Conversion. The Late Treatises

Abstract

In the philosophy of the Enneads the process of emanation has at its centre a mechanism of conversion (ϵπιστ ροφή). This mechanism has two complementary movements: the descending outflow of creative light, and the turning round to the origin in order to receive being and form. Both movements and their interactions are described as a vital process. The One is called the generating power of the universe (V 1 [10] 7, 9 δύvaµις πάντων). Intellect, as the first Being, emanates in the wake (ϊχνος) of the One. Taking as it were a step forward from that First One, it did not want to go any further, but turning inward halted its step, and by that act became Being and home of the Universe (V 5 [32] 5, 12-18). The emanating power must turn round to receive the light that will confirm Intellect in its existence. The description of the process itself is that of a more or less conscious decision arising from the awareness that causing distance from the One means being separated from the source of all Good. Creation is in the universe directed by an all-pervading consciousness. “All things reach out to Him and aspire to Him by necessity of their nature, guided by the awareness that they cannot exist without Him.” (V 5 [32] 12, 7–9).