The Hermetic writings transmitted in Greek, Latin and Coptic (Corpus hermeticum, Asclepius and the three Hermetic texts in Codex VI of Nag Hammadi) are evidences of different religious trends within the Hermetic tradition, between the 2nd and the 4th centuries. These currents belong to Egyptian wisdom, while mixing Egyptian and Greek traditions, and they propose a way to salvation, the way of Hermes. This volume is the first monograph which explores the ritual practices and their place on this way to salvation. Sacrifices, prayers, the baptism in the crater, regeneration and visions are successively analyzed in Greek, Latin and Coptic literature. A large place is reserved for didactic practice, which participates in the spiritual formation of the disciple, especially through spiritual exercises. This book studies also how at least some authors participate in philosophical and religious debates of their time. It will be of interest to both historians of the end of Antiquity and historians of religion and philosophy.
"This book is a very important contribution not only to Hermetic studies but also to Gnostic studies as well." â Birger A. Pearson, in: Religious Studies Review 38/3 (September 2012)
"This is an innovative and highly fruitful and original contribution to the study of Hermetic thought. The volume focuses on the pedagogical practices that were operative in the spiritual formation of disciples. The use of prayer and other spiritual exercises in this formative process is emphasized. [...] it is a rich and highly rewarding piece of research." â Paul Foster, University of Edinburgh, in: The Expository Times 124/9 (2013)
"...eine originelle Studie [...] die erste umfassend durchdachte Antwort auf die Frage nach der didaktischen Praxis der im CH zutage tretenden Religiösität... Die Möglichkeit und Notwendigkeit einer systematischen Erforschung des CH [...] ist durch La Voie d'Hermès eindrucksvoll unter Beweis gestellt worden." â Esteban Law, Berlin, in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 139 (2013), 11