The Equinox (Volume I, Number I)

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF HASHISH “I,” he says, “define Phenomena as changeful and Atman the Noumenon as without change. When challenged, I merely retort by distinguishing between Atman and Paramat- man. You say the same, but for Atman you say ‘ Nibbana.’” The Buddhist can only retort, rudely enough: There is no Atman; and there is Nibbana. The Hindu probably mutters something about criticism of Nibbana having forced some Buddhists to a conception of Parinibbana, simply but neatly defined as That to which none of the criticisms apply! Yet Atman and Nibbana are defined in almost identical terms. It is clearly idle for us who know neither perfectly to attempt to arbitrate in so delicate an imbroglio. On the contrary, we had better set to and attain them both, and That which combines, denies, and transcends them both. Words are cheap | XVIII “Tn this the things without figure are figured.” “A similar Fire flashingly extending through the rushings of Air, or a Fire formless whence cometh the Image of a Voice, or even a flashing Light abounding, revolving, whirling forth, crying aloud, Also there is the vision of the fire-flashing Courser of Light, or also a Child, borne aloft on the shoulders of the Celes- tial Steed, fiery, or clothed with gold, or naked, or shooting with the bow shafts of Light, and standing on the shoulders of the horse; then if thy meditation prolongeth itself, thou shalt unite all these Symbols into the Form of a Lion,” “But God is He having the Head of the Hawk.”—ZOROASTER. Vitianam.—If hashish-analogy be able to assist us here, it is in that supreme state in which the man has built himself 79