The Atma Jyoti Blog

Q: I would like to know what you mean by “esoteric” and “exoteric” religion or philosophy.

Esoteric religion and philosophy are completely oriented to the inner mystical and contemplative view of things–it would not be amiss to say a psychic view of matters. Naturally, the emphasis is on the inner state of consciousness.

One of the major things that distinguishes esoteric from exoteric religion is the concept of spiritual evolution–a concept held by the mystics of all religions. Another trait of the esoteric view is its acceptance of all religions as valid, for the inner traditions of all are the same, the difference between them being in the mechanics of spiritual methodology or practice. But even there we find great similarity and much that is identical.

“Exoteric” religion views things in a very external way–they are primarily interested in external observance, in external behavior, and externally expressed beliefs. This is because they are very interested in an external “eternal” destiny–that is, whether they will end up in heaven or in hell in a state of physical (certainly exoteric!) immortality. Their preoccupation is on where they will be forever after this life (only one to a customer in the exoteric view). Their state of mind or their inner disposition is of minimal concern. Of course the concept of spiritual evolution is utterly alien for them. Their focus is on just which bin–“Damned” or “Saved”–God will sort them out into when they get judged after death.

In the esoteric perspective religion is not a stable or corral to hold people who are to be merely housed, fed, and broken in to harness. That is the making of slaves, not gods. The primary purpose of esoteric religion is to enable people to expand their life-sphere, to evolve without limit. It can offer nothing else–and nothing less. Those who want less than that can be well accommodated in the exoteric religions.

Inquirers should understand that religion can point the way and give aids to the journey, but they will have to do it all on their own, for that is part of their evolution. Each person is responsible for his personal application of what he is taught, without being wheedled, cajoled, or threatened. Esoteric religion gives him the tools and the knowledge and says: “Go to it.” There is nothing more they can realistically do. Moreover they understand that each one will progress according to both the effort he puts forth and according to his own karmic background produced by innumerable lives he has lived before.