Why is The Kybalion So Frowned Upon?

Teachings are like rivers; they flow into various channels based on the terrain and the minds they encounter. Some noble and pure streams of knowledge turn into streams that are corrupted, but this is the nature of things.

Evolution of Teachings and the Role of Corruption

Corruption does not always lead to destruction, but it can certainly lead to misunderstanding. Misunderstood teachings can often lead to criticism and even ridicule. Ancient texts and philosophies, while still functional, often perform in ways that differ from their original intentions. This is why one might see a sudden concern over the attestations of entities that are not real; it is merely a reaction to ideas perceived as harmful or irrelevant in modern contexts.

The Kybalion: A Modern Hermetic Tract

The Kybalion (full title: The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece) is a book originally published in 1908 by New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932). This book purports to convey the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical figure revered in Hermetic texts.

While The Kybalion shares many similarities with ancient and medieval Hermetic texts, such as philosophical mentalism, the concept of as above, so below, and the idea that everything consists of gendered polar opposites, it is more closely related to the ideas of modern occultists, particularly those of the New Thought movement to which Atkinson belonged. This modern Hermetic tract has been highly influential in New Age circles since the 20th century.

Popular but Not Authentic

Despite not being a genuine Hermetic text, The Kybalion is arguably the most popular Hermetic text of its kind. It has been a subject of fascination and criticism due to its widespread popularity and the potential for misinterpretation. Many readers take its teachings at face value, leading to a range of beliefs and practices that can vary significantly from the original intentions of the book.

Why the Sudden Concern?

It is important to note that the sudden concern over The Kybalion often stems from its content conflicting with established doctrines, particularly Christianity. New Age writings and doctrines, which The Kybalion is a part of, often challenge or contradict traditional religious beliefs, leading to skepticism from those who hold these beliefs strongly.

Key Concepts Explained

New Thought Movement: A contemporary spiritual movement, prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it emphasizes the power of thought in creating reality. William Walker Atkinson, a key figure in this movement, wrote The Kybalion as part of his exploration into Hermetic philosophy.

Hermes Trismegistus: A mythical figure said to have lived in ancient Egypt and Greece. His name means "Thrice-Great Hermes" and he is revered in Hermetic literature for his wisdom and teachings. It is doubtful he ever existed, yet his name and teachings persist.

Hermetic Philosophy: Pertains to the study of the natural, intellectual, and spiritual sciences as practiced by the Hermetic tradition. It emphasizes mentalism, symbolic language, the unity of all things, and the concept of "as above, so below."

Conclusion

The Kybalion is a testament to the enduring nature of spiritual and philosophical teachings. While its popularity might lead to skepticism and criticism, it remains a significant text in the modern Hermetic and New Age traditions. Understanding and contextualizing its original intent and the principles it aims to convey can help in appreciating its value and avoiding misinterpretation.