René Guénon
1886 - 1951
Biography
René Guénon was a French metaphysician, intellectual, and esotericist who remains one of the most influential figures in the study of traditional metaphysics and comparative religion. Born in Blois, France, he devoted his life to the exposition of traditional doctrines and the critique of the modern world.
His work encompasses a profound understanding of metaphysical traditions, including Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism, and Christian esotericism. Guénon emphasized the transcendent unity of all authentic spiritual traditions while maintaining their formal distinctions.
In 1930, Guénon moved to Cairo, Egypt, where he lived until his death. He embraced Islam and adopted the name Abdel Wahed Yahia. His writings continue to influence scholars, philosophers, and seekers of traditional wisdom worldwide, forming the foundation of the Traditionalist School of thought.
Essential Works
Insights into Islamic Esoterism and Taoism
A study of Islamic esoterism and Taoism.
Traditional Forms and Cosmic Cycles
A study of traditional forms and cosmic cycles.
Studies in Hinduism
A collection of studies on Hinduism by René Guénon. Extracted with Mistral OCR.
Studies in Hinduism
A collection of studies on Hinduism by René Guénon.
Studies in Hinduism
A collection of studies on Hinduism.
Studies in Freemasonry and the Compagnonnage
A collection of studies on Freemasonry and the Compagnonnage.
Symbols of Sacred Science
A comprehensive exploration of traditional symbolism as a universal language connecting various traditions and metaphysical principles.
Fundamental Symbols: The Universal Language of Sacred Science
This book explores the concept of symbolism as a universal language that connects various traditions and metaphysical principles, emphasizing the importance of understanding these symbols to grasp the deeper truths of existence.
Insights into Christian Esoterism
A study of Christian esoterism.
Initiation and Spiritual Realization
A study of initiation and spiritual realization.
The Great Triad
A study of the complementarism of extremes
The Great Triad
A study of the symbolism of the Great Triad.
Perspectives on Initiation
A study of initiation and its various aspects.
The Crisis of the Modern World
In this seminal work, René Guénon analyzes the crisis of contemporary civilization from a metaphysical perspective, arguing that the degradation of knowledge, rather than morals, is at the root of modern societal issues.
The Metaphysical Principles of the Infinitesimal Calculus
An examination of the philosophical and metaphysical foundations of the infinitesimal calculus, exploring the concepts of infinity, continuity, and the mathematical infinite.
The Reign of Quantity and the Signs of the Times
René Guénon's profound analysis of the modern world, exploring the transformation from qualitative to quantitative thinking and its impact on civilization.
The Reign of Quantity
René Guénon critiques the modern world, seeing it as a descent from quality toward quantity and predicting a reign of inverted quality before the end of the age, focusing on modern philosophy, science, and the rise of materialism.
Introduction to the Study of the Hindu Doctrines
This book serves as an introduction to the Hindu doctrines, exploring the fundamental principles of Eastern thought and the distinctions between various modes of thought, ultimately aiming to clarify the essence of metaphysical knowledge as it relates to traditional civilizations.
The Multiple States of the Being
A metaphysical study of the multiple states of being.
Symbolism of the Cross
A metaphysical study of the symbolism of the cross.
Spiritual Authority and Temporal Power
A study of the relationship between spiritual authority and temporal power.
The King of the World
An exploration of the concept of the King of the World and the supreme spiritual center, examining traditions of Agarttha and the role of the universal monarch in esoteric traditions.
The Esoterism of Dante
An esoteric interpretation of Dante's Divine Comedy.
Man and His Becoming according to the Vedanta
A profound exposition of Hindu metaphysics according to the Vedanta, exploring the nature of the Self, the different states of being, and the constitution of the human entity.
East and West
An examination of the fundamental differences between Eastern and Western civilizations, and a call for mutual understanding based on traditional metaphysical principles.
The Spiritist Fallacy
A critical examination of spiritism.
Theosophy: History of a Pseudo-Religion
A critical examination of the Theosophical Society and its teachings.