Page 460 - Demo

444DISCOURSEOFTHEEIGHTHANDNINTHTranslated by James Brashler, Peter A. Dirkse, and Douglas M. ParrottArchive NotesThe Nag Hammadi collection includes a previously unknown and crucially important Hermetic document,The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth. Probably dating to the third century or earlier, this text appears to be an initiation rite into visionary journey. This document provides singular evidence of the liturgical and experiential elements within Hermetic tradition. It gives witness to the existence of a ritual genera of Hermetic writings previously unknown and now lost.The ritual vowel phrases shown in the text are meditational vocalizations (perhaps similar to a mantra) basedon the sacred name: IAO (They should be read with intonation.)