The Circle Of Life And Death (Ο Κύκλος της Ζωής και του Θανάτου)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

In the philosophical system of Meleticism, there exists no concept of an afterlife or afterworld. Unlike the beliefs found in many religions and mythologies, there is no notion of heaven or hell, nor is there a supernatural continuation of life after death. Rather, what Meleticism offers is a concept that focuses on the cyclical nature of existence, which is the circle of life and death. This cycle is not merely a linear progression or a finite beginning and end, but an ongoing, repeating process that encapsulates the essence of existence in its entirety. This process is metaphysical in nature, occurring continuously without interruption, reflecting the natural rhythm of the universe.

The cycle of life and death as understood in Meleticism is best described as the undulating flow of existence itself. It is an eternal repetition of birth and death, and of creation and dissolution. Just as the alternation between day and night or light and darkness follows a predictable and consistent pattern, so too does life and death proceed in a particular way that is constant, never-ending and natural. The concept of this cycle is not limited to human life, but extends to all forms of existence, encompassing not just living beings. It also encompasses the fundamental fabric of nature and the cosmos itself.

In this philosophical system, life and death are seen as opposites, yet they are intimately connected within the cyclical process. They are not separate, contradictory entities but are a part of a unified whole, integral to the cosmic order. The Meletic view emphasises the congruity of these two forces, illustrating that life cannot exist without death and vice versa. Through their interaction, the Logos, which is the governing principle of reason and order finds common expression. Everything that exists is subject to this cycle, and we as humans are a part of this grand process. Nature, the cosmos, and even our souls are reflected in this eternal rhythm, a reminder of our connection to the greater universe.

The essence of this cycle is deeply rooted in the idea of change. Change is not only inevitable but is indeed, the confirmation of the cycle itself. The act of living and dying, the constant ebb and flow between existence and non-existence, reflects the dynamic nature of reality. When a person dies, the physical body undergoes a transformation. The atoms that once constituted the individual’s mortal form are dispersed, returning to the natural world. The energy and matter that once formed a human body are reincorporated into nature. In this way, the individual ceases to exist in a physical sense, but it is the essence that does not vanish. It merges with nature and becomes a part of the ever-changing, evolving world around us.

Similarly the soul, according to Meleticism, is not seen as something that persists in an afterlife or moves on to some other realm. Upon death, the soul fades into the breath of air, becoming one with nature. It is not a departure from existence, but a return to the greater whole. The emanations of the ousia (the essence) of the soul integrate with nature, contributing to the flow of life that sustains the universe. This return to the natural world is not seen as a loss or a tragedy, but as a natural and inevitable process that completes the repetitive cycle. Ultimately, through nature, the body and soul returns to the Enas, who is the ultimate source of all existence. The ousia our true essence returns to the Enas, as our remaining essence.

The concept of the cycle of life and death is not unique to human beings. It applies equally to all living things, human and non-human alike. Meleticism teaches that the cycle is essential to the way all living things function in accordance with the natural order. Every being, regardless of its form is born, lives and dies, participating in the same process. This cycle is understood by the Nous, the shaper, which perceives the interconnection of all things within the cosmos. It is through the Nous that construe the true nature of life and death; not as arbitrary events, but as fundamental aspects of existence itself.

In this understanding, there is no divine intervention or supernatural force that governs the cycle of life and death. It is not a process that is controlled by gods or spiritual beings, nor is it a cycle that has any promise of an afterlife or reincarnation. Instead, the cycle is seen as a natural process, devoid of any religious or mythological significance. It is a recognition that life and death are not separate events, but parts of a continuous flow that defines existence. There is no divine judgement, nor is there any expectation of a transcendent reward for those people who live according to specific moral codes or beliefs.

This view stands in stark contrast to many religious doctrines that propose an afterlife or a spiritual continuation of the soul beyond death. For those who follow the teachings of Meleticism, the idea of immortality is not one that should be taken literally. To believe that we are immortals, to think that we transcend the cycle of life and death is to misunderstand the true nature of existence. It would imply that we are somehow above the natural order, and that we are deserving of an eternal reward simply because of our beliefs or actions. This in the Meletic view is a false notion. The idea that we are immortals, beyond the reach of death is a delusion that separates us from the truth of our existence as finite beings.

In reality, that which is mortal is inherently mortal in its composition. Our physical bodies made up of atoms and molecules are subject to the natural forces that govern the universe. They are born, they live and they die. The body that once held our consciousness and identity cannot return to life in the physical realm once it has perished. It cannot be resurrected or restored, nor can it regain the breath of life that once animated it. Once life leaves the body, it is absorbed back into nature and the cycle continues.

Death in this context is not an end but a transition. It marks the irreversible limit of our individual existence, yet it is not something to be feared or avoided. Instead, death is simply a part of the natural order, a process that must occur for the cycle to continue. Life in its essence is not inconsequential. It is a part of a greater cosmic order, one that is governed by the Logos. The purpose of life is not defined by the accumulation of wealth, power or knowledge, nor is it found in the pursuit of immortality. The true purpose of life lies in understanding our place within the cycle, accepting our mortality, and recognising that we are not separate from the natural world but an integral part of it.

The acceptance of our mortality is, therefore, the beginning of wisdom. It is only when we accept that we are mortal, that our time in this world is finite, that we can truly understand the nature of life and death. To deny our mortality is to live in ignorance of the truth. It is to live in a fantasy world where we believe that we are exempt from the natural laws that govern all existence. Once we accept our mortality, we can begin to live in harmony with the cycle of life and death. We can embrace the process, knowing that it is not something to fear, but something to be understood and respected.

The cycle of life and death as understood in Meleticism is not a linear journey from birth to death; instead, it is an eternal, repeating process that reflects the natural order of the universe. It is a process that is not controlled by divine beings or supernatural forces. It is controlled by an expression of the Logos, the governing principle of reason and order. Life and death are opposites, yet they are inseparable, each one dependent on the other. Through the acceptance of our mortality and the recognition that we are a part of this greater cycle, we understand the true nature of existence and live in harmony with the world around us. We discover life through (To Ένa) the One.

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