Science esoterics religion research. What is esotericism and what does it study? How to find the necessary esoteric knowledge

Any person sooner or later asked questions related to personal growth and self-improvement. Every skill and skill of an individual is accompanied by his spiritual development. When a person reaches the highest stage of his growth, he begins to look for ways to release his potential, which, as a rule, is embodied in creative processes. People's endless search for ways to develop themselves contributed to the emergence of the science of esotericism, which studies the inner world of man and his hidden capabilities. This teaching was not widespread among the masses until recently. It was available only to a select few. This sacredness was explained by many reasons:

  • the low level of spiritual development made it difficult to spread esoteric knowledge;
  • complexity of the material;
  • a ban imposed from above on the dissemination of this science among the masses, which lasted until the end of the twentieth century.

What is esotericism and what does it study?

Esoteric knowledge is often called hidden because the methods of obtaining it differ from traditional methods. scientific research. They contain all the information that has been accumulated over many thousands of years by various peoples, religions and cultures. Practical esotericism is divided into several subtypes. The main ones include:

  • numerology;
  • astrology;
  • yoga;
  • feng shui;
  • palmistry;
  • cosmoenergetics and physiognomy.

There are also directions and trends that allow self-realization with the help of special rituals. One of them is occultism, which involves the use of magical rituals. That is why esotericism and magic are two concepts interconnected with each other, since to achieve esotericism they often turn to spirits, ask for help from the forces of nature and entities living in the subtle worlds.

Esotericism provides knowledge on how to begin self-development, allows you to understand your inner capabilities and develop superpowers, for example, clairvoyance and a sixth sense. The goal of esotericism is a conscious and purposeful change in one’s personality.

Esotericism is important for the life of every person, since this teaching allows you to find your path and destiny, change your life and destiny in better side, explore yourself and your feelings. A person who studies the laws of esotericism will be able to acquire spirituality and establish peace with himself and with the entire Universe.

Self-knowledge (comprehension of secret knowledge about the psychological and transpersonal nature of man). Just as creative geniuses are piece goods (Mozart, Pushkin, Kant), intelligent Esotericists are also rare, because Esoteric worldview, only a few mature and gifted individuals (sometimes called Initiates, Masters, Teachers) are fully capable of mastering (due to the incredible difficulty of expanding the volume of personal Consciousness). However, these “names” themselves (so popular today) are very arbitrary - just as being included in any “Creative Union” now does not at all reflect the real Quality of creativity itself (as well as its bearer). An esotericist with a broad view of the world usually displays both healthy paradoxical judgments and sparkling humor - qualities inherent only to developed individuals.

Esotericism, since the twentieth century, is also abbreviated as “Esoterica”. Thus…

Esoterics- the doctrine of the hidden mystical essence (destiny) of the fate of objects of the World (and humans), encoded in the super-depths of the individual (and collective) unconscious; the object of her study is the processes occurring in the Universe, synchronously reflected in the depths of the human soul. The “mathematics” of Esotericism, which deciphers the secrets of an individual’s life (as well as any other process or subject), is Astrology (which connects Cosmic and psychological factors). Esoteric psychopractice, now rarely preserved within the framework of some mystical traditions, is used by a limited number of adherents and is predominantly of an applied nature. Examples of such practices include Sufism within Islam, Neidan within Taoism, and yoga within the Indian tradition. Esoteric systems (schools) are hidden in the depths of a number of (mainly Eastern) religions, fundamentally different from (often ideologized) Western Mysticism (orders and religions) in that their esoteric Teachings, for all their apparent “abstract worldview,” are much more maturely wise and vitally practical. .

Goals of esoteric systems

The goals of esoteric systems only at first glance coincide with religious or psychological ones - a conscious change in personality. Unlike the latter, esoteric “paths of liberation” offer a specific (conceptual and practical) methodology for Self-Change. The basis for such changes are Elevated States of Consciousness, which differ from the so-called “altered states of consciousness” (achieved by followers of some religions or psychocults) in that Personal changes are more sustainable, because they are motivated by a new dynamic-mystical (and not the previous static-dogmatized ) picture of the world. In a broader sense, based on the rules of rhetoric: the goal of self-transformation lies outside the zone of action of personal Self-Development (as such)... that is, “change of Personality” in Esotericism is only an intermediate means, and the goal is an objective worldview, to which an increasingly expanding (transpersonal) Consciousness.

