Intellect

Esoterism and Exoterism The definition given by Rumi: Exotericism is the outer shell, Zahir (istakhwan-bone) and Esoterism is inner Batin (mughaz- bone marrow). One is obvious and visible and the other more subtle and hidden. Zahir and Batin are also two names of Allah in the Qur'an. While exoteric approach may deny the presence of esoteric domain, the people of esoteric approach would know the necessary existence of the outer shell as lesser reality. The difficulty of exotericism resides in its limited and narrow conception, which leads to rejection of higher or inner aspects of a religion. And the pre-eminence of esoterism lies in its universal approach, which accepts the lower as an aspect of total reality. The exoteric approach towards esoterism can be of two kind: one is a total denial of esoterism like that of Wahabis which leads to conflict and declaring esoterism as falsification of religion, the second is a reasoned or rather a rational acceptance of esoteric aspects of the religion without being able to fully understand or attain to it. A comprehensive definition of esoterism and exoterism in given religious atmosphere would always include a description of relation between the two aspects. In the Islamic matrix the relationship can be best understood by the metaphor in which esoterism is the castle where the King (Intellect) with His Infinite Treasures reside. The castle is situated in the center of the vast and open territory (exoterism) of the Kingdom where the laymen live. The gate (initiation) of the castle is guarded by the strong Soldiers (angels) and can only be opened from inside and only those who are invited by the King (Waliallah) are allowed to enter. There is no possibility of storming the gate nor there are any backdoors to allow the buglers to sneak in. Not only the castle but also the entire immense territory belongs to the King who is the only Sovereign and Owner of the rich Kingdom. Besides those who are allowed inside the Castle and have a continuous vision of the King which alone sustain them, a great majority which lives on the vast territory are sustained from whatever grows on the rich and fertile land and which the King out of His generosity allows them to appropriate. There are few who, though not allowed inside the Castle as yet, nonetheless receive some very precious Gifts from the King through His special emissaries and it is these people who keenly acknowledge His generosity and always remain sincerely grateful to Him for His favours. They are King’s faithful subjects and very obedient servants. The remaining majority, also receive their sustenance from the land which belongs to the King without much efforts on their part but fall short of true gratefulness and are confused about the whole situation and ignorant of existence of the Owner and Sovereign King. Due to their ignorance and confusion they develop ingenious philosophies, from scientific to occultist, to make sense of the visible world.