Docta Ignorantia XXVI

Hieros Nomos

By David R. Graham

Roman scholars routinely refer to Jerome as 'the irascible Jerome' because the adjective is a pun on the name. The two words share a common Greek root, hieros, which means Fire, especially, Divine Fire. The Greek for 'Jerome' is Hieros-nomos, Divine Name, or Name of God, with God in the aspect of Fire being especially indicated. Fire as in Burning Bush and such theophanies, usually involving the Light of Fire or Fire itself.

The Sanskrit equivalent is Ramanam, Name of Ram or Rama or God, where Ram is especially associated with Fire. The license plate on our Yellow VW Bug reads Ramanam. There are people who recognize it and smile knowingly.

So, I like being called irascible. Of course, as you know, I'm really sweet and smooth as honey. The irascible face is for the merely curious. A strategy, a ploy to keep them away.

Adwaitha Hermitage
November 1993

DI TOC

Phenomena to Study (U.S.A.)
Phenomena to Study (Poland)
Theological Geography