History of esotericism

Lost in the mists of time... In addition, Esotericism does not represent one general tradition or a single system of views, but (as well as, for example, in psychology) many separate schools of thought, groups and movements, some of which are so original that they can differ very greatly from each other.

Ancient esotericism

The most famous movement of esotericism ancient world- Hermeticism, which is sometimes called the Alchemy of the Spirit (to distinguish it from subsequent movements dating back to the Renaissance).

The esoteric practices of ancient Babylon provided the basis for the formation of subsequent movements in Western astrology.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, areas such as astrology, alchemy and magic were almost standard subjects in the curriculum of the mystically educated adept of the time.

Some religiously minded people (in accordance with the old injunctions) believe that esotericism (more precisely, occultism) is opposed to the Bible or Christianity. However, many philosophical views of esotericism coincide with the Bible or are taken from the same sources as early Christianity.

Many secret eso-currents have their own history, going back thousands of years. Most of them did not exist as continuous traditions, sometimes they were lost and reappeared. Thus, European esotericism was reformulated in the 15th century by the Rosicrucian Order and later entered into various movements such as Freemasonry.

Esotericism in the XlX-XX centuries

In the 20th century, the philosophical ideas of H. P. Blavatsky, the founder of the Theosophical Society, were reworked in their own way Ani Besant, C. W. Leadbeater, Alice Bailey, Rudolf Steiner, Peter Ouspensky. This had a significant impact on many movements and metaphysical views sub-cultures New Age and Esotericism. Rudolf Steiner, breaking with Theosophy, formulated his own philosophical system - Anthroposophy. He spoke about the disagreement between esotericists, which arose by the 20th century. Some of them wanted to open secret knowledge to the general public, while others wanted to preserve this Knowledge in secret. Steiner himself belonged to those who wanted to discover secret knowledge. His first books, written back in the 19th century, avoided any reference to arcane topics. He saw the 20th century as the dawn of a new time, when spirituality would be an increasingly important condition for human development. (Works such as "Theosophy" And "The Secret Science"). Steiner read eso-lectures for members of the Society of Anthroposophy, members of his school and for the general public. All but the most secret of these lectures were published during his lifetime, but they were subsequently made available in accordance with Steiner's own wishes. That's why he Anthroposophy has been called "the most important secret society in the history of European esoteric culture." Another metaphysical movement of the early 20th century, which also failed to avoid a “schism” for the above reason - "4th way" system or Teachings of "Gurdjieff-Ouspensky"(more often identified with G.I. Gurdjieff). They suspect the presence of not one, but several basic versions of this Systems(and not just the “official” story of her birth). Gurdjieff(not extant) version Exercises, did not satisfy P.D. Uspensky, causing a “departure” (the latter from the former), which gave rise to other versions. For Official version “The 4th Way” (from G.I. Gurdjieff) is now accepting the book “P.D. Uspensky. In search of the miraculous." However, it only outlines some general average for the (early) Gurdjieff and (late) Uspensky versions (P. Ouspensky himself did not consider it correct to publish "public lectures on the System" under your own name). But, immediately after his death, a book of these lectures was published (with his initials and the title halved). This Average The (2nd basic) version greatly “combs” and culturalizes everything that the occultist George Gurdjieff actually said. At the same time, it contains elements that suggest the presence of a third, hidden version of the Teaching (obtained by P. Uspensky over 30 years of his practice and, probably, not intended for a wide circle). This version P.D. Uspensky is even more different from the 1st version Emergency, and from the later "The Way of the Cunning" ( Ida-yogi) G.I. Gurdjieff (as Osho Rajneesh and I. Kalinauskas spoke about). And although the 3rd version of the Emergency still remains unmanifested, the legend claims that P. Uspensky still managed to discover the missing fragments of the Teaching and another form Ways of self-development. In any case, dying message Peter Uspensky himself, misunderstood by some followers as a “rejection of the System,” contained a direct indication of the crisis Official doctrine and the need for its updating.

