Preface

This work, which I now entrust to the judgment of the world, is the result of close interactions with skilled individuals in the East and a study of their knowledge. This book is dedicated to those who will accept truth wherever it may be found, and who are willing to defend it even when facing prejudice from society. This book attempts to help readers discover the living principles that underlie ancient philosophical systems.

This book was written with the most sincere intentions. It aims to evaluate fairly, without malice or prejudice, and to tell the truth equally. However, it does not show leniency towards errors in positions of power, nor does it pay respect to usurped authority. This book demands a just evaluation for achievements that have been unjustly denied for too long due to a plundered past. It seeks to return borrowed garments to their owners and restore the glorious honor that has been slandered. Regarding any form of worship, religious belief, or scientific hypothesis, the criticisms in this book originate from no other spirit than this. People, factions, sects, and schools of thought are nothing more than mayflies born and extinguished in a single day. Only Truth, which sits high on the rock of diamond, is eternal and supreme.

We do not believe in magic, which exceeds the range and capabilities of the human mind. Also, if it means a violation of natural laws that have been established since time immemorial, we do not believe in "miracles," whether they are divine or demonic. Nevertheless, we accept the words of the talented author of 'Festus,' who says that the human heart has yet to fully express itself, and that we have yet to realize or understand the extent of its power. Would it be excessive to believe that humans will develop new sensitivities and establish a closer relationship with nature? If we advance the logic of evolution to its proper conclusion, that is what should be taught. Somewhere along the path from plants or corals to the most noble human beings, if an intelligent soul has evolved, then it may not be unreasonable to infer and believe that humans are developing perceptual abilities that can perceive facts and truths beyond the scope of normal perception. However, we also readily accept Biffé's following assertion: "The essential is eternally the same. Whether you carve inward into a block of marble to reveal the statue hidden within, or build outward with stones to complete the temple, our new achievements are nothing more than a single old idea. In every eternity, the latest will find its other half, destined in the first."

Many years ago, when we first journeyed to Touhou and explored the depths of a ruined sanctuary, two questions weighed heavily on our minds, evoking sadness and returning repeatedly. Where is God? Who is God? What is God? Has there ever been someone who has actually seen the immortal soul of humans and thereby confirmed human immortality themselves?

At that time, we earnestly desired to solve these difficult problems. We then encountered people who possessed mysterious powers and profound knowledge, truly worthy of being called the wise men of the East. We willingly listened to their teachings. They showed us how, by combining science and religion, it was possible to prove the existence of God and the immortality of the human soul, just like Euclid's problems. It was then that we became convinced that Eastern philosophy leaves no room for any belief other than absolute trust in the immortal self of humanity itself. This omnipotence arises from the kinship between the human spirit and the soul of the universe – God. They taught us that the latter can only be proven by the former. Just as a drop of water proves the existence of its source, the human spirit proves the spirit of God. If you tell someone who has never seen water about an ocean made of water, they will either accept it through faith or completely reject it. However, if you place a single drop in their hand, they will grasp the fact from which they can deduce everything else. Gradually, that person will come to understand that there exists an endless and fathomless ocean of water. No longer is blind faith necessary; it has been replaced by knowledge. When one sees mortal humans demonstrating incredible abilities, controlling natural forces, and opening up the spiritual world before their eyes, a contemplative mind is overwhelmed by a certain conviction. If the spiritual self of a single human can accomplish so much, then the power of the Father Spirit must be far greater, just as an entire ocean surpasses a single drop in quantity and power. Ex nihilo nihil fit – Nothing comes from nothing. Prove the soul of humanity through its astonishing power. In doing so, you will have proven God.

In our research, we have shown that what is considered mysterious is not actually a mystery. We have demonstrated that names and places in the West, which are derived from Eastern legends and hold meaning only for Westerners, are real entities. With reverence, we entered the temple of Isis in spirit, to lift the veil of "that which was, is, and will be" in Sais. To see beyond the torn curtain of the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem. And even to question the mystical Bath-Kol in the basement that once existed beneath that sacred building. Filia Vocis – daughter of the voice of God – responded from within the sanctuary behind the veil. [1] Then, science and theology, all human hypotheses and concepts born from incomplete knowledge, lost their authority forever in our eyes. The living God spoke through humanity, his vessel, and we were fulfilled. Such knowledge is invaluable. It has been hidden only from those who would overlook it, ridicule it, or deny its existence.

We expect that we will be subjected to criticism, condemnation, or even hostility from such people. However, the obstacles before us do not arise from the validity of the evidence, nor from well-established historical facts, nor because our readers lack common sense. It is clear that modern trends are moving towards liberalism in both science and religion. Day by day, reactionary forces are approaching a point where they can no longer maintain their monopolistic authority over people's consciences. While the Pope issues harsh excommunications to those who defend freedom of publication and expression, those who argue that national law should take precedence when state law and church law conflict, or even those who accept purely secular methods of education, [2] if Mr. Tyndall, who represents 19th-century science, says, "…the unwavering position of science can be stated in a few words: we will demand and seize the entire realm of cosmological theory from theology," [3] it is not difficult to foresee the outcome.

For centuries, submission did not reach the point of crystallizing people's living blood around a nucleus of blind faith. And in the 19th century, we witnessed giants struggling to break free from the ropes of Lilliputians and trying to stand up. Even Protestant churches in Britain and America, which are currently working on revising the text of their own Book of Prophecies, will inevitably have to demonstrate the origin and value of that very text. The era when doctrines control people is already twilight.

Therefore, this book seeks to recognize Hermetic philosophy, that is, the "religion of wisdom" which was universal in ancient times, as the only possible key to the Absolute in science and theology. In order to demonstrate that we are not at all blind to the importance of our endeavors, let us state beforehand that it would be no surprise if the following types of people were arrayed against us:

Christians. People who know that we are questioning whether our faith is genuine, and will offer evidence to support it.

Scientists. People who will realize that their claims are being lumped together with the claim of papal infallibility by the Roman Catholic Church, and in some ways, that ancient thinkers and philosophers are placed above them.

Pseudoscientists will, of course, strongly criticize us.

Those who belong to broad church denominations and free thinkers will know that we are not asking them to simply accept what they believe, but rather to acknowledge the entirety of truth.

People of letters and various authorities who, out of consideration for societal prejudice, are hiding their true beliefs.

Those who are employed by or parasites of the media. They commercialize the power of the press, which even surpasses royal authority, and tarnish the honor of this noble profession. For them, it is easy to mock things that seem incredibly amazing but they cannot understand. Their priority is the price of a single article rather than the value of integrity. Many people will offer sincere criticism, while others will offer insincere compliments. However, we are looking towards the future.

Currently, the ongoing conflict between those representing public conscience and reactionary forces is already creating a more healthy tone of thought. This conflict will ultimately lead to the defeat of error and the victory of truth. Let me repeat: We are working for a brighter future.

Even so, when we consider the fierce opposition that we must face from now on, is there anyone more worthy than us to write a greeting similar to the one sent by Roman gladiators to Caesar as they stepped into the arena? Moriturus te Salutat! – Those who are about to die salute you!

New York, September 1877.

Author's Notes

[1] Lightfoot asserts that this voice, which was once used as a sign from heaven, "was actually produced by magic" (Volume 2, page 128). The latter term is being used as a derogatory expression simply because it has been and continues to be misunderstood. It is the purpose of this book to correct the misconceptions about "magic."

[2] The papal bull of 1864.

[3] Fragments of Science.