ABSTRACT
In numerous studies, the concepts of Gnosticism and esotericism are understood in different ways. Riffard (1990) provides an interesting analysis of the word esoteric in its various interpretations by different groups. For example, in Antiquity, Gnostic groups called esotericism, gnosis; for Pythagoreanism esotericism was synonymous with philosophy (Riffard 1990: 97); esotericism was magic for the Iranian Mazdeism (1990: 113). In 1883 the word was consecrated for the public in a book by A. P. Sinnett, Esoteric Buddhism, but the term was then used to express the doctrine of the Theosophical Society (Riffard 1990: 78–9). For Foster Bailey (1974: 10) from the Arcane school, esotericism is the secret knowledge found in the work of the founder of the Theosophical Society, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. With regard to Gnosticism, the word originally made reference to an early Christian sect that viewed gnosis as a knowledge needed to be attained. This group had similarities with ancient mystery cults. As the sect no longer exists, the use of this word has led to different understandings as well.