See also

Literature

  • Babai (pseudonym) Lectures and books on esotericism Lectures, books, and a forum for discussion
  • Yakunina A. O. “Esoteric philosophy” // Full course of lectures
  • Benjamin Walker Encyclopedia of Esoteric Man: The Hidden Side of the Human Entity, Routledge and Kegan Paul, London, 1977, ISBN 0-7100-8479-X
  • Benjamin Walker Man and the Beasts Within: The Encyclopedia of the Occult, the Esoteric, and the Supernatural, Stein & Day, New York, 1978, ISBN 0-8128-1900-4
  • Wouter J. Hanegraaff (ed.) in collaboration with Antoine Faivre, Roelof van den Broek & Jean-Pierre Brach, Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism, 2 vols., Brill, Leiden 2005.
  • Aries: Journal for the Study of Western Esotericism, Brill, Leiden, since 2001.
  • Aries Book Series: Texts and Studies in Western Esotericism, Brill, Leiden, since 2006.
  • Antoine Faivre, Access to Western Esotericism, SUNY Press, Albany 1994.
  • Kocku von Stuckrad, Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge, Equinox, London/Oakville 2005.
  • Wouter J. Hanegraaff, "The Study of Western Esotericism: New Approaches to Christianity and Secular Culture", in: Peter Antes, Armin W. Geertz & Randi R. Warne, New Approaches to the Study of Religion, vol. I: Regional, Critical, and Historical Approaches, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin / New York 2004.

Notes

Links

  • Siberian Skeptical Paranormality Observer
  • “Esoterics. Personal pages" by Kravchuk Yu. A. and other authors
  • “Alternative (secret) knowledge” Yu. K. Bratchikov-Barbarovich, Ph.D. n.
  • “The Dahl School” Posthumous activities at the Abrenocenter
  • Personality development and self-knowledge - Blog of writer I. Satorin
  • “Big esoteric reference book” The site contains a dictionary of Doctor of Medical Sciences. Stepanova A. M. containing more than 5500 articles
  • Lectures and books by Babai The site presents lectures and books by the author, writing under the pseudonym Babai; there is also a forum for discussing what you have read
  • Conceptual philosophical-esoteric heavy music. COLLIDER

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Synonyms:
  • Paralympic Games
  • Turksib (disambiguation)

See what “Esoterics” is in other dictionaries:

    Esoterics- (English esoterica, from Greek esotericos internal) 1) a set of concepts, teachings, beliefs, the main meaning of which is hidden from ordinary people (laymen, simpletons) and is accessible only to initiates who have gone through certain rituals and have... ... Political science. Dictionary.

    ESOTERICA- [German] Esoterik Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

    esotericism- noun, number of synonyms: 2 schizoteric (1) esoteric (1) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Dictionary of synonyms

    esotericism- and, f. ésotérique adj. Closed to the uninitiated. The ideology of modern globalism inevitably includes some hidden subtext, some esotericism. Moscow 2000 1 139. It’s time for a general passion for esotericism and evil spirits. Neva 2003 7 29 … Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

The literal translation of the word “esoterics” from Greek sounds like “internal,” and is used to denote spiritual, mystical processes hidden in the hearts of people. If a person understands that he is not only a body, that his real nature is immortality, freedom and an endless creative process, if a person analyzes his the real essence and tries to live in the spiritual world, then he can safely be called an esotericist. Over the years, completely different people in different parts of the planet they have formed their own methods of self-knowledge and self-realization, including psychology, religion, yoga, magic, etc. There are so many of these methods (and their combinations) that those who have just realized their true nature are simply lost and don’t know where to start...

In order to help you choose the right Path or realize your own, this site was created. So that every beginner, practitioner or master can find their own path, reinforce their experience with new knowledge or help those who need tips. It is intended for seekers and free people.

Esotericism is a teaching, a body of knowledge intended only for initiated people who carry this secret within themselves and do not have the right to spread it beyond the boundaries of their knowledge. The concept of esotericism comes from the Greek word “esoterikos”, which means hidden, internal. The teaching contains everything that was collected, accumulated, stored for centuries, passed on from generation to generation and improved in culture different nations. Esotericism is the process of cognition of the surrounding world and existence, cognition of oneself as a part of the whole. Each person carries a secret within himself, and it should belong only to him - this is the true meaning of esotericism. (The philosopher gave/gave the meaning of the word esoterics)

Esotericism is a very important and interesting area human knowledge. This knowledge has always existed, it has accompanied the entire history of mankind, of course, developing and changing. But most people's access to this knowledge has always been limited. Now is the time when the degree of this limitation is rapidly decreasing, and we are lucky in this.

