Do you know if Dante Alighieri was either an occultist or was aware of some occult teachings/knowledge?
In the universe of "Inferno," the damned are able to see far into the future, but are unaware of the present, and that after Judgment Day, when there is no longer any future, the intellects of the damned will be rendered void:
“Ah, so may your soul sometime have rest,” I begged him, “solve the riddle that pursues me Through this dark place and leaves my mind perplexed: You seem to see in advance all time’s intent, If I have heard and understood correctly; But you seem to lack all knowledge of the present.” “We see asquint, like those whose twisted sight Can make out only the far-off,” he said, “for the King of All still grants us that much light. When things draw near, or happen, we perceive Nothing of them. Except what others bring us We have no news of those who are alive. So may you understand that all we know Will be dead forever from that day and hour When the Portal of Future is swung to.” (Canto 10, John Ciardi translation)
I am curious if this is a singular invention by Dante, or if some occult traditions are in general agreement with the above description.
Dante's "Inferno"
Do you know if Dante Alighieri was either an occultist or was aware of some occult teachings/knowledge?
In the universe of "Inferno," the damned are able to see far into the future, but are unaware of the present, and that after Judgment Day, when there is no longer any future, the intellects of the damned will be rendered void:
“Ah, so may your soul sometime have rest,”
I begged him, “solve the riddle that pursues me
Through this dark place and leaves my mind perplexed:
You seem to see in advance all time’s intent,
If I have heard and understood correctly;
But you seem to lack all knowledge of the present.”
“We see asquint, like those whose twisted sight
Can make out only the far-off,” he said,
“for the King of All still grants us that much light.
When things draw near, or happen, we perceive
Nothing of them. Except what others bring us
We have no news of those who are alive.
So may you understand that all we know
Will be dead forever from that day and hour
When the Portal of Future is swung to.”
(Canto 10, John Ciardi translation)
I am curious if this is a singular invention by Dante, or if some occult traditions are in general agreement with the above description.
Thanks,
Eugene