Commentary:  I have spent all my life associated with one Esoteric School or another–be such on Earth or in the Upper Astral.  Though, their teachings differ somewhat they can be classified into two major schools.  The first school type is mystically-based and so instruct in ways to attune the human heart with the Divine Heart of a Personal Godhead.  The second school type is rationally-based and so provide graduated methods to attune with the Divine Intellect impersonally.

There is a third school type which combines the two methods realizing that a complete enlightenment requires instruction in the Higher Aesthetic (Love) followed by instruction in the Higher Intellect (Wisdom).  I discussed this last school when I taught of the Way of the Gallant Heart and the Noble Organ in past posts.

Regardless of orientation, I have found that each legitimate esoteric school understands what I have written below.

Every Esoteric School is well aware of the harmfulness which results when one group actively attempts to force its religious and social beliefs onto another. Homo sapiens history–an endless and valueless series of failed attempts mandating acceptance of ingenious forms of unsound, irrational and dogmatic belief. So to discourage such behavior, every Esoteric School has chosen to provide an intellectually-open forum for discussion and criticism of ALL ancient and modern models [religious, philosophic and scientific] describing Man, GOD and the Universe.

Every Esoteric School continually evaluates [using scientifically-sound methodologies for studying the bidirectional nature of mankind’s experiences] and comments upon the rational reasonableness of such models. Every Esoteric School understands that scientific knowledge is dynamic and progressive, requiring modification of earlier models or adoption of brand-new models more consistent with objective evidence and experience. The Initiates understand that all forms of philosophical and spiritual knowledge and understanding must be held to the same standards of validation as is science and mathematics. Intellectual discovery can show no favoritism nor sloppiness. Students are encouraged to become skeptics and walking question-marks.

Using the results of rational analysis and objective exploration, every Esoteric School presents position statements to its students concerning the intellectual reasonableness and internal consistency of each world-view, including an opinion of how probable each world-view is of being objectively correct and complete. Each one leaves it to the discretion of each student to choose a useful model befitting his or her level of development.

Every Esoteric School does its best to avoid dogmatism and encourage rational inquiry amongst elder teachers and students. Their common goal is providing guidance to those persons desirous of finding a personal path of purpose and meaning in life.

Question:   Which type of school fits your soul personality?  Do you think esoteric schools should be dogmatic or open-minded?