What does ‘Esoteric’ Mean?

As this blog will discuss life issues from an esoteric perspective this first entry will outline what the word esoteric means and also what it does not mean. It is a common misperception that the word esoteric is associated with that which is secret or hidden and only given to a select group of people. Online dictionaries refer to it being for a select group of people, for an initiated or enlightened minority or even a cult. It is also associated with that which is mysterious. These definitions are not actually what esoteric means. The word itself is derived from the Greek word “esôterikos” which is translated as ‘from within’. Esoteric philosophy or teachings are those that come ‘from within’ oneself, from the innermost of one’s being and thus are actually available to all. The innermost of one’s being is the inner heart and this connects with the soul. The innermost, the inner heart and the soul in every human being are pure love and that is the source of true wisdom, also called the Ageless Wisdom.

To be ‘esoteric’ means to endeavour to live life and make choices from one’s innermost, from love and this feeds into all areas of life. This is man’s true nature but through the process of growing up, childhood, education, culture and religion etc man is ignorant of his true nature and makes choices in separation to it. The consequences of the choices made in separation to love are what ultimately result in many forms of human suffering, illness and disease. The healing journey involves re-connecting with that essence of love and making choices by following the impulses of one’s inner heart, of love.

Do you have a different understanding of what ‘esoteric’ means or is it similar to the above? Have you encountered alternative definitions of what esoteric means either in your reading or through discussion with others? Feel free to join /start the discussion on what ‘esoteric’ means to you or that has popped up in discussion with others.