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Hochmah Text Project

Written by: The Seeker's Lamp.com
  • Summary

  • Hochmah Text Project Podcast is Presented by The Seeker's Lamp.com. Each Season is a different book or text in the public domain. Categories include Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Mysticism, Mythology, Occult and Esoteric.
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Episodes
  • Letter 82: On the Natural Fear of Death
    Mar 19 2024
    Seneca opens this letter by acknowledging the inevitability of death for all individuals. He emphasizes the importance of patiently enduring whatever challenges come our way, recognizing that it is a shared destiny we all face. When questioned about the source of his confidence, Seneca points to a deity who never deceives anyone. This divine being possesses a soul that is deeply devoted to righteousness and goodness. Seneca believes that the best part of ourselves is secure and protected. Seneca favors a life filled with hardships rather than luxury. He explains that a life of ease can make the soul weak and effeminate, whereas facing challenges and difficulties can cultivate inner strength. According to Seneca, leisure without intellectual pursuits is akin to death. Merely idling away our time is comparable to being entombed while still alive. Engaging in intellectual endeavors and striving for self-improvement is crucial for a meaningful existence. To combat fear, Seneca advises fortifying the soul with philosophy. By letting go of external attachments and gaining an understanding of the nature of oneself and the world, we can construct an impenetrable inner fortress. The reach of fortune is limited, and the soul remains invincible.
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    18 mins
  • Letter 81: On Benefits
    Mar 18 2024
    Seneca acknowledges that coming across an unappreciative individual can be disheartening. However, he proposes that if this is your first encounter with such a person, you should attribute it to either your good fortune or your cautious nature. Being cautious in this situation may result in a lack of generosity. It is preferable to take the risk of being unappreciated rather than withholding acts of kindness altogether. Seneca encourages us to persist in doing good deeds despite the possibility of ingratitude. Just as sailors venture back out to sea after a shipwreck, we should continue to bestow benefits upon others. Even if some recipients prove to be ungrateful, the act of giving remains valuable. In his work "On Benefits," Seneca delves into the complexities of giving and receiving. He poses thought-provoking questions: Can someone who initially helped us but later harmed us be considered to have settled the debt? Should the timing of the act of kindness and the subsequent harm have an impact? These questions prompt us to contemplate the intention behind our actions. Quality of Goodwill: Seneca emphasizes that the quality of goodwill holds more significance than the magnitude of the gift. Factors such as the willingness to assist, the context, and the spirit in which benefits are bestowed all play a role.
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    21 mins
  • Letter 80: On Worldly Deceptions
    Mar 17 2024
    Seneca starts by expressing gratitude for a moment of solitude, acknowledging that this quiet time is not a result of his own efforts but rather the distraction caused by games and boxing matches. During this break, he takes the opportunity to reflect on deeper matters without any interruptions. The philosopher highlights the stark contrast between people's dedication to training their bodies, as seen in athletic events, and the neglect of mental training. While athletes rigorously prepare themselves physically, very few invest a similar level of effort in strengthening their minds. Seneca questions why the mind, which is capable of enduring far more than the body, is often left untrained. Seneca poses a thought-provoking question: if the body can withstand physical blows and harsh conditions, why not toughen the mind to withstand life's challenges? While the body requires external resources such as food, drink, and training, the mind has the capacity to grow from within. Virtue, resilience, and mental fortitude all lie within us, waiting to be cultivated. In an inspiring message, Seneca encourages readers to liberate themselves from mental enslavement.
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    7 mins

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