The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Contention

Contention, often signifying disagreements and discussions that can arise from self-centered speech, is a concept involving a clash of opinions. This term captures elements of conflict and debate centered on individual perspectives and interests. On a symbolic plane, the term "contention" can be associated with the inner temple entrance, which serves as a powerful metaphor for struggle and self-overcoming. The inner temple entrance, in this context, might represent a threshold or turning point where individuals confront their own limitations, engage in challenges, and ultimately achieve self-improvement or resolution. This dual interpretation—both a contentious exchange of ideas and a metaphorical journey of self-mastery—blends the core aspects of contention into a cohesive and profound narrative of human interaction and personal growth. The inner temple's entrance, 'Contention', symbolizes the struggle against ego and self to achieve spiritual purity and unity

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

All→Substance

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

Four TwosConcept

Four Twos indicate the concept of contention

Positive SpeechConcept

Positive speech can become contention, especially in an egocentric context.

Scribe→Person

Contention is a part of the interaction and debate that can arise from positive speech and its consequences.

Inner TempleConcept

The entrance 'Contention' into the inner temple symbolizes the spiritual journey of overcoming personal obstacles)

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Alchemy

Alchemy, as an art form, embodies the understanding and mastery of the Infinite Mind, representing the ultimate process of transformation and creation, within the context of The All's supreme knowledge.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesSpirit →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Spirit

SPIRIT is characterized as the Infinite Living Mind and the Real Essence, serving as the highest conception of the concepts that make up THE ALL. This essence is both infinite and living, transcending human understanding. SPIRIT and THE ALL are intrinsically linked, with LIFE and MIND, as well as ENERGY and MATTER, viewed as manifestations or aspects of SPIRIT's essence. SPIRIT is also described as the essence from which the universe is created, further emphasizing its foundational importance in the cosmic structure. Thus, SPIRIT and THE ALL are understood to be intertwined, with SPIRIT being the fundamental reality from which all other aspects of existence emanate.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Philosophy

Philosophy avoids examining the unknowable, focusing on the thinkable and knowable aspects of reality.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesHermes →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Hermes

Hermes, in his capacity as a teacher and divine figure, elucidated the enigmatic nature of The All, a fundamental substance from which all creation emerges. Through a deep and silent contemplation, Hermes revealed the profound mysteries surrounding The All, emphasizing the silent and intrinsic understanding of its essence. His teachings highlight The All's interaction with and influence on the physical plane, suggesting a layered relationship between the divine and the tangible world. Hermes's discourses demonstrate the foundational role of The All, presenting it as the ultimate source from which everything in the universe derives its existence. Through his wisdom and silence, Hermes guided seekers of knowledge towards a deeper comprehension of the universe's underlying principles.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesMan →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Man

Man ceases manifesting on the material plane and withdraws into the indwelling spirit, representing a return to THE ALL.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesDeath →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Death

Death is seen as a relative concept within the context of The All, representing a transformation to a new state of existence, rather than an endpoint, reflecting the infinite nature of existence and the ongoing cycle of creation and transformation.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesMatter →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Matter

THE ALL cannot be merely Matter as the universe manifests Life and Mind, and Matter cannot manifest these concepts. Matter is thus seen as an effect, not a cause of THE ALL.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesKybalion →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Kybalion

KYBALION is a text that embodies the teachings of THE ALL, a metaphysical and spiritual entity, and prominently features the Mental Creation Principle, which is central to its philosophical discourse. The work KYBALION is renowned for its reflection of the highest and most profound teachings and writings of the Illumined, a term used to describe enlightened or spiritually advanced individuals. These teachings align closely with those attributed to THE ALL, suggesting a cohesive and spiritually aligned body of knowledge. Through KYBALION, these teachings are articulated in a manner that is accessible and thought-provoking, serving as a primary source for understanding the sympathy of the spiritual and mental realms as envisioned by THE ALL. "The Kybalion" is a collection of writings that emphasize and apply the principles of "The All," which it views as the ultimate unity and source of all hermetic principles and universal laws. The work demonstrates the sympathy and the importance of these laws within a cohesive framework. It posits that understanding and aligning with these universal laws is key to personal and spiritual growth. The Kybalion portrays "The All" as the unifying force behind all existence, serving as both the origin and the manifestation of all natural and spiritual laws.

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesMaster →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Master

Even the highest masters among men must bow to the laws of the All, which they can only transcend partially

ContentionthroughAllilluminatesHermetic Teachings →
I. Contention & All

Contemplation is the focused attention of THE ALL during the creation of the universe, similar to the act of meditation.

II. All & Hermetic Teachings

The Hermetic Teachings, associated with the concept of THE ALL, encompass a philosophical and mystical approach that posits a final state of existence toward which all progress is directed, ultimately leading to the attainment of the Absolute Spirit. The teachings describe THE ALL as the ultimate source of all creation and intelligence, which projects its Will to bring about the existence and evolution of the universe through two key processes: Involution and Evolution. Involution refers to the initial stages of creation where the Absolute manifests and contracts into various forms and dimensions. Evolution, on the other hand, signifies the unfolding and expansion of these forms, guiding them toward higher states of consciousness and eventually towards reintegration with the Absolute Spirit, thus achieving the ultimate final state envisioned by The Hermetic Teachings.