Author Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) gives a succinct definition of the Perennial Philosophy:
- That there is a Godhead or Ground, which is the unmanifested principle of all manifestation.
- That the Ground is both transcendent [beyond] and immanent [indwelling].
- That it is possible for human beings to love, know, and virtually to become actually identified with the Ground.
- That to achieve this unitive knowledge, to realize this supreme identity, is the final end and purpose of human existence.
- That there is a Law or Dharma, which must be obeyed, a Tao or Way, which must be followed, if [humans] are to achieve their final end.