A Definition of Esotericism and School The words esoteric and occult signify that which is hidden; they indicate that which lies behind the outer seeming and point to the causes which produce appearance and effects; they are concerned with the subtler world of energies and forces which all outer forms veil and hide. Distinguishing characteristics of an Esoteric School: 1. An esoteric school is one in which the relation of the soul, the spiritual man, to the personality is taught. 2. An esoteric school is an extension into the physical outer world of the inner group or Ashram of a Master. 3. A true esoteric school works on four levels of service and of experience as follows- 3a. That of the outer world. (Disciple is taught to live normally, practically, effectively and spiritually in the everyday world.) 3b. That of the world of meaning. (Disciple is taught the why and the wherefore of circumstances and happenings - both individual and universal.) 3c. That of...