The modern approach of philosophical and natural sciences divides esotericism into a number of parts: historical, philosophical, natural science, religious, ethical, medical, psychological, etc. In ancient times, all these aspects represented an inextricable whole.

The concept of esotericism can be considered in several of the following meanings, which we will do:

The classic definition of esotericism is a secret teaching accessible only to a select few, initiates.

Now publicly available knowledge that was previously secret.

A wide range of issues that partly fall under such definitions as occultism, mysticism, magic, etc.

"Positive" mysticism

Classic definition of esotericism

The term “esotericism” comes from the Greek word “esoterikos”, which means “inner”, “secret”, “hidden”.

Initially, this concept was used to denote secret knowledge, accessible only to a select few, initiates, as opposed to exotericism, meaning openness to all, accessibility to all. True esotericism is always associated with something secret, communicated only to a few. These people had to first go through lengthy training and self-improvement. Instructions in esoteric teachings, as a rule, were given orally, and the transfer of basic principles, their interpretations and traditions also took place.

If we turn to the history of mankind, we will see that these two types of knowledge have existed since ancient times. One was exoteric, the other esoteric. The first type of knowledge was accessible to the general population; anyone could possess it. Not everyone could master the second type of knowledge, since its acquisition was associated with significant difficulties, hardships and dangers of a very different nature.

Esoteric knowledge was taught in the mysteries. The word "mysteries" comes from the Greek "muo", which means "to close the mouth." Those guilty of divulging the secrets of the mysteries could be punished by death. This is the definition of the mysteries given by H. P. Blavatsky in her work “Isis Unveiled”:

“Mysteries are Greek teletai, or completion, which is analogous to teleuteia or death. These were rituals usually kept secret from the profane1 and the uninitiated. In these rituals, through dramatized performances and other methods, the origin of things, the nature of the human spirit, its relation to the body, and methods for purifying it and returning it to a higher life were taught. Physics, medicine, the laws of music, divination were taught in the same way... The sacred mysteries were enacted in ancient temples by dedicated hierophants for the benefit of training the candidates... As Plato and many other sages of antiquity confirm, the mysteries as schools of ethics were highly religious, moral and beneficial... Their secret meaning explained to candidates for initiation and embodied in philosophical doctrines.”

The famous American researcher of ancient traditions M.P. Hall wrote:

“The Mysteries were the guardians of a transcendental5 knowledge so deep and incomprehensible to all but the most exalted intellects, and so powerful that it could only be revealed to those whose personal ambitions were dead and who had devoted their lives to the selfless service of humanity.”

Mysteries existed in almost all ancient countries. Here are some of them:

  • Mysteries of Asar-Hapi in Egypt;
  • Bacchic and Dionysian rituals in Ancient Greece;
  • Orphic mysteries, the main plot of which was the love of Orpheus and Eurydice;
  • The Eleusinian Mysteries were held in honor of Ceres (Demeter, Rhea or Isis) and her daughter Persephone;
  • Persian Mysteries dedicated to the cult of Mithra;
  • Mysteries of the Druids of Britain and Gaul and others.

At the dawn of Christianity, many ideas of the pagan world, including the institution of the mysteries, passed into the new religion. In Christianity there were the Mysteries of Jesus and the Mysteries of the Kingdom, in which special conditions necessary for acquiring knowledge. Christianity, closely connected with Jewish, Persian and Greek beliefs, with a touch of the older beliefs of India and colored by Egyptian thought, was a later branch of the general religious trunk. Therefore, it carried within itself a confirmation of ancient legends and transferred the basic ideas of ancient teachings to the disposal of Western peoples.

The origins of esoteric knowledge should be sought in the Vedas - the oldest sacred scriptures known to humanity today. Philosophers and thinkers of ancient times came to Egypt and the East for this knowledge: Herodotus6, Thales7, Parmenides8, Empedocles9 and Pythagoras10. It was there that Moses11 acquired his wisdom and Jesus spent the young years of his life. Students from all countries flocked there.

