Matter (Υλη)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

Matter is the central embodiment of the material world. It is the physical substance that takes form, shaping the reality we perceive and interact with. For some people, matter is seen as the exact image of reality in the ontological sense, serving as the foundation upon which existence manifests. Whilst it has a fundamental role in our understanding of the universe, reality itself is not strictly bound to matter alone. Reality is conceptual upon its realisation, meaning that our acceptance of it is influenced by consciousness, perception and thought.

Matter is something tangible, something that can be touched, seen and measured. It exists in various states, from the solidity of rock to the fluidity of water and the intangibility of air. The transformation and interaction of these forms define the physical world. Its significance extends beyond mere physicality. Matter is not just a thing, it is an essential part of existence, and a present aspect of the cosmos and nature.

In Meleticism, the first form of matter that emerged into viable existence was the atom. The atom, as the fundamental building block of reality, gave birth to the structures of the universe, forming the stars, planets and all things that occupy space. The cosmos and nature were replete with different types of matter that reached various states, such as solid, liquid and gas, operating within what became known as the laws of nature. These laws are not arbitrary; they are reflections of order and balance that govern the interactions and transformations of matter throughout existence.

Matter is constantly evolving, changing and adapting to its unique surroundings. This evolution is not merely a physical phenomenon, but a metaphysical one also. In both physics and metaphysics, matter possesses potentiality. It is subject to change, growth and transformation. This is an important understanding in Meleticism, for it teaches us that everything in existence is in a constant state of flux. The universe is not static, and neither is matter.

If we were to look at a mirror, what we would see is a reflection of matter, which is a simulation of reality. This image is not the matter itself, but a representation of it. Matter has form that can be shaped and altered, whilst ideas remain formless and fluid. This is why matter and thought are often seen as separate entities. They are interconnected. Matter exists in a physical sense, whilst ideas give meaning to its primary existence. Thus, matter is not just something that occupies space; it is as well a medium through which meaning is projected.

Science and philosophy approach matter from different angles, yet they converge in their fundamental agreement that matter is real and existential. Science provides theories, measurable data and empirical observations that define the nature of matter in quantitative terms. Philosophy, on the other hand, provides concepts, interpretations and metaphysical insights that explore matter beyond its physical attributes.

Although their methods and approaches differ, both disciplines recognise the necessity of understanding matter. The physicist examines matter through its structure, movement and composition, focusing solely on its corporeal properties. The philosopher, however, looks beyond the physical and seeks to understand the metaphysical potentiality of matter and how it interacts with existence. It also seeks to understand the influence of perception, and how it fits within the grander scheme of reality.

It is easier to examine that which is visible and tangible than to comprehend that which exists beyond our immediate perception. Both perspectives hold value. The transparency of physical matter allows us to study its properties, whilst the hidden aspects of its existence require us to utilise our consciousness to comprehend it in a deeper, more meaningful way. Matter is not simply about what is observed; it is about what is understood.

Throughout history, many people have attributed the existence of matter to divine intervention. Some people believe that the physical world was crafted by the hands of a god or shaped by supernatural forces. However, Meleticism asserts that no divine entity was necessary for the creation or perfection of matter. It is a part of the natural order, which is an intrinsic component of the universe that exists independently of any deific will.

The formation of matter is not the result of an external creator, but the outcome of natural processes governed by the Logos (the order of the universe) and the Nous (the shaper of the universe). These functions allow us to explore the original nature of matter and its multiplicity. They give us the structure to comprehend not only the material world, but its relationship to existence as a whole also.

(To Ένa) the One is the ultimate source of universal existence. Through its Oneness, matter is imbued with form and function. From this unity, multiplicity arises as an endless semblance of physical manifestations that makes up the cosmos. Without matter, there would be no planets, no stars, no moon and no sun. The universe would be void, lacking the substance necessary for life and existence.

It is not enough to merely define the importance of matter; one must also cultivate a philosophical awareness of the material world. Matter is not the only reality, nor is it the highest form of existence. In Meleticism, matter is considered the lowest form, a foundation upon which higher forms of being are built. The way we perceive matter through our senses often creates the illusion that we are nothing more than physical entities. However, human existence extends far beyond mere materiality.

We are not just bodies composed of matter; we have souls, a self and an ousia (true essence) that transcend physicality. To some people, these concepts may seem abstract and intangible, but they are as real as the matter that makes up our physical bodies. They form the cohesion of our existence, much like how ideas are connected to our minds and actions to our behaviour.

Matter in its totality is limited. Like the body, it undergoes decay, transformation and eventual dissolution. A tree, for example, requires sustenance, such as water, nutrients and sunlight to grow. If deprived of these necessities, it withers and dies. Similarly, matter is subject to the conditions that govern its existence. It is not eternal, nor is it unchanging. It follows a process, evolving through time, influenced by external forces.

When we observe something made of matter, our initial perception is often focused on its form or shape. It is only through deeper contemplation that we realise its actual meaning and significance. A mountain is not just rock; it is a testament to time, erosion and geological history. A river is not just flowing water; it is a symbol of continuity, change and life.

Meleticism teaches us to value life through wisdom and self-awareness. Every material thing is a reflection of To Ena, a manifestation of the universal Oneness that connects all existence. However, our oneness is much more than mere matter, it is universal, boundless and infinite.

Matter, whilst essential to the physical world, does not define the totality of existence. It is but one aspect of a greater whole. The journey towards understanding matter is not just about studying its properties. It is about accepting its place within the grand design of the cosmos. To understand matter is to understand ourselves, and to understand ourselves is to embrace the oneness that unites all things.

In this intense realisation, we move beyond the known limitations of the physical and into a deeper awareness of our existence. Matter is the vessel through which life unfolds, but it is wisdom and consciousness that give it actual meaning.

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