Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path 853189 218806570 2008-06-12T07:17:54Z Bdentremont 4007305 added redirect-acronym to Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) {{ redirect-acronym|LHP|[[Loop heat pipe|Loop Heat Pipe]]}} [[Image:Baphomet.png|thumb|right|The [[Baphomet]], adopted symbol of some "Left-Hand Path" [[belief systems]].]] The terms '''''Left-Hand Path''''' and '''''Right-Hand Path''''' refer to a [[dichotomy]] between two opposing [[belief system]]s, whose meanings have varied over time. Modern definitions of "Right-Hand Path" elevate [[spirituality]], the strict observance of [[moral code]]s, and the worship of [[deities]]. The intent of "Right-Hand Path" belief systems is to attain proximity to divinity, or integration with divinity. Conversely, "Left-Hand Path" belief systems value the advancement and preservation of the self, glorification of more temporal and terrestrial goals, and personal power rather than spiritual attainments. Rather than valuing proximity to the divine, followers of Left-Hand Path belief systems seek to "become divinities" in their own right. These definitions are typically used by proponents of Left-Hand Path belief systems. Opponents often argue that these definitions improperly divide [[belief systems]] (a mislabeled or [[false dilemma|false dichotomy]]), or claim that many Left-Hand beliefs are illegitimate. ==Origins== The term ''Left-Hand Path'' originates from Hindu [[Tantra]]. It was first used in Western occultism to describe religious practices viewed as immoral (such as "sex magic") by [[Madame Blavatsky|Helena Blavatsky]] (1831 - 1891). Throughout history, many cultures have regarded [[left-handed]]ness as [[evil]]. This tendency can be seen in the etymology of words such as ''[[sinister]]'', which in [[Latin]] means both "left" and "unlucky." Consequently, the left hand has often symbolized the rejection of traditional religion. The word "right" as in "right-hand" generally derives from the Hebrew term ''yamin''. Also from Hebrew, the term for "left" is ''smol''. It is possible that this division also derives from the practice of using the left hand for purposes of personal hygiene after defecation in some cultures, rendering the left hand "unclean." (The terms "[[Left-wing politics|left]]" and "[[Right-wing politics|right]]" as applied to [[politics]] have a different origin. They are derived from the seating in the French [[Legislative Assembly (France)|Legislative Assembly]] in [[1791]].) ==Usage in Tantra== [[Tantra]] is a set of [[esoteric]] [[India]]n traditions with roots in [[Hinduism]] and later [[Buddhism]] (which is a separate [[Dharma]] formed from Hinduism). Tantra is often divided by its practitioners into two different paths: ''[[dakshinachara]]'' and ''[[vamachara]]'', translated as ''Right-Hand Path'' and ''Left-Hand Path'' respectively. Dakshinachara consists of traditional Hindu practices such as [[asceticism]] and [[meditation]], while vamachara also includes ritual practices that conflict with mainstream Hinduism, such as [[sexual ritual]]s, consumption of [[alcohol]] and other [[intoxicant]]s, [[animal sacrifice]], and [[cannibalism|flesh-eating]]. The two paths are viewed by Tantrists as equally valid approaches to [[bodhi|enlightenment]]. Vamachara, however, is considered to be the faster and more dangerous of the two paths, and is not suitable for all practitioners. This usage of the terms Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path is still current in modern Tantra. ==Adoption by Western occultism== The prevalence of these terms within the [[New Age]] movement, particularly within systems of [[ceremonial magic]] and [[Satanism]], is usually traced to the influence of [[Madame Blavatsky|Helena Blavatsky]], who first used the term ''Left-Hand Path'' to describe religious practices with "immoral" content, generally meaning [[sex magic]]. [[Aleister Crowley]] further popularized the term "Left-Hand Path" in certain occult circles, referring to a "Brother of the Left-Hand Path," or a "Black Brother," meaning one who failed to attain the grade of [[A.'