Beauty (Καλόν)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a phrase that implies its inherent subjectivity. However, the beauty I describe is far deeper than this simple observation. It is the kind of beauty that emanates from a place of purity, one that exists in its natural form and essence. This beauty is not merely an illusion to be molded by individual perceptions or social constructs; it is an intrinsic part of existence, one that is eternal and universal in its nature. In Meletic philosophy, this type of beauty is called Kalon.

Beauty, in this philosophical context, transcends mere aesthetic appeal. It is more than a fleeting quality or an ornament of the senses. It is the embodiment of universal truth. Kalon is not the kind of beauty shaped by the hands of a god, nor is it a beauty that can be captured within the known confines of tradition or superficial perfection. Rather, it is a form of beauty that is both pure and natural, arising from the essence of existence itself. It is a cosmic art, an expression of the fundamental unity of the cosmos.

The beauty I speak of is not bound by the definitions imposed by society or the demands of human vanity. It does not conform to any arbitrary or idealised standards. It is not a beauty that strives for perfection, for true beauty in its purest form is imperfect. It does not seek to attain any artificial or socially constructed image of flawlessness. Instead, beauty in its true form is characterised by its authenticity and simplicity. This kind of beauty cannot be forced or altered by external influences. If an attempt is made to modify it, to shape it into something other than what it is, it ceases to be beautiful. What remains is a mere shadow of its former self, a pale imitation that no longer bears and reflects the original essence of its being.

This is why beauty, when it is understood in its profoundest sense, must be seen as a universal concept, rather than a personal or subjective experience. It is not tied to any particular form or expression. Rather, it is embedded in the same fabric of existence. It is an inherent quality of nature, something that exists independent of human interpretation. When we look upon the natural world, we are not merely witnessing a collection of aesthetic patterns and shapes. We are witnessing the manifestation of a deeper, underlying harmony that transcends the material and speaks directly to the soul.

In Meleticism, the value of beauty is intimately connected with our understanding of nature and the cosmos. To truly appreciate beauty, we must first acknowledge that our human nature is not separate from the natural world. It is an integral part of it. We are born with this intrinsic beauty, and it is through deep contemplation, mindfulness and the cultivation of wisdom that we come to realise and nourish it. This beauty is not something to be artificially enhanced or fabricated by the mind or the external world. Rather, it is something to be recognised, appreciated and celebrated for what it already is pure, unadulterated and eternal.

This understanding of beauty challenges the modern notions that dominate our culture today. In contemporary society, beauty is often seen as a commodity, something that can be purchased, manipulated or altered to fit a certain standard. We are influenced by images of idealised beauty that are not based on any natural principle, but on fleeting trends, superficiality and the desires of the superficial world. This view of beauty is limited and narrow, for it sees only the surface, the exterior. It ignores the deeper dimensions of beauty that lie within each of us and in the world around us.

To better understand beauty, it is important to accept that it is not merely a matter of perception or an aesthetic judgement. It is a quality of being. It is not something that exists only in the realm of the senses or the imagination. Rather, it is a manifestation of the divine order of the universe, a reflection of the harmony and unity that governs all things. Beauty is not confined to a particular object, shape or form. It is the expression of the essential truth that permeates all of existence.

In this sense, beauty is not something to be envied or coveted. It is not something to be imitated or chased after. True beauty is not about achieving some idealised image of perfection. It is about acknowledging and accepting the inherent beauty that exists in all things, both in the natural world and within ourselves. It is about connecting with the deeper truths of existence and appreciating the inherent harmony and balance that underlies all of creation.

When we look at the world around us, we should not focus solely on what is visible to the eye. We must look deeper, beyond the surface, to see the real essence of what is before us. Whether it is the rising sun casting its golden light over the horizon, the calm serenity of a still lake or the quiet majesty of a towering mountain, beauty is present in all things. This beauty cannot be fully appreciated unless we approach it with the right mindset, one that is grounded in awareness, mindfulness and presence. It is only through conscious reflection and profound contemplation that we are able to experience the fullness of beauty.

In Meleticism, the cultivation of beauty is not about seeking perfection or conforming to societal expectations. It is about perceiving and nurturing the beauty that already exists within us. This beauty is not external; it is an expression of our inner truth and of our connection to the Enas, which is the source of all being, and does not require our praise or admiration. It is not concerned with external adornments or worship. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, its purity and its oneness with the universe. It is through our connection with the Enas that we are able to access the actual beauty that resides within us.

This beauty, which is both a reflection of the cosmos and a part of our own inner nature is not something that can be corrupted or manipulated by the external world. It is a beauty that transcends the physical realm, one that cannot be tainted by the fleeting desires and distractions of human society. To embrace this beauty is to embrace the exact essence of who we are, and in doing so, we align ourselves with the greater harmony of the universe.

We must also acknowledge that beauty is fragile. It can be easily distorted by the influences of the material world, by the desire to conform, by the pressure to attain some idealised form. When this happens, beauty loses its essence. It becomes something that is manufactured, something that is no longer connected to the truth of existence. This is why it is so important to cultivate an awareness of beauty that goes beyond the superficial. We must look within ourselves and in the world around us to find the beauty that is natural, that is true, and that is eternal.

Beauty in the philosophical sense is not a transient or superficial quality. It is the expression of the unity and harmony that pervades all things. It is not something to be envied or sought after. Rather, it is something to be recognised and embraced, both in ourselves and in the world around us. Through deep contemplation, mindfulness and the cultivation of wisdom, we can come to see the true beauty that exists in all things. This beauty is the embodiment of (To Ένa) the One, and it is through our connection to this metaphysical source that we are able to experience the fullness of beauty in its purest form of existence.

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