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Post by corab on Jun 19, 2005 12:53:28 GMT
I think this is best put in this forum as it's not necessarily Masonic - but if the Mods feel it ought to be elsewhere, please move the thread:-)
So, enlighten this poor foreigner ;D - what does the word / concept "esoteric" actually mean? Linguistically - in the pure sense of the word, but also, what meanings has it acquired, and perhaps more importantly - what does it mean to you?
Thanks for your help,
Cora
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staffs
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Post by staffs on Jun 19, 2005 12:57:57 GMT
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Post by corab on Jun 19, 2005 17:26:47 GMT
Thanks for that link, but it doesn't actually answer my question. My question is not strictly related to Masonry, which is why I posted it in this forum. Sure, I'm aware there is an esoteric aspect to Masonry, and it's one of the main reasons that I'm attracted to it, but I can't answer for myself what the word / concept "esoteric" means. Perhaps that's an answer in itself?
Esoteric, from dictionary definitions, seems to allude to things hidden, concealed, or knowledge that is imparted to and shared with a select group of people only - but what is its nature?
For me it is the turning within and discovering what I am about, why I respond to certain situations the way I do; also about confronting the dark within and getting to terms with it. It is spiritual in a sense that I work with my own spirit; yet it is not strictly spiritual in a religious sense.
I just need to understand what "esoteric" means, and would appreciate your thoughts.
Cheers,
Cora
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Post by whistler on Jun 19, 2005 18:59:02 GMT
Corab, Esoteric can mean anything you like, it is just a word. I haven't clue what it means, I just add it to all sorts of situations depending on my mood at the time - what I call esoteric today may not be esoteric tomorrow, but when you use it people think you are very wise - my suggestion is to experiment with it and have fun - I have even seen rolls of toilet paper printed with little angels - very " esoteric "
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Post by taylorsman on Jun 19, 2005 20:26:27 GMT
Cora, this is a very difficult concept to communicate. Yes, we can all look at the dictionary definition of "Esoteric" but that is insufficient an explanation in the Masonic context.
The best I can do is to give examples of what to me would be a Mundane and an Esoteric approach. Take for example the colours of the Aprons worn by Brethern in a UGLE Craft Lodge. The Mundane would simply see these as Marks of Rank. The Pale Blue and White of the ordinary Master Mason with Three Rosettes, these replaced by Levels for an Installed Master, the Dark Blue of the Provincial and Grand Officers with various emblems to denote their respective Ranks. The Esoteric Mason will consider the relevance of the Colours and Symbols of themselves and any reference in religion, the occult, folklore etc that these may have. Another example was the boss on the collars of Lodge Officers etc. To some this was simply a glorified button, a mere decoration, but to others it represents the Beehive and Bees and Honey have many references in scripture , folklore and symbolism.
There are many other examples but of course these will be to some extent subjective. An Esoteric Freemason such as myself will be more concerned with the Symbolism and hidden signficance of the Words and Actions , Furniture and Regalia used in the Ceremonies.
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Post by a on Jun 19, 2005 20:44:57 GMT
Esoteric is one of those funny things.
When you start your journey everything is esoteric and as you travel through life (hopefully) stage by stage the esoteric turns into exoteric.
So what is esoteric is rather fluid, depending on the level of evolution and awareness of the person judging it.
Also life has a way of presenting us with situations to evolve. If you can spot these for what they are, and do the necessary work, you can take great strides forward as the esoteric rapidly becomes exoteric.
Makes it a facinating area to explore.
Added: Even though I have not done it myself I would suggest that you explore this from within the multitude of esoteric societies that exist. Why? Guidance, shoulders, ensuring that you properly pace yourself, etc.
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ruffashlar
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 20, 2005 1:37:33 GMT
This matter was very relevant to the unpleasantness over at TFM, and which led indirectly to the creation of this board.
To the general public, all Freemasonry is esoteric; but to those of us in it, it is anything but. Craft Freemasonry, for Free and Accepted Masons, is the most ordinary thing; but, those Orders we have not yet entered, have no interest in joining, and may be personally averse to having anything to do with, become for us "esoteric" relative to our experience.
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giovanni
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odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
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Post by giovanni on Jun 20, 2005 13:55:05 GMT
I just need to understand what "esoteric" means, and would appreciate your thoughts. Literally: interior.
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Post by bevan on Jun 20, 2005 14:22:53 GMT
Esoteric for me means knowledge or information that falls outside of the existing main current of human enquiry and is generally therefore only accessible to those groups who take the time to study it. It is in no way any closer to "the Truth". In fact, if you believe that large groups make wiser decisions than smaller ones, then esoteric study could be a total waste of time.
But I believe that most of us indulge ourselves with our own esoteric studies because we are searching for something that the mainstream cannot offer us.
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ruffashlar
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 20, 2005 21:27:12 GMT
esoteric study could be a total waste of time
Well, of course, it is a total waste of time already. You'd be much more gainfully employed learning how to programme a VCR; or triangulating the exact centre of the universe and building a chipshop over it. Come to think of it, go for the easier option and just find a deep fat fryer shop who deliver to the universe's centre.
You don't study the esoteric because it's useful. You study it because it's the most fascinating, absorbing and personally rewarding subject in the world; after football, cars, the films of Michael Caine, beer and Lisa Hunter from Hollyoaks.
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Post by bevan on Jun 20, 2005 22:12:00 GMT
A VCR?!!! ruff, in this day and age that is a lost and esoteric art in itself!
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Post by hollandr on Jun 20, 2005 23:36:58 GMT
Esoteric :from Gk. esoterikos "belonging to an inner circle,"
Do you have to knock on the door of the lodge to gain entrance to the inner circle?
Or are you re-born in the inner circle?
But are inner circles real in some fundamental sense or are they just human societies?
Cheers
Russell
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Post by corab on Jun 22, 2005 19:23:49 GMT
Esoteric :from Gk. esoterikos "belonging to an inner circle," Do you have to knock on the door of the lodge to gain entrance to the inner circle? Or are you re-born in the inner circle? But are inner circles real in some fundamental sense or are they just human societies? Cheers Russell
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jul 16, 2005 14:35:10 GMT
The inner work undertaken with select others that leads to the metamorphosis of the self.
In esoteric work, in my view, this aspect of working with others is as important as any considerations one may have about the work, reflections, and study.
Allowing inner guidance, with a due recognition of the sovereignty and autonomy of others, to work for the good of all...
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ruffashlar
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Post by ruffashlar on Jul 17, 2005 0:33:39 GMT
Inner Circle were the name of a Reggae group in the 1970s who had a hit with The Games People Play and recorded on the Trojan label. In 1972 they supported the election bandwagon of the Jamaican People's National Party (PNP): their guitarist David ("Cat") Coore was the son of the deputy Prime Minister of the same name. Sorry if that's a little esoteric for you
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