Neoplatonism blended Greek philosophy with Eastern mysticism from "summary" of The Dream of Reason by Anthony Gottlieb
Neoplatonism emerged as a philosophical school that sought to reconcile the teachings of Plato with other philosophical traditions, particularly those of the East. At the heart of Neoplatonism was the belief in a single, transcendent source of all reality, which they referred to as the One. This concept bore a striking resemblance to the Eastern idea of the Absolute, a universal principle that underlies all existence. The Neoplatonists also drew on Eastern mysticism in their understanding of the human soul. They believed that the soul, like the One, has a transcendent nature that is capable of direct communion with the divine. This idea mirrored the Eastern concept of spiritual enlightenment, in which the individual seeks to transcend the limitations of the material world and unite with the ultimate reality. In blending Greek philosophy with Eastern mysticism, the Neoplatonists created a unique synthesis that sought to uncover the underlying unity of all philosophical traditions. By incorporating elements of both Eastern and Western thought, they hoped to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of reality and the human experience. This blending of traditions was exemplified in the work of figures such as Plotinus, who drew on the teachings of Plato while also incorporating insights from Eastern mystics. Through this synthesis, the Neoplatonists sought to transcend the limitations of any single philosophical tradition and uncover the universal truths that underlie all human knowledge.- Neoplatonism represented a bold attempt to bridge the gap between East and West, seeking to uncover the deeper truths that lie at the heart of all philosophical inquiry. By blending Greek philosophy with Eastern mysticism, the Neoplatonists hoped to create a more holistic understanding of the nature of reality and the human soul.
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