conception of the Dao "The Dao that can be spoken of is not the Dao"

[@austinphillip2164]

I have been waiting for this video for years.

[@younes5043]

Thank you very much for this beautiful video!

[@hypergraphic]

This was so good. Honestly, the union with the One sounds a lot like ego death on psychedelics. In fact the whole assent and unification sounds very familiar. And considering that the Eleusinian mysteries could have used ergot fungus in the kukeon, Plotinus could have been tripping ;)

[@jonirischx8925]

I always see people saying things like this when mystics or the oneness of being is discussed, but I find it a bit distasteful. As someone who has much experience with psychedelics, a lot of times what people refer to as 'ego death' is not even that: it's an affirmation of the ego. It's kind of like saying that if you take performance enhancers you'll be able to break a world record in speed climbing. And while yes, that doping would certainly help you perform better, but if you have no climbing experience you'll quickly discover that you need years of practice before you can even attempt it, let alone break any records. It's the same with mystical practice. These people often dedicated their entire lives to strict asceticism, meditative and religious practice. To boil down their discoveries to a mushroom, is kind of like seeing that speed climber perform an amazing feat, and telling them: "what you just did reminds me of my buddy Dave, who was tweaking and jumped over a fence to escape the cops, did you use the same substance to do that?". I mean no disrespect, and I'm glad you enjoyed the topic. But if psychedelics were an adequate supplement for meditative practice, the hippies would have actually changed the world, as opposed to sitting stoned out of their minds at Woodstock, and not remembering it the next day 😂.

[@hypergraphic]

@@jonirischx8925 well psychedelics aren't my only experience with spirituality. I was a charismatic Christian minister for 15 years and I've had many experiences in the spirit realm without psychedelics. Plus I don't give a damn what you think of me or not I know what I've experienced and that the core of being a Mystic personal revelation of the divine.

[@jonirischx8925]

@@hypergraphic Most friendly and least defensive Christian. lmao chill dude.

[@agucci]

Neoplatonism is very good.

[@frankminor4642]

Really enjoying this project! Thank you for the video!

[@sadafkhan1858]

We definitely need videos like this . detailed and Absolutely immersive 🙏

[@Christoth2012]

Q. What is Neoplatonism? A. it's awesome

[@mitrahispana4119]

Are there any communities of people who practice Neoplatonism?

[@faroulalou7641]

New agers l think.

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

Yes

[@mitrahispana4119]

@@americaeaustraliaepius4338 Where? 😃

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

@@mitrahispana4119 Pretty much all over the west, there are communities all over the west, in Greece, Italy, Spain, America, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica...

[@QED_]

Sufism is Neoplatonic

[@MillennialMoneyMindset]

great video! Thanks for making a subject that has previously confused me very clear. I appreciate your work

[@monkieassasin]

This was so, sooo well done. I’ll be telling my friends about this one and passing it along.

[@missk1697]

Plato was based

[@clearskybluewaters]

should learn his views on women

[@missk1697]

@@clearskybluewaters Imagine implying a person has to be prefect in order to deserve respect.

[@eeleye4]

Honestly after watching this I’ve come to the conclusion that schools of philosophical thought are overrated. Literally anyone can make anything up about an imaginary metaphysical world. They’re all just different ways of thinking about the world in an incorrect way lol. Especially ancient philosophy like no dude you had no clue about the world around you really lmao. All my life I’ve loved my independence and tried to live my life according to what works for me. If everyone did that I think the world would be a better place. That is because I believe humans as individuals are mostly inherently good but it’s when we form groups and adopt ideas as a group when the dark side of humanity is allowed to thrive for the sake of said ideas. Whereas if we had more free thinkers getting anyone to go to war against another group would be a difficult thing to do. Alas, I also believe most people are stupid and can’t think for themselves so they join a group and that group’s set of established ideas.

[@infinifi2910]

Plotinus is being talked about so much lately. I read his writings but I’ve recently attended a lecture about beauty used in mathematics in central Palma de Mallorca and the lecturer included Plotinus to make her point! Love your talks and I’m sure you’re helping to raise more open levels of consciousness for others too!

[@mangattu]

So grateful to you and team who bring all these thoughts to ordinary folks

[@emperorfulgidus262]

Neoplatonism is my religion. One true God. Religion these days is just dogma it seems like

[@emperorfulgidus262]

@Danny Al the one

[@americaeaustraliaepius4338]

That's not platonism...

[@lunarAureola]

​​@@emperorfulgidus262 the One is not a God, to speak of the One as anything other than the principle of unity and individuation is no longer speaking about the One, and Platonically speaking the One is not sentient, is nor is not one, and how Proclus said the One is "nothingness in excess". (neo)Platonism only works in the (original) polytheistic view, later Christians and "gnostics" misunderstood Plato's philosophy and overall ideas.

[@jeanmelanson448]

A wonderful series of lectures, well thought out and eloquent! Thank you.

[@jeremieking]

The best Christmas gift I ever got! Thank you

[@HelenaMasseyMusic]

absolutely awesome introductory video for Neo-platonism thank you

[@jeannette7243]

This is an impressive tour de force! Analytical, concise, on a subject that is neither. Thank you.

[@SPQRIUS]

Just finished going through several lectures by Steiner regarding this topic.

[@faizzannn]

This series is an absolute master class on Neoplatonism..some really great explanations

[@brunzero7697]

this is insanely well done

[@ootstudioazlan1695]

Thank you for the great post of enlightenment Filip. I can't wait for the next post 👍