Aurobindo Ghose, a prominent Indian mystic scholar, believed that the Vedas were replete with allusions to secret teachings and mystical philosophy. He wrote that the Vedas are a secret religion corresponding to the Orphic and Eleusinian beliefs of ancient Greece. “The hypothesis I propose is that the Rig Veda itself is the only significant document extant to us from the early period of human thought, from which the Eleusinian and Orphic mysteries have survived only as fading relics, when the spiritual and psychological knowledge of the human race, for reasons that It is now difficult to determine whether they were hiding behind the veil of specific material forms and symbols, blocking the meaning from the uninitiated and revealing it only to the initiated. One of the guiding principles of mystics is holiness and mystery, self-knowledge and true knowledge of the gods. They believed that this wisdom was unsuitable and, perhaps, fraught with danger for the ordinary human mind and that, in any case, if revealed to a rude and unrefined spirit, it could be perverted and become the subject of abuse,” he wrote.

H.P. Blavatsky also believed that the origins of ancient wisdom should be sought in India. She wrote that India is the cradle of modern humanity and that even ancient Egypt owes all its achievements to India. She pointed out that the first king of Egypt, Menes, abandoned by the Brahmins, emigrated along with all his supporters from India; at the same time, he passed through Iran, Arabia and reached Cairo.

What knowledge was taught in the mysteries? Despite the external diversity and variety of forms of the mysteries, a certain commonality of basic ideas can be traced in them. H. P. Blavatsky shows that the One Esoteric Doctrine was taught in the mysteries - Ancient Religion Wisdom. Its synonyms are Esoteric Philosophy, Occult Science, Divine Wisdom (Theosophy), Secret Doctrine.

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, in the main work of her life, “The Secret Doctrine,” speaks about esotericism:

“The true philosopher who studies Esoteric Wisdom is completely freed from personalities, dogmatic beliefs and special religions. In addition, Esoteric Philosophy reconciles all religions and, removing from each its outer shell, human, indicates the identity of the root of each with the basis of every other great religion. It proves the necessity of the Divine and Absolute Principle in Nature."
  • layman - a person who is completely ignorant in this area.
  • hierophant - literally “one who explains sacred concepts” (theos. dictionary).
  • Plato (V-IV centuries BC) is the greatest Greek philosopher, whose works are known throughout the world. He was a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle.
  • doctrine - teaching, scientific concept.
  • transcendental - (from Latin - to step over) - means such aspects of existence, the surrounding world, which cannot be directly registered by our senses through experience, experiment, since they exceed the limited sphere of the visible dense world. They are known by man through contemplative comprehension.
  • Herodotus (5th century BC) - ancient Greek philosopher, historian, geographer. According to Cicero, Herodotus is the “father of history.”
  • Thales from Miletus (VII-VI centuries BC) - ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, founder of natural philosophy.
  • Parmenides (VI-V centuries BC) - founder of idealistic philosophy. The main thing in his philosophical beliefs is the identity of thinking and being. Lived in Ancient Greece.
  • Empidocles from Agrigentum (5th century BC) - ancient Greek philosopher, poet, doctor, politician.
  • Pythagoras (VI century BC) - ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. The founder of the Pythagorean school - a religious, ethical and philosophical brotherhood.
  • Moses (XIII century BC) - leader, legislator and creator of the religion of the Jews, who is credited with the authorship of five books (Pentateuch), Old Testament and many miracles during the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
  • Rig Veda is the first and most significant of the four Vedas.

Knowledge that was previously secret

The term “esotericism” can now have a much broader meaning - something that has gone from being secret to being publicly available. Periods periodically come in the history of mankind when a certain part of esoteric knowledge is revealed to the general public. And although this knowledge, widely publicized and published, has actually ceased to be esoteric in the classical sense of the word, yet among the general public it passes under the concept of “esotericism” due to its unorthodoxy1 and the novelty of ideas that cannot be subsumed under the prevailing views of religion, philosophy, science or ideology of his time.

In our time, Theosophy, set forth by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky in the “Secret Doctrine” and the Teaching of Agni Yoga (Living Ethics), received by humanity from the Great Teachers through the Russian people - Helena Ivanovna and Nicholas Roerich, have become such knowledge that is widely open to all. Today, books of esoteric content can be purchased and studied by anyone, regardless of their level of readiness for this important step. Therefore, independent wandering in esoteric spaces without observing certain conditions developed in ancient times that were imposed on a student striving for esoteric knowledge, and without focusing on serious sources, is not always useful and effective.

Occultism, mysticism, magic

A wide range of issues that partly fall under such definitions as occultism, mysticism, magic, etc.

