Esoteric cosmology

Esoteric cosmology is cosmology that is an intrinsic part of an esoteric or occult system of thought. It almost always deals with at least some of the following themes: emanation, involution, evolution, epigenesis, planes of existence or higher worlds (and their emanation and the connections between them), hierarchies of spiritual beings, cosmic cycles (e.g., cosmic year, Yuga), yogic or spiritual disciplines, and references to altered states of consciousness.

Related Topics:
Cosmology - Esoteric - Occult - Emanation - Involution - Evolution - Epigenesis - Planes of existence - Spiritual beings - Cosmic year - Yuga - Yogic - Altered states of consciousness

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Such cosmologies cover many of the same concerns also addressed by religious cosmology and philosophical cosmology, such as the origin, purpose, and destiny of the universe and of consciousness and the nature of existence. For this reason it is sometimes difficult to distinguish where religion or philosophy end and esotericism or occultism begins. However, esoteric cosmology is distinguished from religion in its more sophisticated construction and reliance on intellectual understanding rather than faith, and from philosophy in its emphasis on techniques of psycho-spiritual transformation.

Related Topics:
Religious cosmology - Philosophical cosmology

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Examples of esoteric cosmologies can be found in Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Tantra (especially Kashmir Shaivism), Kabbalah, Sufism, the Sant Mat/Surat Shabda Yoga tradition, Theosophy, Anthroposophy, and the teachings of Jacob Boehme, Max Theon, Max Heindel (The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception), Sri Aurobindo, Meher Baba, the Fourth Way propounded by Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, and many current New Age teachings, to give only a few examples.

Related Topics:
Gnosticism - Neoplatonism - Tantra - Kashmir Shaivism - Kabbalah - Sufism - Sant Mat - Surat Shabda Yoga - Theosophy - Anthroposophy - Jacob Boehme - Max Theon - Max Heindel - The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception - Sri Aurobindo - Meher Baba - Fourth Way - New Age

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