¶3 What we have just said about the development of manifestation presents a view which, although exact on the whole, is nevertheless too simplified and schematic, in that it may suggest that this development takes place in a straight line, in a single direction and without any kind of oscillation; reality is much more complex.1 Indeed, it is necessary to consider in all things, as we have already indicated previously, two opposing tendencies, one descending and the other ascending, or if one wishes to use another mode of presentation, one centrifugal and the other centripetal; and from the predominance of one or the other proceed two complementary phases of manifestation, one of distancing from the principle, the other of return towards the principle, which are often symbolically compared to the movements of the heart or to the two phases of breathing.2 Although these two phases are usually described as successive, it must be conceived that, in reality, the two tendencies corresponding to them always act simultaneously, though in varying proportions; and it happens sometimes, at certain critical moments when the descending tendency seems about to triumph definitively in the general course of the world, that a special action intervenes to reinforce the contrary tendency, so as to re-establish a certain at least relative equilibrium, such as the conditions of the moment permit, and thus to bring about a partial rectification, by which the movement of fall may seem temporarily arrested or neutralised.3
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Summary

Guénon clarifies that his previous explanation of the development of manifestation is accurate but too simplified, as it suggests linear movement without oscillation. In reality, two opposing tendencies always act simultaneously: one descending (centrifugal) and one ascending (centripetal). Their predominance produces two complementary phases: distancing from the principle and return to the principle, comparable to heart movements or the two phases of breathing. Guénon adds that at certain critical moments, when the descending tendency threatens to triumph definitively, a special action intervenes to reinforce the contrary tendency. This re-establishes a relative equilibrium and produces a partial rectification, which seems to temporarily arrest or neutralise the fall.

General notes

  1. développement de la manifestation … ligne droite — Rendered as 'development of manifestation … straight line'. Guénon here corrects a possible over-linear interpretation of cyclical descent. Manifestation is not a simple rectilinear downward movement, but an oscillatory or rhythmic process, made up of opposing phases. This correction is important to avoid falling into absolute pessimism (inevitable fall) or naive optimism (the possibility of immediate return). The complexity of reality forces us to consider the interactions of the two tendencies. ↩︎
  2. deux tendances opposées … cœur … respiration — Rendered as 'two opposing tendencies … heart … breathing'. Guénon here introduces the principle of polarity and rhythm, fundamental in all traditions. The heart (systole/diastole) and breathing (inhalation/exhalation) are universal symbols of this cyclical alternation. In the cosmic domain, this corresponds to creation (emanation, expansion, descent) and to resorption (involution, contraction, re-ascent). No tendency ever completely disappears; their ratio of force varies. This rhythmic conception opposes both mechanical determinism (a single direction) and chance. ↩︎
  3. action spéciale … redressement partiel — Rendered as 'special action … partial rectification'. Guénon here alludes to the traditional doctrine of 'interventions' or 'descents' of the Principle into the cycle (the avatara in Hinduism, the prophets or renewers in other traditions). These actions do not contradict cyclical law, but they modulate its effects by reinforcing the ascending tendency. They do not suppress the fall (which is inevitable), but they partially compensate for it, preventing a complete collapse before the end of the cycle. This is why Guénon can be at once lucid about the gravity of the modern crisis and confident in the possibility of a rectification — not a reversal, but a partial maintenance of truth. ↩︎

Guénon’s footnotes

  • by which the movement of fall may seem temporarily arrested or neutralised — This relates to the function of ‘divine conservation’, which, in the Hindu tradition, is represented by Viṣṇu, and more particularly to the doctrine of the Avatāras or ‘descents’ of the divine principle into the manifested world, which we cannot naturally think of developing here.