In Christian Orthodoxy, there’s a well known icon called the "Softener of Evil Hearts." The inspiration for this icon derives from the Biblical Prophecy of Simeon, “a righteous and devout man," according to Luke.
This prophecy was revealed to Simeon through the Holy Spirit, promising he would not pass until he had witnessed the Messiah. Simeon's prophecy foretold a future where the Messiah would be both a divine sign and a source of contention, ultimately revealing the true nature of many hearts.
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple for his presentation, 40-days after his birth as required by Jewish law, Simeon shared his prophecy with Mary. He declared that her son would cause many in Israel to fall and rise, and that he would be opposed as a sign from God.
This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.
Luke 2:34-35
This prophecy, according to Christian tradition, manifested through seven sorrows that pierced Mary's soul, symbolized by the seven swords in the icon's imagery.
This essay, introduced by the poignant symbol of the "Softener of Evil Hearts," will venture beyond mere religious instruction to explore the essence of spirituality. It posits that truly softening "evil hearts" necessitates prayer for our adversaries, aiming to redirect our present trajectory away from war, famine and environmental calamity.1
Call of the Divine Logos
The word logos means many things. In the West, we closely associate logos with John's gospel and Jesus as the ‘word or logos of God.’ In 'Call of the Divine Logos,' I will borrow the Stoic definition of logos — Anima Mundi or 'World Soul.'
Philosopher Martin Heidegger complained that those who are deaf to the Call of the Logos, in the words of Alexander Dugin, "tend to take the sign, the icon or something pointing to something else to be self-sufficient." This underscores a major difference between Western and Eastern spirituality, viz. to confuse the map with the destination.
Consider, for example, the Greek word 'theoria.' In Western thought, the word represents a theory, a logical hypothesis awaiting proof. Yet in Eastern traditions, 'theoria' signifies contemplation, a perspective where the divine transcends human cognition and resists being pigeonholed into human-like actions or thoughts. At the same time, contemplation seeks to achieve unity with the Divine.
In Eastern thought, theoria and the Neoplatonic idea of the 'turn,' (έπιστροφη), emphasize an inward journey to divine wisdom, a profound awakening beyond mere temporal reality to one of divine truth.
This inward journey shares similarities with the Western notion of 'metanoia,' which implies awakening to a completely new way of seeing things. However, while the 'turn' deals with cosmic unity, 'metanoia' pertains more to personal and spiritual transformation.
In philosophy, the idea of the 'turn' diverges markedly from the Aristotelian pursuit of phronesis, which emphasizes rational analysis and categorization as paths to knowledge and spiritual growth, prioritizing intellectual understanding over emotional or spiritual insight.
The 'turn' signifies a deeper awakening, transcending mere factual reality and offering a more profound revelation than, say, the 'Red Pill' metaphor from The Matrix. This awakening is not simply to the known world but to spiritual and divine understanding.
While phronesis can offer a pathway to conventional wisdom, it falls short as a roadmap to the profound essence of the Anima Mundi. While both the Neoplatonic 'turn' and the Western concept of 'metanoia' suggest deeper dimensions of awareness, and while both transcend mere intellectual comprehension to embrace universal and personal spiritual awakenings, only the 'turn' stresses unity with the Divine.
For whatever reasons, Western religious instruction has shied away from emphasizing that humans share in the divine essence. This hesitation may stem from a concern that blurring the lines between the divine and humanity could lead to a diminished sense of reverence for the divine or an overinflated sense of human importance.
In contrast, Eastern spirituality aims to dissolve individual identity and merge back into the cosmic whole, recognizing the inherent divine nature within all beings. This difference in perspective is reflected in the concept of the 'turn,' which can be translated from the Greek as return or restoration, implying a reunion with the divine source.
Metanoia merely skirts the edges of this deeper reality, only hinting at the transformative journey that lies beyond. While it represents a significant and spiritually important shift in perspective, it falls short of the complete immersion in the divine essence that the 'turn' embodies.
For those souls stuck skirting the edges of the Anima Mundi, true enlightenment might be found in embracing an unconventional path— a path that goes beyond the limitations of 'metanoia' and calls for a metaphorical pill of a different hue. This path, the 'Black Pill way,' represents a complete surrender to the divine essence and a willingness to dissolve the ego in pursuit of spiritual growth and unity with the Anima Mundi.
The Black Pill
The concept of the Black Pill traces back to the iconic Blue and Red pills depicted in the 1999 film “The Matrix.” Let’s briefly revisit Morpheus’ teaching:
Choosing the Blue Pill represents opting for ignorance and comfortably remaining in the familiarity provided by the illusions of ordinary reality. But ignorance can provide only a fragile refuge at best. Those who remain ‘asleep’ do so out of ignorance, even willful ignorance.
Choosing the Red Pill, a step in the right direction, means awakening to uncomfortable truths of reality, even if they shatter one’s cherished illusions and challenge deeply ingrained beliefs. To some souls, truth is everything. To others, truth is only a subjective construct.
The enigmatic Black Pill, a concept that has evolved beyond its origins as an Internet meme, represents the acceptance of life's futility and harsh realities. Choosing the Black Pill signifies a willingness to confront these truths head-on, embarking on a metaphysical journey that aligns with the harsh reality Simeon prophesied to Mary — a future filled with sorrow and the revelation of the deepest thoughts of many hearts.