In modern language, the concept of “esotericism” is often conceptualized and used significantly differently than before. Today it means not only its classical meaning, but also a wide range of problems that partly fall under such definitions as occultism1, mysticism2, magic3, expansion of consciousness, alternative medicine, frontier sciences, complex thinking, holistic4 view of the world, metaphysics5, etc. d. The transmission of such information was previously allowed only to a few teachers; Only selected students could receive their instructions. Adhering to the classical meaning of the term “esotericism”, it can also include ways and methods of developing personal consciousness, familiarizing with comprehensive world knowledge and achieving health human body, soul and spirit. The esoteric approach differs significantly from other approaches to the same problems: it is unorthodox in relation to the dominant ideological system. Esoteric postulates do not fall within the framework of the generally accepted system of knowledge; they are not yet the usual routine of life, for example, in those cases when we turn to the holistic model of the world or to the eastern schools of knowledge - such as Vedanta6, Yoga7 or Ayurveda8.

Esotericism in its explanations is not based mainly on rational analysis, logical thinking and materialistic perception of the world and man, despite the fact that these methods of cognition are also important. These functions of the left hemisphere of our brain relate mainly to the processes of the earthly material plane, which, acting on the five senses of the average person, provide him with information about the objects of the visible world. But how fatal can be the absolutization of these functions of the left hemisphere of our brain, the conviction that only with their help is it possible to achieve higher knowledge and happiness. The average person’s internal, spiritual abilities, which are provided by the right hemisphere of the brain, are in an undeveloped, dormant state, as a result of which he does not live entirely in reality, perceiving the world one-sidedly. Eastern philosophy calls such an incomplete, distorted perception of the world illusory (Maya). This spiritual blindness is the main disaster of modern humanity, bringing it untold suffering and even bringing it to the brink of disaster. The zones of the right hemisphere have flexible, subtle properties that make it possible to comprehend the hidden meaning of life processes with the help of intuition, imaginative and associative9 thinking, etc.

Moreover, the path to true and comprehensive understanding can only be achieved when qualities that are not related to the functions of the cerebral hemispheres - peacefulness, compassion and love - are developed. These qualities are mainly associated with the activity of the awakened heart, with the so-called heart psychic center.

It is necessary to supplement the functions of the external sense organs with internal spiritual development in order to lead humanity out of the current impasse. The ways and methods of this spiritual development are given in Theosophy and especially in Agni Yoga (Living Ethics).

  • occultism - (from Latin occultus - secret, hidden), the general name of teachings that recognize the existence of hidden forces in man and the cosmos, inaccessible to ordinary people, but accessible to people who have the necessary knowledge and training for this. The scope and content of the occult has varied throughout history. A number of phenomena previously considered purely occult (for example, magnetism in the Renaissance, gravity in astrology, hypnotism in the 18th century, subtle human energies, aura) later moved into the realm of science. These facts and the development of science allow us to say with confidence that most of the phenomena of the occult will be explained and accepted by science.
  • mysticism - (Greek mistikos - mysterious), sacred (sacred) religious practice aimed at achieving direct supersensible communication and unity with God in the experienced ecstasy of revelation, as well as a system of knowledge that allows this practice to be carried out. Often mysticism is not very accurately called everything that seems incomprehensible and mysterious.
  • magic - (Latin, lit. “Great Science”). The modern understanding of magic, as a rule, comes down to practical application hidden and intimate secrets of nature, influencing people, events or phenomena through the so-called “subtle energies”. This is witchcraft, spells, magical rituals that can have an impact on nature and humans. White magic- free from selfishness, lust for power, ambition and self-interest and is entirely aimed at creating kindness and justice. Its antipode - black magic - is opposite in all these parameters. A black magician is a person who has taken an unrighteous path, making his karma heavier by many orders of magnitude.
  • “...like everything violent, magic reaches its darkest manifestations. The very border between black and white magic becomes elusive in its complexity. Therefore, on the path to the future, all magic should be put aside (Fiery World 2, 249).”

  • holistic - from Greek. holos - whole, whole.
  • metaphysics - translated from ancient times. Greek as “that which is after physics” - a section of philosophy that studies the original nature - reality, being and the world as such. This name was first given by Aristotle's students to the records of his discussions about the speculatively comprehended principles of being.
  • Vedanta - here this word means one of the main schools of Indian philosophy.
  • Yoga - in this context, this word means one of the Indian philosophical schools.
  • Ayurveda is part of Vedic teachings. Literally translated from Sanskrit. it means "knowledge of life."
  • associative - established by the connection between individual representations, by virtue of which one representation causes another.

