Misunderstandings of Symbolism

In "Introduction to the Study of the Hindu Doctrines", Rene Guenon writes: 

"The word 'symbol', in its most general sense, can be applied to every formal expression of a doctrine, whether verbal, visual, or otherwise; a word can have no other function or justification but that of symbolizing an idea, which amounts to saying that it gives, as far as such a thing is possible, a sensible and moreover purely analogical representation of the idea. Taken in this sense, symbolism which is but the employing of forms or images as signs of ideas or of suprasensible things, is evidently natural to the human mind, and therefore necessary and spontaneous; language provides a simple example of this process"

This blog focuses on using geometric diagrams rather than language as a means of conveying Principles. Unfortunately, symbolism can often be confused and distorted by many. For example, the cosmic dance of Shiva/Shakti, important in Shaivism and Tantrism, is widely misunderstood; not just in the West but in the East as well.  Psychoanalysts would reduce symbolism in Tradition to mere associations to some archetype within the collective unconscious of man. So it seems that the lower cannot comprehend the higher.

We embark on this project which ideally should've been completed some time ago but for various reasons, has been on hold.

The basics

A logical starting point in our project begins by defining some basic geometric shapes which have precise metaphysical meaning and appear in diagrams with greater complexity later on. Keep in mind that some of the images i'll be posting are adaptations.

Each modality of a state of being is represented by a point alone. However each modality can undergo a series of secondary modifications according to the cycles of manifestation. For example, in the corporeal modality, humans undergo a series of changes in time some more subtle than others. Thus, each point now can be represented  as a straight line with indefinite extent.   This is what Guenon calls "simple indefinitude".

Each point in the line now represents the series of modifications a particular modality undergoes.  

Double infinitude is represented as a horizontal plane and represents a degree of universal existence

                                                 

To represent "triple infinitude", we use a 3D expanse. This represents a man who has realized the totality of possibilities of states of manifestation.

                                             
                    

   

Introduction

Over the next several weeks, I will be posting interpretation of symbols (using POV-ray and mathematical modeling software) described by Guenon in "Symbolism of the Cross". It is important to meditate on these symbols using a method described elsewhere. I welcome your comments regarding my interpretations (especially when you think I might be wrong), but please remember our goal is to obtain a more precise understanding of metaphysical principles. rather than entering into endless debates.