Orphism and the Initiatory Tradition

In this book Raphael shows that Orphism represents the fountain-head of all Western speculative thought. With its establishment people began to speak of something divine that was present in human beings, and consequently there took root in Europe, and therefore in the West, the metaphysical vision of Being. Raphael offers us an authentic traditional setting of Orphism by indicating the initiatory aspect to be found in the two myths or symbols linked to the figure of Orpheus: his...
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In this book Raphael shows that Orphism represents the fountain-head of all Western speculative thought. With its establishment people began to speak of something divine that was present in human beings, and consequently there took root in Europe, and therefore in the West, the metaphysical vision of Being.
Raphael offers us an authentic traditional setting of Orphism by indicating the initiatory aspect to be found in the two myths or symbols linked to the figure of Orpheus: his death and his descent to the underworld, both of which, being cathartic, portray a true experience.
The Mysteries established by the divine Orpheus represent various states of being, and neophytes should ensure that they are in the right psychological condition.
Readers who are lovers of Wisdom will be able to fully comprehend the highly cathartic function and relevance of the Orphic message and benefit from drinking at the inexhaustible Fountain offered by the timeless Tradition.

Raphael is a Master in the Western Metaphysical Tradition. He has written several books on the pathway of Non-duality (Advaita). He has also translated a number of key Vedånta texts from the Sanskrit and provided his own commentaries. Raphael interprets spiritual practice as a 'Pathway of Fire', which disciples follow in all branches of the Tradition; it is the 'Way of Return'. All disciples follow their own 'Path of Fire' in accordance with that branch of the Tradition to which they belong. According to Raphael, what is important is to express, through living and being, the truth that one has been able to contemplate. Thus, for all beings, their expression of thought and action must be coherent and in agreement with their own specific dharma.
After more than 60 years of Teaching, in both oral and written format, Raphael withdrew into mahåsamådhi. May Raphael's Consciousness, an expression of the Unity of Tradition, guide and illumine along this Opus all those who donate their mens informalis (a-formal mind) to the attainment of the highest known Realisation.