Esoterics studies the hidden universal laws of the universe, applicable to any sphere of existence.. They are called hidden for one reason: their knowledge does not lie on the surface, and their knowledge is impossible through standard research methods using logic and bodily channels of perception. Esotericism is the knowledge of the world beyond the limits of touch, smell, hearing... To see the hidden, it is necessary to use appropriate methods - intuition and subtle vision.

The most noticeable thing is the rude and obvious. And behind the coarse and more expressed in form, the subtle fades into the background human perception. As a result, most adults do not pay attention to information received through subtle channels, because everything that does not receive development degrades over time.

As children we are more open to subtle information. But as we grow older, social patterns make us similar to others. And we already know exactly what is right and what is wrong; what can and cannot exist. The brain does not like to revise its picture of the world. Once he has accepted a model for himself, he will resist revising it, so as not to have to do the work again. But by accepting something as the final truth, don’t we close the way for further knowledge? No wonder Descartes spoke about the main method of knowledge - doubt. Doubt is the eternal companion of the one who seeks, when extreme conviction means the cessation of existence and evolution.

The path of the esotericist is the path of evolution of one’s own soul. The laws set out in metaphorical form by the greatest spiritual Teachers are the Knowledge given to help humanity on this Path. These Laws are simple and complex at the same time. They manifest themselves both in the simple and small, and in the complex and large. This in itself is already a description of one of the laws of the world - the Law of Analogy, which was formulated by the ancient Initiate Thoth Hermes Trismegistus:

“What is above is like what is below. What is below is like what is above. Similar, but not equal."

For example, the solar system is similar in structure to the structure of an atom. In the center is the Sun, the nucleus of the atom, relatively motionless and heavy. There are planets around - electrons, mobile and light. Of course, when I talk about similarity, I'm not talking about absolute identity. The difference in the passage of time in planetary systems and in microparticles is incredibly large. And therefore space at different levels will manifest itself slightly differently.

From left to right: image of an atom, solar system, galaxies.

All the microparticles that make up our planet Earth, at the microcosm level, would fit into a tennis ball. People from their level see dense matter, while from another level matter is more than 99% empty. At the same time, despite such differences, everything is interconnected. And every event that occurs at one of the levels is reflected in all the others.

From the point of view of esotericism, atoms, like planets, represent a physical layer of reality - a world of dense matter, the knowledge of which lies in the scope of the tasks of official science. The essence of esotericism is the study of subtle patterns, existing in the form of energy and manifested in the metaphysical principles of the Universe. This energy is invisible, like a magnetic field, the existence of which we can only infer from observing its effects on the environment. Although the magnetic field is, again, a phenomenon derived from the world of forms.

Each person, like the planet, has a magnetic field and a physical body that gives birth to it. But a person is not only a body, right? At a minimum, everyone experiences emotions and produces mental images. And this space in which emotional energy moves is called. The space of thoughts, in turn, is called the mental world. A human soul manifested in all worlds.

Esoterics and the phenomenon of Consciousness

Each world has a corresponding body: the astral world has a sensual body; to the mental - intellect. Esoterics in this context, looking for general patterns, a subtle essence that unites different layers of this multidimensional reality. After all, in addition to the body, emotions and thoughts, there is something else that unites it into a single system. And this is exactly what is called Consciousness.

From the point of view of esotericism, everything has consciousness, even stones and minerals. Therefore, to indicate the difference, I write the word “Consciousness” (in the sense of self-identification) with a capital letter. Consciousness, also comparable to the soul, is beyond the body, emotions and logic. Moreover, it is in no way amenable to cognition from the appropriate levels. And therefore, trying to find the answer to the question “Who am I?”, you will never be able to state at least something other than the awareness of your own awareness.

Thus, we come to one of the main questions of esotericism, “Who am I?” The search for an answer to this question is the eternal search for Truth. You can come closer to the Truth or move away, but in its Absolute it will never be achieved. This does not mean that it is completely unattainable. They say that in order to comprehend it, you need to become it. And even having finally comprehended it, it is revealed that the known Truth is not final, and then the path of knowledge continues. And this is another universal law - the Law of Vibrations:

Nothing is at rest. Everything moves, everything vibrates.