Just as Mary's experience can be viewed as a bittersweet but ultimately transformative one, we can reframe the Black Pill as a catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper connection to the Anima Mundi. By embracing the Black Pill, we acknowledge life's difficulties and the limitations of our control, which can lead us to seek a more profound understanding of ourselves and the divine. Rather than attempting to ‘wake up’ or ‘red-pill’ others, we should focus on our own self-awareness and openness to divine guidance.
While the Black Pill may highlight a perceived lack of meaning or purpose in life, perhaps even evoking a sense of nihilism, this very longing for purpose can serve as a powerful motivator for seeking spiritual fulfillment. Confronting the harsh realities and futility represented by the Black Pill drives us to look beyond the superficial and seek a deeper connection to the divine.
This search for meaning and purpose encourages us to focus on our inner selves, recognizing that true transformation comes from within, rather than from attempting to control external circumstances. By embracing the Black Pill as a catalyst for spiritual growth, we open ourselves to the guidance of the Divine Will, acknowledging that our ultimate purpose lies in aligning ourselves with the Anima Mundi.
Through this process, we can find the strength to soften our own hearts and, in turn, help to soften the hearts of others, even in the face of life's most challenging realities.
Conclusion
In this essay, we have explored the transformative power of spirituality against the backdrop of Christian Orthodoxy, drawing upon the "Softener of Evil Hearts" icon as a metaphor for the potential to change one's path through prayer, contemplation and a Zen-like que sera, sera acceptance of suffering2. Just as the icon represents the softening of hearts through divine inspiration, we have seen how embracing spiritual guidance and internal transformation can lead us from the shadows of Plato's Cave to the source of true light.
The word 'evil' in the title refers to the hearts of those who harbor ill will or malice, be it in our own heart or another's.
Our roadmap from cave to truth contrasts Western and Eastern spiritual approaches, emphasizing the limitations of rationalism in knowing the divine, and the necessity of internal transformation. The essence of this transformation relies either upon the immersive Eastern metaphysical 'turn' or prosaic Western 'metanoia.'
We explored the concept of the 'Black Pill' as a metaphor for confronting harsh realities to achieve spiritual growth, advocating for a shift in focus from external to internal transformation. Overall, the essay urgently pleads for embracing spiritual guidance over attempting to control external circumstances, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in seeking purpose and meaning through a deeper connection with the transcendent reality we call the Divine.
The complexities of our world suggest we all may strive to soften our own hearts and, in turn, help to soften the hearts of others, bringing us closer to the divine essence that resides within us all.
“Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!”3
This essay was inspired by and is dedicated to Darya Dugina (1992-2022).4
The golden halo surrounding Mary's head is inscribed with her title in Church Slavonic, emphasizing her sanctity and importance in Orthodox Christian tradition. The dark background creates a stark contrast, drawing the viewer's focus to the central figure and the swords piercing her heart.
“A Zen mindset involves accepting what is and [then] not being held up by judging yourself for feeling a certain kind of way. Astonishingly, people find that letting things be also allows them to change. We should look at our inner selves with openness and acceptance rather than judgment. This entails being kind and cutting yourself some slack.” (Source: Psychology Today)
Softener of Evil Hearts (devotional pdf)
Darya Dugina, a bright and passionate young woman, was tragically taken from this world far too soon at the tender age of 29. Born in 1992 to her loving parents, philosopher Alexander Dugin and his wife Natalia Melentyeva, Darya grew up in a household that nurtured her keen intellect and curiosity about the world around her.
As she matured, Darya followed in her father's footsteps, developing a deep interest in politics and philosophy. She graduated from Moscow State University, where she honed her skills as a journalist and political commentator. With a sharp mind and a fierce dedication to her beliefs, Darya quickly made a name for herself as a rising star in the field.
Darya's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and the causes she held dear. She was a devoted daughter, always cherishing the bond she shared with her parents and drawing strength from their love and support. Her warm spirit and infectious smile could light up any room, and she had a special way of making everyone around her feel valued and heard.
Though her time on this earth was cut short, Darya's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the ideas she championed. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her, and her spirit will continue to inspire others to strive for a better world. Rest in peace, Darya, knowing that you made an indelible mark on this world and will never be forgotten.
Beautiful.
At the end of this essay you touch upon the topic of Spiritual Guidance as the possible key for embracing the very difficult ordeal of the Spiritual Quest.
But where and how does one find this guidance?
It can be suggested and even described in the best of the ancient and modern (20th century) texts.
But what it does require is the Guidance and Blessing Presence of a living Spiritual Master who has actually Realized the transformed state pointed to and perhaps described in the texts.
The essential role/function of a Living Spiritual Master has always been at the root of the Eastern Spiritual Traditions. Much is also made of the various Lineage Traditions wherein the Transmission of the Master is passed on and thus kept alive from generation to generation. The Buddhist Karmapa Tradition for instance. Such Realized Masters and their exemplary devotees also empower and/or keep alive the Spiritual Presence in their temples via the daily practice of Puja and related rituals.