(Gk.). A Gnostic term for one of the primordial states of the cosmos. It means “Depth” and is the source of the manifested universe. It is equivalent to Primordial Space or Akasa.

Helena P. BLAVATSKY equates it with the second LOGOS. (SD I:349).

Blavatsky mentions Bythos again, stating, “In the ‘Book of Numbers’ it is explained that EN (or Ain, Aiôr) is the only self-existent, whereas its ‘Depth’ (Bythos or Buthon of the Gnostics, called Propator) is only periodical. The latter is Brahma as differentiated from Brahma or Parabrahm” (SD I:214). See BRAHMA.

P.S.H.

© Copyright by the Theosophical Publishing House, Manila