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PLATO is an exponent in the West of the ancient Tradition that goes back to Orpheus, and he is regarded as the father of Western Philosophy. In the study of Plato's thought there have been various interpretations. These can be ascribed to two fundamental approaches: one focusing on Plato's "writing", the other on the "oral" essence of Plato's teaching. In this book, going beyond these two approaches, RAPHAEL offers an introduction to Plato's thought aimed at 'realizing' Plato's teaching about "being" a real philosopher, "one who sees the Whole", while leaving the task of meditating on Plato's texts to the reader. Raphael also draws a comparison between Plato and Sankara, the codifier of Advaita Vedanta, suggesting that there is only one universal Tradition of the Mysteries. Finally, he sheds light on how Plato's philosophy is meant to transform man and society. In this sense, approaching Plato's teaching with sacred humility and due aspiration will benefit the disciple who seeks realization.
About the author
Raphael having attained a synthesis of Knowledge (with which eclecticism or syncretism are not to be confused) aims at 'presenting' the Universal Tradition in its many Eastern and Western expressions. He has spent a substantial number of years writing and publishing books on spiritual experience, and his works include commentaries on the Qabbalah, Hermeticism and Alchemy. He has also commented on and compared the Orphic Tradition with the works of Plato, Parmenides and Plotinus. Furthermore, Raphael is the author of several books on the pathway of non-duality (Advaita), which he has translated from the original Sanskrit, offering commentaries on a number of key Vedantic texts. After more than sixty years of teaching, both oral and written, Raphael has withdrawn into mahasamadhi.
