Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin's thought is still very much alive today, enlightening all those on the path to awakening.
In this space, Martinists of the 21st century offer to share with you the essentials of their inspired thinking.
« The name came out of life and gave birth to the word. Let life, name and word urge the human soul to walk its path and turn its steps towards the end and towards the work ».
(from Man of Desire)
Life precedes everything; it is the primary source. From this life comes the Creator Word, that is, the Name. This Word, in turn, enables expression through the word, an active and vibrant force. Through it, meaning is revealed and the universe is shaped and transformed.
This enigmatic reflection may evoke the beginning of John's Gospel. However, when John says: « In the beginning was the Word », he is emphasising that the creative act of the universe is based on the Word, the word, the sound. Now, this idea differs from that expressed by our venerated Master Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin. He invites us to consider another interpretation of the ternary: Name - Life - Word.
The founding image is based on the tetragrammaton « IOD HE VAV HE », the unpronounceable Name of God.
Thanks to the divine fire, « SHIN », God allowed his incarnation and gave life to « IOD HE SHIN VAV HE », now expressing the living presence of God through his son, Yeshua.
« And the Word was made flesh » (John 1-14).
From now on, the word makes it possible to express and pronounce the name of God on earth, incarnate in Jesus: « IOD HE SHIN VAV HE ».
« And my Father who sent me has testified about me. You have never heard his voice, nor seen anything that represents him ». (John 5-37).
Jesus, the living testimony of God on earth, is therefore the path to follow to rise up to Him:
« Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me ». (John 14-6).
Life, name and word are all synonyms for Jesus. This meaning emerges clearly in the words of our Venerated Master: « May Jesus urge us to walk in his way towards the end and towards the work (reintegration) ».
The word ‘urge’ evokes a necessity, a spiritual obligation. Once committed to the initiatory path by our free will, it becomes an inner demand. The sincere seeker is gradually absorbed and penetrated by his quest, which then becomes a profound necessity, the true essence of his existence.
It is this inner disposition that our Venerated Master wishes for us: that the search for God becomes for us the Great Adventure of our lives.
In this way, life, the Creator Word and the Word guide the human soul along its path, giving it meaning and helping it to accomplish its mission in harmony with the spiritual forces that accompany it.
The Edouard Schuré group, Strasbourg college.
