A lecture on self-realization, transcendence, and the final temptations of perfected masters in Mefistofele. Beginners welcome!
Lecture Topic: The Sacred Feminine, Redemption, and Temptation of the Gods in *Mefistofele* (Act IV and Epilogue)
After tragically failing Margherita, Faust longs for the perfection and beauty of Ancient Greece (Arcadia, the prelapsarian world of Eden) where Mefistofele transports him to administer a more subtle, daring, and intense temptation: that of remaining in the lower heavens of the gods (initiates of the superior worlds). There in the bliss of Nirvana, one easily forgets the sorrows of humanity and the hopes for final liberation (in the Ain Soph). While demons provide temptation in the inferno or Klipoth of kabbalah, Lucifer—the trainer of spiritual initiates—also tempts masters on the path to perfection by offering solace and comfort within the higher dimensions, so as to deter them from ultimate advancement to more elevated esoteric degrees. Even attachment to the sacred feminine (Helen of Troy, the spiritual soul and beloved of Tiphereth) can impede one from supreme self-realization, whereas renunciation of heaven (virtues and mystical powers) is the requisite for transcending all obstacles on the initiatic path. In the denouement of this opera, the significance of temptation, redemption, and transcendence is clarified: for only by giving up what Faust loves most is he able to achieve something higher. See how through his triumph over Mefistofele (desire, ego, Shaitan) and his induction into the conscious circle of self-realized and perfected masters (within the Solar Absolute).
Light refreshments and snacks will be served before and during the viewing of Act IV and the Epilogue. Afterward we will have a short break and reconvene for the lecture.
Listen to the previous Mefistofele lectures in this course:
https://chicagognosis.org/the-secret-teachings-of-opera.html
If you have not already, we recommend you listen to or study the following lecture, since it provides much background knowledge that will deepen your understanding of this opera:
https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/arcanum-15-passion
Location and Directions
828 Davis St, Suite 5 (Lower Level)
Evanston, IL 60201
There is paid parking across the street in the Sherman Plaza Parking Garage with cheap hourly rates ($6 for 3 to 5 hours).
The 201 and 213 Buses stop across the street at Davis St. and Benson Ave. You can also take the 93, 201, 208, 213, or 250 Bus to Davis and Maple, walking a block East on Davis until reaching our location across from Benson Ave.
The Davis Purple Line stop is half a block away. When arriving, go South on Benson Ave straight ahead to our location on Davis St.
There is also the Davis St. / Evanston Metra Station, whereby you can walk South on Maple and East on Davis.
When you arrive, enter through the front. Go down to the lower level via the stairs to the left or the elevator to the right. We are located in Suite 5.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
You may also like the following events from Gnostic Academy of Chicago:
- This August, 2nd August, 01:00 pm, (In Person Only) Divine Tests, Temptation, and Holy Negation in Mefistofele (Prologue and Act I) in Evanston
- This August, 30th August, 01:00 pm, (In Person Only) The Fool, Lust, Insanity, and Pain of the Ninth Sphere in Mefistofele (Act III) in Evanston
Also check out other
Workshops in Evanston.