A simple esoteric truth: where there is movement, there is development. And development is life. Death is only an illusion; the path of the soul is eternal and endless.

Anyone who is capable of somehow seeing the action of these and others similar to them, hidden, can be called an esotericist.

Greetings, my dear reader. Oksana Manoilo is with you. In this article I will tell in simple words, which means esotericism and I will reveal directions in esotericism for beginners.

What is esotericism in simple words?

Many of you have probably heard, and perhaps even wondered, what does the word “esoterics” mean? If we speak in simple words that will be understandable to everyone, then this is some forgotten knowledge and techniques that make it possible, using the hidden capabilities of a person. Influence the world around you, your own body and worldview.

With the help of esotericism, people get the opportunity to understand themselves and the reality around them not only from the point of view of three-dimensional reality, as we are used to doing, but in a completely new way.

Such knowledge was accumulated over thousands of years by many ancient peoples. And only small grains of them have reached us. However, even they have sufficient importance and many possibilities.

What do we see in reality?

However, most people in at the moment simply ignore existence this kind technician. Due to the fact that now minds are occupied only with the material component of life. And this is a mistake.

As already written above, the universe consists not only of the material, but also of the subtle plane. I wrote separate article about the subtle plan, you can read it. Existing in harmony, they complement each other, and one cannot exist without the other. Only by achieving a balance between physics and metaphysics can you find peace of mind and realize your true purpose in this world. This is what esotericism tells us.

Directions of esotericism

The array of esoteric techniques and teachings is quite large. Therefore, they can be divided into several areas outlined below.

The direction of esotericism is self-knowledge

A very important direction for personal development. With the help of various practices, such as meditation, astral travel, breathing techniques, etc., a person frees himself from the framework imposed on him by society and by himself. There comes an awareness of one's own individuality and the individuality of other people. Thus, esotericism helps you find your life path. And not become just a cog in the great system of current society.

The direction of esotericism is healing


One of the most useful skills that esotericism has to offer. The hidden possibilities for self-healing and healing other people using metaphysical techniques truly amazes the imagination of the uninitiated. And, as a rule, they cause mistrust. However, there are many cases of “miraculous” healing of seriously ill patients.

Healing with the help of esoteric practices rejects the incurability of many serious and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, various allergies, etc. This is my topic, I have been doing healing for quite a long time. There are already hundreds of satisfied customers. You can study their opinions both on my website and simply on the Internet. More details about healing on the page:

The direction of esotericism is the ability to influence reality

The most extensive section of this science, which includes many independent teachings such as astrology, numerology, fortune telling, magic and occultism and the like. This direction attracts most people interested in esotericism. But it is also what scares them the most! After all, the well-known “” and “evil eye” are part of the influence on reality.

That is why it makes sense to expand your knowledge in the field of esotericism. Indeed, in this case, it is much easier to determine whether this disease has affected you or someone in your family and take appropriate measures.

And this is not to mention the huge number of useful practices that improve well-being and solve problems in and within the family. And often, even in career and business, esotericism can provide invaluable assistance.

Esotericism for beginners - where to start?

Having learned about the many benefits of people who have mastered this knowledge, many will ask “can I?” Will esotericism help me? And the answer is yes. Many hundreds of years ago, most of the now known esoteric practices were used everywhere and by almost every person.

At least on the territory of present-day Russia. They weren't anything out of the ordinary. And their use was a given. Naturally, no special skills are required for this.

Don't expect instant results. Just like in muscle training, in pumping the mind, it takes time to achieve visible results. However, in order to increase the speed and quality of learning, I recommend starting with studying my course “Training Esoterics Online.”

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I have quite a lot on the site and each has its own flavor. Today I set myself the task of telling what esotericism means in simple words for beginners. And I wanted to give directions. The vector is given. Good luck to you on your journey and in achieving new heights in esotericism!

Friends, if you liked the article, what does esotericism mean, share it on social networks. This is your greatest gratitude. Your reposts let me know that you are interested in my articles and my thoughts. That they are useful to you and I am inspired to write and explore new topics in esotericism.

I, Manoilo Oksana, am a practicing healer, coach, spiritual trainer. You are now on my website.

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