The word Metaphysics is used to refer to the teachings contained in the books of Conny Méndez and my own writings, due to a conscious decision made by my mentor, Conny Méndez, to identify the small books she wrote and the talks she gave in Caracas during the 1960s.
The Meaning of ‘Metaphysics’ in Conny Méndez’s Teachings
This choice was not random; it was influenced by her mentor, Emmet Fox, who occasionally referred to these studies by this name. Conny told me that this instruction could have been given another name, such as “The Practice of the Presence of God”, since Emmet Fox used this title as an alternative designation for this science.
However, the name Metaphysics perfectly suits the content studied here. This term has been used to introduce these teachings and is how they are recognized worldwide in every country they have reached. Some academics, unaware of the contributions I have made to Conny Méndez’s Metaphysics to make it more scholarly, have disputed the use of this term for this philosophy, arguing that it academically represents other concepts. Nonetheless, it is important to understand the origin and evolution of the word to appreciate its relevance.
Origin of the Word Metaphysics
The term Metaphysics was coined by Andronicus of Rhodes in the 1st century. This philosopher classified the works of the Greek thinker Aristotle into four sections, assigning each part a specific name. The third section, which followed the “Physics” and dealt with first causes or God, was named “Metaphysics,” meaning “beyond physics.”
This designation emerged because the subjects discussed extended beyond the physical realm and delved into fundamental questions about existence and reality.
Over the centuries, Metaphysics has been a fundamental branch of philosophy that investigates the ultimate nature of reality, beyond what is perceivable by the senses. It explores being, God, the universe and the relationship between mind and matter. It is, therefore, a term that encompasses the deepest studies and reflections on existence.
The Three Areas of Study in Metaphysics
As a science, Metaphysics encompasses three fundamental areas of study:
- Being or Ontology
- God or Theology
- Wisdom or Gnoseology
Ontology: The Study of Being
Ontology is the branch of Metaphysics that studies being as such, investigating the most general and abstract properties of all that exists. In my writings, I have explained that when this “being” expresses itself in the first person, it becomes “I AM,” and this is one of the primary subjects of study within Metaphysics. The “I AM” represents the divine essence within each individual, the spark of divinity that connects us to the absolute.
Understanding the “I AM” is essential for self-knowledge and for recognizing our true nature. By affirming “I AM,” we acknowledge our intrinsic connection to the universe and the divine source of all existence. This recognition is the first step toward personal and spiritual realization.
Theology: The Science of God
Theology is the branch of Metaphysics that studies God, the divine and its attributes. In the study of Metaphysical teachings, theology and ontology converge by defining God as “I AM,” affirming that “I AM” is the full activity of God. This implies that the divine presence is not external or separate from us but dwells within us and manifests through our being.
This theological perspective invites us to see God not as a distant entity but as a reality present in each of us. By recognizing that the “I AM” is God’s activity within us, we empower ourselves to manifest divine qualities in our daily lives, such as love, wisdom, peace and harmony.
Gnoseology: The Science of Wisdom
Gnoseology is the branch of Metaphysics that studies wisdom, encompassing all knowledge that leads to the discovery of being and God. It investigates how we know what we know, the sources of knowledge and the validity of our perceptions. In the context of Conny Méndez’s Metaphysics, gnoseology guides us on the path to self-realization and spiritual awakening.
Through gnoseology, we learn to discern between superficial knowledge and profound knowledge derived from intuition and direct experience. This science encourages us to go beyond appearances and seek the truth within ourselves, fostering a higher understanding of reality and our role in the universe.
Metaphysics in Conny Méndez’s Teachings
Conny Méndez’s choice of the word Metaphysics was not only appropriate but also allowed her teachings to reach a broad and diverse audience. By using a recognized philosophical term, she opened the door for many people to become interested in this knowledge and apply it in their lives.
Conny Méndez adapted profound Metaphysical concepts to make them accessible and practical. Her books and teachings provide tools for personal transformation, promoting positive thinking, creative visualization and the power of affirmations. All of this is framed within a Metaphysical understanding that integrates being, God and wisdom.
It is worth noting that, although some academics may question the application of the term Metaphysics to these teachings, Conny Méndez’s use of it aligns with the essence of what Metaphysics represents: a profound exploration of reality beyond the physical, seeking to understand being, the divine and the wisdom that unites all.
The Importance of Metaphysics in Personal Development
The Metaphysics taught in the books of Conny Méndez and in my writings is a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth. It invites us to look beyond material limitations and recognize our unlimited potential. By studying Metaphysics, we learn that we are co-creators of our reality and that by aligning ourselves with universal laws, we can manifest a full and meaningful life.
Moreover, Metaphysics offers us a comprehensive understanding of the universe and our place within it. It helps us find meaning and purpose, connect with our deepest essence and live in harmony with the universal principles of love, truth and balance.
The use of the word Metaphysics to describe these teachings is, therefore, entirely appropriate. It not only honors the philosophical tradition of exploring realities beyond the physical but also reflects the depth and breadth of the topics addressed. Metaphysics provides a framework for understanding being, God and the wisdom that connects everything, offering tools to transform our lives and achieve a higher level of consciousness.
With information from Ruben Cedeño
Image courtesy of depositphotos.com
