Blog Home | Thoughts on Neo-Platonism |
S) Is it possible to be a Zoroastrian and a neoplatonist? A lot of the Sufi mystics had neoplatonic influence on their metaphysics and understanding of the universe through emanation. And I’ve heard that Platonism and Neoplatonism had Zoroastrian influence. So it doesn’t seem like it would be that far of a stretch to incorporate platonic philosophy into one’s zoroastrian understanding. MZ) They don't fit together easily because they have a different world-view. In Zoroastrianism evil is taken seriously as a force opposed to the good. In Neoplatonism as I understand it, only the Good is considered real. However I think it is possible to switch between the two world-views. I prefer the Zoroastrian view to understand the world rationally, but the Neoplatonist view is attractive for spiritual practice. I like the the writings of Inayat Khan, a Sufi who seems very much a Neoplatonist. As you may know this is the main prayer of his movement: WESTERN SUFI PRAYER (and I would say Neoplatonist) "Toward the One, the Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty, the Only Being, United with all the Illuminated Souls, Who form the Embodiment of the Master, the Spirit of Guidance." But can a Zoroastrian say this prayer? If the 'One' is Ahura Mazda, then is he the 'Only Being' ? (I would say not according to most Zoroastrians). |