There is good reason to believe that Plotinus had a knowledge of Buddhism. Indeed, that so great a seat of learning as Alexandria was in his day, should be ignorant of this mighty system of philosophy is quite improbable.
It is not necessary to prolong the catalogue of virtues and vices. The above examples are sufficient to demonstrate that the fundamental theory of Christian Science as to right and wrong conduct is identical with that of Neoplatonism.
If the student wishes to follow this parallel between Mrs. Eddy and Spinoza further into details, he may do so conveniently by comparing the terms found under the “First Degree” and “Second Degree” of Mrs. Eddy's “Scientific Translation of Mortal Mind”[1] and Spinoza's Definitions of the Emotions.[2] Take as a determining standard the element of time. The states of mind that arise from the sense of time or require the lapse of time for their satisfaction are imperfect and evil and are not acts of the understanding. Spinoza explains them as passive states of mind. Mrs. Eddy refers them to “Mortal Mind,” an expression she coins or uses to cover ignorance or hypocrisy with; for it explains nothing.
In Mrs. Eddy's doctrine of blessedness we find a parallel with Neoplatonism. It is an intellectual condition. It is the result of the activity of the understanding. It may be experienced
- ↑ Cf. S. and H. p. 115.
- ↑ Cf. Eth. 3.