.A.' Magister Templi|Magister Templi]] in Crowley's system of ceremonial magic. [http://www.hermetic.com/crowley/mwt/mwt_12.html] Crowley also referred to the Left-Hand Path when describing the point at which the [[A.'.A.'.#Adeptus Exemptus|Adeptus Exemptus]] chooses to cross the Abyss, which is the location of [[Choronzon]] and the illusory eleventh [[Sephira]], which is [[Da'at (Kabbalah)|Da'ath]] or Knowledge. In this example, the adept must surrender all, including the guidance of his [[Holy Guardian Angel]], and leap into the Abyss. If his accumulated [[Karma]] is sufficient, and if he has been utterly thorough in his own self-destruction, he becomes a "babe of the abyss," arising as a Star in the Crowleyan system. On the other hand, if he retains some fragment of ego, or if he fears to cross, he then becomes encysted. The layers of his self, which he could have shed in the Abyss, ossify around him. He is then titled a "Brother of the Left-Hand Path," who will eventually be broken up and disintegrated against his will, since he failed to choose voluntary disintegration. [[Belief system]]s which describe themselves as "Left-Hand Path" often invert much of the symbolism of more "traditional" Right-Hand Path belief systems, utilizing upside-down [[cross]]es, or inverted [[pentagram]]s, or [[pentacle]]s. Such belief systems will also cite sources such as the following [[Bible|Biblical]] passage: :''And he shall separate them one from another,'' :''as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.'' :''And he shall set the sheep on his right,'' :''but the goats on his left.'' :— [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 25: 32-33 ==Usage in other occult traditions== The terms ''Left-Hand Path'' and ''Right-Hand Path'' are primarily used by advocates of the Left-Hand Path, who hold varying opinions of the Right-Hand Path. Some see the two Paths as equally valid approaches to [[truth]], whose relationship is akin to the balance between [[Yin Yang|Yin and Yang]], while others criticize the Right-Hand Path as being too restrictive. According to the latter view, the Right-Hand Path's imposition of formal dogmas and codes of behavior impede individual decision-making, making it possible for one to avoid responsibility for one's own life, with a consequent loss of individuality. Some argue that this is the main difference between the two Paths: the Left-Hand Path preserves individuality, while the Right-Hand Path destroys it. Conversely, some accuse advocates of the Left-Hand Path of [[narcissism]], while praising the Right-Hand Path for its [[altruism]]. ''Right-Hand Path'' belief systems generally share the following properties: *Belief in a higher power, such as a deity. *Obedience to the will of a higher power. *The belief that there is an absolute definition of good and evil that applies to everyone. *[[Esoteric]] belief in a supernatural mechanism like [[Karma]], [[divine retribution]], or the [[Rule of Three (Wiccan)|Threefold Law]], which entails the assessment of moral decisions made in one's lifetime. *The ultimate goal of merging the individual consciousness into a greater or cosmic whole. ''Left-Hand Path'' belief systems generally share the following properties: *The conviction that individuals can become akin to gods, usually through spiritual insight. *The conviction that there is no such thing as a selfless act. Fulfilling one's desire is acknowledged to be selfish, at the least reaping an individual sense of satisfaction. Altruism is considered self-deception, created and fostered by conventional religions. *An [[exoteric]] interpretation of concepts like [[karma]], [[divine retribution]], or the [[Threefold Law]], resulting in flexible rather than rigid codes of [[morality]]. *The conviction that the individual is preeminent, and that all decisions should be made with the goal of cultivating the self (though not necessarily the [[ego]]). *The conviction that each individual is responsible for his or her own happiness, and that no external force will provide [[salvation]] or reward