Glossary
The glossary is not here to define these words universally, but rather to define them in the way in which I mean them on this website. I do try my best to use these words in the “correct” way, however a lot of them are used differently by many people, so this glossary is here to show people how I personally define them, in order to help the visitors of this website to better understand what I am explaining.
Inward Disciplines – Disciplines involving going within. Practices that are used to retrieve truth and inquiry from within. Examples : Meditation, Astral Projection, and Lucid Dreaming.
Outward Disciplines – Disciplines involving pursuing wisdom in the world outside of yourself. Practices which involve searching and discovering information in any way other than searching within. Examples : Listening to lectures, Studying with a teacher, Reading books.
Esoteric – Basically, it means inner, however there are two simultaneous meanings generally accepted. The first one pertains to the Inward Disciplines of any Religious, Spiritual, Philosophical, or Mystical practice. The second one pertains to the “Inner Circle” of any Religious, Spiritual, Philosophical, or Mystical school of wisdom. Almost every single school of wisdom has teachings for the masses (exoteric teachings) as well as more advanced teachings for the select few (esoteric). Often, the esoteric teachings are aimed towards esoteric practices, while the exoteric teachings are aimed towards exoteric practices.
Exoteric – The inversion of Esoteric, meaning outer. It is also a dual meaning, and on the one hand refers to Outward Disciplines, while on the other refers to the less profound teachings of a particular institution, openly disseminated to the masses.
Self-Realization – Also known as Spiritual Enlightenment, it is the ultimate goal of existence. Each one of us has the Divine Spark of God within us. The reason that we do not “feel” enlightened, is because this divine essence is covered up by many egos such as hate, greed, envy, pride, etc. Think of it like a peace of solid gold buried underneath layers of dirt, grass, and concrete. With the correct tools, we can uncover the Gold within, and once we do, it will be as perfect as it ever was. Self-Realization is the subjective and fundamental experiential realization of your True Self.
Ego – Ego is the cause of all negativity in the Self and the World. Each one of us (excluding fully enlightened beings) carries around many Egos, and these stay with us throughout our reincarnations until they are eliminated. There are an estimated 10,000 egos, all of which must be destroyed in order to experience Self-Realization. The main Egos which are Greed, Envy, Sloth, Hatred, Anger, Lust, and Gluttony, all are the head of a “legion” of egos, numbering in the thousands.
Truth – Objective and absolute fact.
Mysticism – The study of the Self. One who is considered a Mystic is one who is looking for direct experience of God. Every school of wisdom contains a Mystic section, which is where the Esoteric work is taught, passed down from mouth to ear, and practiced.
Spiritual – See What is Spirituality?
Philosophy – Philosophy, which comes from the Greek word “philosophia” means “Love of Wisdom. It is the study of reality, mind, and knowledge. It can also refer to a specific school of thought.
Meditation – The art in which one attempts to silence their mind. This is most commenly done by sitting in a comfortable position, and breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, sometimes chanting or mentally reciting Mantras. It can, however, also be done while doing anything.
Astral Projection – Leaving your physical body and entering the Astral World with your astral body.
Lucid Dreaming – Becoming conscious of the fact that you are dreaming while asleep