Source : Plato's World-Soul , by Scott Horton Harpers Magazine
The Greek philosophers, Neoplatonic systems had this concept of world soul. Not many souls but one. This is what they said –
Therefore, we may consequently state that: this world is indeed a living being endowed with a soul and intelligence … a single visible living entity containing all other living entities, which by their nature are all related.
In Jewish mysticism there is a similar concept, a par “Chokhmah Ila’ah,” the all-encompassing “Supernal Wisdom” that transcends, orders, and vitalizes all of creation. This is the Monad (the father), (formless consciousness). There is only the one soul and Sophia (universal mind) conceals it.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov states that this sublime wisdom may be apprehended (or perhaps “channeled”) by a Tzaddik (holy man). Thus, the Tzaddik attains “cosmic consciousness” and thus is empowered to mitigate all division and conflict within creation.
Thanks for reading.
David
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