Eastern esotericism

For its Western counterpart, see Western esotericism.
Yab-Yum of Samantabhadra ("All Good," the Primordial Buddha) and his female aspect of consort, Samantabhadrī (17th century). The erotic union symbolizes, respectively, the non-duality of Compassion (or Method) and Wisdom; or also of Form and Emptiness.[1][2][3]

Eastern esotericism is a term utilized by various scholars to describe a broad range of religious beliefs and practices originating from the Eastern world, characterized by "esoteric", secretive, or occult elements. The classification of Eastern esotericism presents challenges, as it is influenced by varying geographical and cultural definitions of "Eastern" and "Western" contexts, particularly in relation to Islamic nations. The delineation of esotericism itself can vary among scholars, with some arguing that the concept is predominantly rooted in Western traditions. This perspective raises important questions regarding the applicability of a Western framework to non-Western practices, potentially leading to classifications that may not accurately reflect the complexities of these traditions.[4][5][6][7] Conversely, other scholars propose a more globalized viewpoint, suggesting that comparable systems of secret knowledge and mystical practices exist across different cultures and warrant examination within a unified framework.

Despite these ongoing debates, the concept of Eastern esotericism has been adopted by many scholars as a relevant category for investigating the nuanced dimensions of spiritual life in various Eastern traditions. This includes elements found in Hinduism and Buddhism, where secret teachings, initiatory rites, and mystical experiences are significant. Additionally, Eastern esotericism encompasses a variety of, ethnic religions and syncretic systems that integrate indigenous beliefs with other spiritual influences, thereby broadening the scope of study in this area. Overall, the term serves as a foundation for exploring the diverse and intricate landscape of esoteric thought and practice across the Eastern world.[6][8]

  1. ^ "yab-yum". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
  2. ^ Beer, Robert (1999-10-12). The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Shambhala. ISBN 978-1-57062-416-2.
  3. ^ Rinpoche, Yongey Mingyur; Tworkov, Helen (2014-07-08). Turning Confusion into Clarity: A Guide to the Foundation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-0-8348-2975-6.
  4. ^ Page Jr., Hugh R.; Finley, Stephen C. (2021). «“What Can the Whole World Be Hiding?”: Exploring Africana Esotericisms in the American Soul-Blues Continuum». In: Aspem, Egil; Strube, ed. New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism (em inglês). Col: Supplements to Method & Theory in the Study of Religion. 17. Leiden; Boston: Brill. Archived on August 18, 2022.
  5. ^ Granholm, Kennet (13 january 2016). «Contemporary esotericism». In: Woodhead, Linda; Partridge, Christopher; Kawanami, Hiroko, ed. Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. «Esotericism and Secrecy». In: Urban, Hugh B.; Johnson, Paul Christopher. The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Secrecy. Routledge.
  6. ^ a b Baier, Karl (2021). "Esotericism". The Wiley Blackwell Companion to the Study of Religion. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-09276-6.
  7. ^ Hanegraaff, Wouter J. (2016-01-19). "The Globalization of Esotericism". Correspondences. 3. ISSN 2053-7158. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  8. ^ Djurdjevic, G. (2014-05-21). India and the Occult: The Influence of South Asian Spirituality on Modern Western Occultism. Springer. ISBN 978-1-137-40499-2.