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Taoshobuddha
Esoterism – An enquiry into life
TAOSHOBUDDHA
The word Taoshobuddha comes from three words, ‘tao,’ ‘sho,’ and
‘Buddha’. The word Tao was coined by the Chinese master, Lau
Tzu. It means that which is and cannot be put into words. It is
unknown and unknowable. It can only be experienced and not
expressedd in words. Its magnanimity cannot be condensed into
finiteness. The word Sho implies, that which is vast like the sky and
deep like an ocean and carries within its womb a treasure. It also
means one on whom the existence showers its blessings. And lastly
the word Buddha implies the Enlightened One; one who has
arrived home.
© 2010, Taoshobuddha
Introduction
Esoterism represents a special occult teaching that is available
only to the initiate and kept hidden from the masses. This form
of ‘esoteric’ was or is found in Ancient Egypt, in Pythagoreans, in
Hindu and Buddhist Tantra, in Sufism, in Rosicrucianism and
Hermetic Occultism, and in Radhaswami, to give just a few
examples. More recently initiation-based sects like Eckanker,
TM, and Divine Light Mission could also be included here.
As the way of life the word Esoterism and its process always
existed since humanity breathed first. Sufis have used two words
to explain teachings. One is called ‘Zahir’. This known and any
one can get into it. This refers to the outer body of religion. It is
mainly concerned with the outer dimension that includes rituals
etc. On the other hand for inward journey the word ‘Batin’ is
used. It refers to inward journey. This is hidden secret and
mystical in nature. Nothing is visible outwardly. Such teachings
are not available to each and everyone. This is meant for the
initiates. This is known as ‘Tasawwuf’ which is the spirit of
Sufism or the inner core of Islam. For the inward journey to
begin the heart center or qulb of the seeker has to awaken first.
This is called the awakening or invoking of the qulb the spiritual
aspect of the heart. Sufis use a specific word for this ‘Zakir’ or
invoked and implies that the seeker is ready for inward journey.
These inner and outer teachings have existed in all the paths.
Hindu scriptures speak of this. The outer body of the religion or
rituals are easy to follow. But the inner journey and teachings is
not meant for each and everyone. Certain amount of preparation
is essential. The first step is that the seeker has to abandon all
that he has learned. This is the process of unlearning and the
inward journey begins.
History
Since esotericism is not a single tradition but a vast array of
often unrelated figures and movements, there is no single
historical thread underlying them all. The developments that one
might wish to emphasize in drawing up a history of esotericism
furthermore depend on whether esotericism in the dictionary
(non-scholarly) or the scholarly sense is intended.
According to the Sufis, entire existence comes from God and God
alone is real. The created world is but a reflection of the Divine;
‘the universe is the Shadow of the Absolute’. The ability to
discern God behind the screen of things implies purity of
soul. It is only through an effort to withdraw from the world
that one can approach God:
The God that the Sufis discover is a God of love and the way to
him is through Love: whoever knows God, loves him; whoever
knows the world turns away from him. If you wish to be free,
become a prisoner of Love.