Initiation to mysteries (1)

Text
Firmicus Maternus, Mathesis 7:
When Orpheus initiated strangers into his mysteries, he required nothing of them but an oath – an oath backed by the fearful authority of religion – that the rites would not be betrayed to profane ears. It is generally agreed that Plato also was concerned that the cherished concepts of his secret discourses should not be revealed to the untaught. Pythagoras, too, and our Porphyry believed that their ideas should be enshrined in religious silence. Therefore, following the rule of these men, my dear Mavortius, I beg you to take an oath.

Source (list of abbreviations)
Firmicus Maternus, Mathesis 7

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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