Spiritual ascent

Definition

Spiritual ascent refers to the process of elevating one's soul or consciousness towards a higher spiritual reality or divine source. This journey involves moving beyond the material world and overcoming the limitations of the physical self, often through practices such as contemplation, meditation, and ethical living. Spiritual ascent is closely linked to concepts of hierarchy and emanation, emphasizing a structured path toward enlightenment and unity with the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spiritual ascent is often depicted as a multi-layered journey that aligns with the Neoplatonic view of a hierarchical universe, where each level of being reflects a closer connection to the divine.
2. Neoplatonists believed that through intellectual contemplation and inner purification, individuals could ascend spiritually and reunite with the source of all existence.
3. The concept of spiritual ascent is closely associated with the idea of achieving gnosis, or deep spiritual knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding.
4. Practices such as meditation, prayer, and philosophical inquiry were essential tools for practitioners seeking to facilitate their own spiritual ascent.
5. In Neoplatonic mysticism, personal transformation is viewed as essential for spiritual ascent, where moral and ethical living plays a significant role in elevating one's consciousness.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of spiritual ascent relate to the hierarchy of being in Neoplatonic thought?
  • Spiritual ascent is intricately linked to the hierarchy of being in Neoplatonism, where it represents the journey upward through various levels of existence toward unity with the divine. Each level in this hierarchy is seen as a step closer to the ultimate source, known as the One. By ascending spiritually, individuals engage with higher forms of reality and transcend their material limitations, aligning themselves more closely with the divine essence.
• Discuss how Neoplatonic mysticism influences practices aimed at achieving spiritual ascent.
  • Neoplatonic mysticism significantly influences various practices aimed at facilitating spiritual ascent by emphasizing the importance of inner contemplation and ethical living. Through meditative practices and philosophical inquiry, individuals seek to purify their souls and attain deeper spiritual knowledge. This approach encourages followers to reflect on their relationship with the divine and encourages transformation necessary for ascending through different layers of reality.
• Evaluate the broader implications of spiritual ascent within Neoplatonism for contemporary spiritual practices.
  • The concept of spiritual ascent within Neoplatonism has profound implications for contemporary spiritual practices by providing a framework for understanding personal growth and transformation. Modern spiritual movements often draw from Neoplatonic ideas about hierarchies of being and the quest for unity with a higher power. This perspective encourages individuals today to engage in self-reflection and ethical living while pursuing deeper connections with their spirituality, impacting how diverse traditions approach personal development and enlightenment.

Related terms

Emanation: The process by which all things flow out from a single source, particularly in Neoplatonic thought, where everything emanates from the One.

Hierarchy of Being: A framework that categorizes all forms of existence from the lowest to the highest, often reflecting a spiritual journey from materiality to divinity.

Mysticism: A spiritual practice aimed at achieving union with or direct experience of the divine, often characterized by intense personal experiences and insights.