actions which do not advance one's own happiness in this life. *The conviction that the forces of the [[universe]] can be harnessed to one's personal [[will (philosophy)|will]] by [[Magick|magic]]al means, and that power gained and wielded in such a manner is an aid to enlightenment, to self-satisfaction, and to self-deification. *A [[Platonism|Platonic]] view of deities as "first-forms." If deity is perceived as having consciousness, then all relationships with the deity are in the form of a partnership, or an alliance which does not require subservience. Some practitioners of Left-Hand Path belief systems summarize this concept with the statement that "prideful deities like prideful partners." Most conventional religions are considered examples of the Right-Hand Path, including [[Confucianism]]. Some varieties of [[Vajrayana Buddhism]] and "[[Alchemy|Alchemical]]" [[Taoism]] (as opposed to "Philosophical Taoism") are also considered examples of the Left-Hand Path, with enlightenment attainable through living a virtuous life and doing good deeds. Some maintain that [[Mahayana]] and [[Vajrayana]] are pure Right-Hand Path belief systems. Such definitions and classifications are controversial. Some consider the sundering of belief systems needlessly [[dualistic]], and often inapplicable to religious traditions like [[Advaita Vedanta]], [[Taoism]] and [[Buddhism]]. ===List of Belief Systems that Describe Themselves as Left Handed=== *[[Satanism]] **[[LaVeyan Satanism]] **[[Church of Satan]] **[[First Satanic Church]] **[[Theistic Satanism]] *[[Dark Paganism]] *[[Demonolatry]] *[[Dragon Rouge]] *[[Luciferianism]] *[[Setianism]] ''also spelled Sethianism'' **[[Temple of Set]] *Left-Hand Path Hinduism **[[Aghoris]] **[[Vamachara]] ==Criticism== Scholars of religion and other systems of belief often do not accept the Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path dichotomy. Critics argue that the division is derived from a limited subset of the world's belief systems, that the terms are too loosely defined to be useful in formal studies, and that the terms are too charged with pejorative connotations to be useful in discourse between holders of differing systems of belief.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} == References== * {{cite book | first=Aleister | last=Crowley | authorlink= | coauthors= | year=1991 | title=Magick Without Tears | edition= | publisher=New Falcon Publications | location= | id=ISBN 1-56184-018-1 }} * {{cite book | first=Stephen | last=Flowers | authorlink= | coauthors= | year= 1997 | title=Lords of the Left Hand Path: A History of Spiritual Dissent | edition= | publisher=Runa Raven Press | location= | id=ISBN 1-885972-08-3 }} * {{cite book | first=Richard J. | last=Sutcliffe | authorlink= | coauthors= | year= 1996 | title=''"Left-Hand Path Ritual Magick: An Historical and Philosophical Overview," in G. Harvey & C. Hardman (eds.),'' Paganism Today, ''pp.109-37'' | edition= | publisher=Thorsons/HarperCollins | location=London | id= ISBN 0-7225-3233-4 }} * {{cite book | first=Robert E. | last=Svoboda | authorlink= | coauthors= | year=1986 | title=AGHORA, At the Left Hand of God | edition= | publisher=Brotherhood of Life | location= | id=ISBN 0-914732-21-8 }} * {{cite book | first=Don | last=Webb | authorlink= | coauthors=Stephen E. Flowers | year=1999 | title=Uncle Setnakt's Essential Guide to the Left Hand Path | edition= | publisher=Runa Raven Pr | location= | id=ISBN 1885972105 }} ==External links== * A discussion of the origins of the terms: [http://dpjs.co.uk/lefthandpath.html Left Hand Path] * Aleister Crowley on the "Left-Hand Path": [http://hermetic.com/crowley/mwt/mwt_12.html Magick Without Tears Chapter XII] [[Category:Left Hand Path| ]] [[Category:Religious philosophy and doctrine]] [[Category:Satanism]] [[Category:Dichotomies]] [[cs:Stezka pravé a levé ruky]][[de:Pfad zur linken Hand]] [[fr:Voie de la main gauche et voie de la main droite]] [[it:Via della mano sinistra]] [[lt:Kairiosios ir dešiniosios rankos keliai]] [[ru:Путь левой руки]] [[simple:Left Hand Path]] [[fi:Vasemman käden polku]]