Observations placeholder
Pythagoras - Iamblichus's Life - Symbol system
Identifier
014632
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Iamblichus – Life of Pythagoras [translated by Thomas Taylor]
These men [the Pythagoreans] spoke obscurely to each other through symbols, of which the celebrated precepts that are now in circulation retain a vestige; such as
Dig not Fire with a Sword:
and other symbols of the like kind, which taken literally, resemble the tales of old women; but when unfolded impart a certain admirable and venerable benefit to those that receive them.