Tabula Tabularum
Esotericum

Esoteric Tables of Theo-Ontological Correspondences

© Wim van den Dungen
Antwerp, 2006 - 2008.

These tables are intended to assist the hermeneutical comparison of spiritual traditions invented by the substantialist mind. Providing correspondences between different theo-ontological systems, they may be used as research tools, triggering heuristic insights empowering the understanding of substantialism, the doctrine entities exist by their own power, being causa sui. These tables form a semantic pool of links between large segments of ante-rational, rational and meta-rational thought-patterns dedicated to substance. They are called "esoteric", because of their focus on the inner, direct, vertical relationship between the Divine and humanity, and this in terms of substantialist thought, accepting the Divine subsists from its own side as "God", "the God", "Godhead", "the One", "Gods", "Goddesses" or any other format of a supposed "Supreme Being".

Despite the presence in the world of between 5000 and 7000 spoken languages as well as a large variety of spiritual traditions, each developing its own symbols, language and stages of emancipation, common themes are found in most. These organize the complexity. But to speak to over half of the world's population, one just needs to master 8 languages ...

Likewise, given the substantialism of the (deluded) mind, correspondences between various theo-ontological systems are to be expected. Substantialism (as a form of eternalism) always implies the conviction entities exist inherently, and this despite the fact there are no good reasons to do so (cf. Criticosynthesis, 2008).

The first standard is immanent. Using the first ten cardinal numbers of N, the set of all natural numbers, the decadic set N' {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10} is isolated (cf. Pythagorism based on Ancient Egyptian thought and later replicated by the Qabalah). By means of N', all subsequent natural numbers can be derived. Each cardinal number of N' is then coupled with a symbol one-to-one. These combinations give form to the famous neo-Platonic formula : exitus a Deo, reditus in Deum (outgoing from and return to God). This "numerology" is backed by a process in which the "exit" is an involution (a materialization of spirit) and the "return" an evolution (a spiritualization of matter). Immanence and the realms of process (becoming) prevail.

The second standard is transcendent. Transcendence is approached with negatives (radical apophatism). Three kinds emerge : unknowing itself, virtuality (the possible, or {Ų}) and nothingness (the void, or "0"). The set of all relevant criteria of measurable differences is given 10 ordinal positions defining 10 dimensions. The logic of creation (transcendence into immanence and vice versa) links with this.

These two standards are substantialist. Hence, they cannot be absolute. The tables are incomplete and represent the consistent order at work between the multitudes of theo-ontologies posited by substantialist thought.