The practice of teaching or maintaining secret doctrines that are meant only for initiated members; esoteric philosophy or knowledge.
From 'esoteric' + '-ism' (belief system). This variant of 'esotericism' is slightly less common but emphasizes the systematic nature of the secret teachings and their organized transmission.
Plato's Academy in ancient Greece operated with esoterism—the deeper philosophical truths were only fully taught to advanced students after years of study, creating a pyramid of understanding that mirrored spiritual initiation.
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