Comparative Religion: Esoteric Threads Across Traditions
Comparative Religion: Esoteric Threads Across Traditions
- Course Code: REL 5301
- Florida Course Numbering System: REL 5350
- Credits: 3
- Level: Graduate
- Program: Master of Theosophy
đ Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the esoteric dimensions of world religions, focusing on their mystical, symbolic, and initiatory teachings. Moving beyond dogma and institutional forms, the course identifies universal spiritual principles woven into the inner traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam (Sufism), Judaism (Kabbalah), Taoism, and indigenous mystical systems. Emphasis is placed on unity of consciousness, mythic archetypes, and the path of spiritual transformation shared across traditions.
đŻ Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognize key esoteric concepts and mystical practices within major world religions.
- Analyze similarities and differences in doctrines such as the soul, inner light, salvation, and divine union.
- Interpret symbolic teachings (e.g., serpent, fire, tree of life) found across sacred traditions.
- Articulate the relevance of comparative esotericism in contemporary spiritual inquiry.
- Apply an integrative, theosophical perspective to interfaith understanding and dialogue.
đď¸ Weekly Topics Breakdown
| Week | Topic | Key Readings & Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is Esotericism? Inner vs. Outer Religion | Esotericism and the Academy â Wouter Hanegraaff (Intro) |
| 2 | The Perennial Philosophy and Theosophical Unity | The Perennial Philosophy â Aldous Huxley (Intro) |
| 3 | Hindu Mysticism: The Atman, Brahman, and Yoga | Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ, Upanishads (excerpts) |
| 4 | Buddhist Insight: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Bodhisattva Ideal | Dhammapada, Heart Sutra, Tibetan Book of the Dead |
| 5 | Esoteric Christianity: Logos, Mystical Christ, and the Inner Church | Gospel of Thomas, Mysticism â Evelyn Underhill |
| 6 | Jewish Kabbalah: The Tree of Life, Ein Sof, and the Tikkun | Zohar (selections), Essential Kabbalah â Daniel Matt |
| 7 | Sufism: Divine Love and the Path of the Heart | Rumi, Ibn âArabi, The Sufi Path of Love â William Chittick |
| 8 | Taoism and the Esoteric Flow: Wu Wei, Alchemy, and the Tao | Tao Te Ching, Secret of the Golden Flower |
| 9 | Indigenous Traditions: Shamanism, Vision, and Sacred Earth | Black Elk Speaks, The Cosmic Serpent â Jeremy Narby |
| 10 | Shared Symbols: Light, Fire, Serpent, Ladder, Tree | Comparative symbol study across traditions |
| 11 | Death and Rebirth: Esoteric Views of Initiation and Immortality | Cross-cultural death rites, mythic structures |
| 12 | Sacred Feminine: Sophia, Shakti, Shekhinah, Tara | Feminine archetypes and spiritual embodiment |
| 13 | The Path of Initiation: Across Mystery Schools | Egyptian, Eleusinian, Gnostic, and modern traditions |
| 14 | Integration and Presentations: Threads of Unity | Student-led presentations and synthesis discussions |
𧞠Assessments
- Comparative Essays (30%) â Focused comparisons of esoteric elements between 2+ traditions
- Symbol Mapping Project (15%) â Visual/analytic representation of shared archetypes
- Final Paper or Presentation (30%) â Deep dive into a mystical theme or tradition
- Weekly Reflections (15%) â Journal-style responses to readings
- Participation (10%) â Discussion, seminars, interfaith dialogues
đ Required Texts
- The Perennial Philosophy â Aldous Huxley
- The Essential Kabbalah â Daniel C. Matt
- Mysticism â Evelyn Underhill
- The Dhammapada â trans. Eknath Easwaran
- The Gospel of Thomas â Jean-Yves Leloup or Marvin Meyer edition
- Supplementary texts: Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad GÄŤtÄ, Rumi Poems, Zohar excerpts