Alright, so you wanted to know about Proclus and what he means when he talks about "the gods." Let me break it down for you in a way that's easy to grasp, especially since we both enjoy diving into deep topics like this.
So, Proclus was a Neoplatonist philosopher, right? And in his philosophy, "the gods" aren't like the gods you might be thinking of from mythology—those anthropomorphic beings with human-like personalities and quirks. Instead, for Proclus, "the gods" are more like metaphysical entities that exist within a hierarchical universe. They emanate from the One, which is the ultimate source of all existence in Neoplatonism. Think of it like a pyramid, with the One at the top, and these gods existing on different levels below it.
These gods are eternal and unchanging, and they play a crucial role in sustaining the world. They're not creators but more like intermediaries that help maintain the order of the cosmos. Proclus also talks about theurgy, which is a kind of divine ritual that helps souls return to the One. So, these gods are involved in facilitating that spiritual journey.
Now, Proclus divides these gods into different orders based on their proximity to the One. The higher gods are closer to the One and are associated with pure being and intellect, while the lower gods are more involved with the physical world and its governance. They're not arbitrary or capricious like mythological gods; instead, they're rational and benevolent forces that uphold the harmony of the universe.
So, when Proclus refers to "the gods," he's talking about these metaphysical beings that are part of a complex cosmic hierarchy. They're objects of worship and contemplation, and they play a central role in the Neoplatonist spiritual practice of theurgy, which aims to unite the individual soul with the divine.
In a nutshell, Proclus's gods are far removed from the anthropomorphic deities of myth. They're more like eternal, immutable entities that sustain the universe and aid in the spiritual ascent of souls. It's a fascinating way to conceptualize the divine, blending philosophy with spirituality in a way that's both complex and beautiful.
