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Centered around esotericism, this work employs a comprehensive glossary-based style to unveil the hidden curtain of the cosmos and enrich our understanding of the world from ancient to modern times. Weaving together mysticism and yogic philosophy from Asia with more contemporary esoteric groups like the Freemasons, the book sheds light on learning about one’s highest self and the knowledge of the soul. Perhaps the most intriguing component of this extensive list of glossary terms is the notion that esotericism and atma vidya—the study of the soul—are not tied to one’s race, creed, beliefs, etc. In fact, whether it is the Kali Yuga (the dark ages that lead into “pralay” or end times) in Hinduism, Judgment Day in Christianity, Kabbalism, or referencing the Greeks or Hebrews, the text goes to great lengths to show the thread that binds them together from the beginning of humanity’s existence.
The narrative evidences a strong ability to take complex philosophies and present them in succinct, glossary form, prompting the reader’s curiosity to go and learn more about the topics. The clarity with which terms like adhyatmic are explained while simultaneously sharing the story of the Greek hero Aeneas is intriguing, and while the work does not focus on any one narrative, there is little doubt that each of the items in the glossary bank serves a purpose and is a unified whole of the absolute. Whether learning about the seven different types of people in Gnosticism or understanding the depths of the Vedas in ancient Hinduism, the theme that stands out is that humanity is part and parcel of a universal, supreme personality. At its core, this work has the potential to spark a further desire to unearth the hidden gems and wisdom of the universe.