Drawing parallels with other traditions, U davinys emphasizes that Plotinus'' philosophy was not a purely mental or rational exercise, but a complete way of life incorporating the spiritual virtues. Plotinus is widely regarded as the founder of the school of Neo-Platonism and this book provides an introduction to his teachings and an informative commentary on the Enneads. Also included is a commentary by Plotinus'' leading disciple, Porphyry (c. 233-305 A.D.), on an enigmatic passage from Homer''s epic, the Odyssey.