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Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Rimban: Understanding the esoteric realm
By Erwin Rimban
THE esoteric realms of thought can provide great insight into the nature of man and the universe. But, for most people, the esoteric realm of thought can be a morass, a veritable jungle of ideas where one can easily get lost. It is necessary to share a few guidelines about this complex facet of human thought to serve as guideposts for the beginning student of the spiritual path.
The first thing to realize about the esoteric realm is that they are not taught conventionally in schools, colleges and universities. Even orthodox religions rarely teach about them in their sacred temples or in religious seminars. That is why there is a lot of mystery surrounding esoteric fields like astrology, alchemy, qaballah, numerology, yoga, mysticism, and the like. If you are a very open-minded student of the spiritual path who wants to explore these realms, then most likely you acquired some esoteric knowledge by buying occult books and/or joining occult groups. Now, there can be many problems associated with this approach. The first is that spiritual wisdom cannot be acquired by reading occult books alone. And also, it cannot be acquired by joining occult groups alone.
Let me explain.
It is true that esoteric knowledge can be gained by reading occult books. There are many occult books for sale in various bookstores. But the esoteric realm is a very complex jungle with many dangers and pitfalls. The most obvious danger is the lure to power. Some individuals venture into the esoteric realms with the hope that it will solve their psychological problems, many of which are rooted in infancy and family life. They think that mastering a set of occult systems can alleviate their psychological problems. Nothing could be further from the truth! If anything, the exploration of certain occult systems of thought will only exacerbate certain negative psychological attitudes. If a learner is arrogant, he will become more arrogant if he masters a certain occult system, believing that he is superior to the common man. If a learner if manipulative, mastering a certain occult system will increase this tendency, because he would have gained a new set of tools to manipulate other people. If a person is dishonest, it is possible that mastering an occult system will increase this tendency because he would have gained a new set of techniques that he can use to deceive his fellowmen. This is the reason why the esoteric realms of thought were banned in many cultures in the Age of Pisces. The danger of misuse was very great.
In the same way, joining an occult group will not necessarily transform someone into a wise and loving person. Many occult groups seek only power. They are clothed in mystery to deceive their adherents. They purport to disseminate spiritual wisdom when in reality they know only scraps of occult lore. These scraps are even sold to their adherents for a fee. Acquiring occult knowledge does not necessarily translate into spiritual wisdom. The attainment of spiritual wisdom is altogether a very different plane of consciousness.
What can be done to remedy this problem then? What can be done to assist serious beginners of the spiritual path who really want to know more about our place in the universe, awaken themselves to Ultimate Reality and become better and more loving persons?
Well, the first thing that can be done is to provide a forum, an environment where the esoteric realms of thought can be studied objectively, rationally and scientifically. Genuine masters of the spiritual path must make a serious effort to educate others about the esoteric, occult and spiritual realms. Genuine spiritual organizations must make it a part of their spiritual curriculum to study the ancient arts of wisdom in an objective, rational and scientific manner. Study the ancient arts from many perspectives. Analyze the various disciplines. Study the esoteric realms and their exoteric counterparts.
For example, astrology and psychology can be studied together because both are theories of personality structure and personality development. Dancing and yoga can be studied together because both are methods of expressing physical energy. Numerology and mathematics can be studied together because both are attempts to understand the nature of reality using the language of numbers. Game theory and the I Ching can be studied together because both are attempts to understand the process of critical thinking and decision making in complex evolving environments.
Alchemy and physiology can be studied together because both are attempts to understand the nature and function of human bioenergetic systems. Ayurvedic medicine and Western medicine can be studied together because both are healing systems. Mysticism and religion can be studied together because both are attempts to understand the dimension of Ultimate Reality. See how esoteric fields have their esoteric counterparts? These are just some of the ways in which the esoteric systems of thought can be studied in an integrated way with their exoteric sisters.
The Age of Aquarius is upon us. Now is the time for the esoteric realm to come forward and help the progress of humanity. Male and female. Yin and Yang. The exoteric and esoteric realms must synergize for the betterment of humanity.
Let me share more as we continue our pilgrimage in wisdom. My email is wizardspen@yahoo.com. Embrace Infinity!
(September 14, 2005 issue)
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