‘Wishing You a Speedy Termination of Existence’
G. Djurdjevic
Aries September 16, 2019 DOI: 10.1163/15700593-01902001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that although Aleister Crowley eventually renounced Buddhism as a worldview in favor of Thelema, Buddhist theories from his early Theravāda study remain significant in his formulation of Thelema, and that he correlated Buddhist principles with scientific agnosticism and held its objectives could also be achieved through ceremonial magic. |
Abstract
Aleister Crowley was considerably influenced by the doctrines of Theravāda Buddhism, which he studied in his youth, both theoretically and practically. He correlated its principles to the principles of scientific agnosticism and considered that its objectives could also be achieved through the practice of ceremonial magic. His eventual acceptance of Thelema’s religious philosophy led to his ultimate renunciation of Buddhism as a worldview. This essay examines Crowley’s early writings on the subject of Buddhism and suggests that the presence of Buddhist theories remains quite significant in his formulation of the doctrine of Thelema.