Front cover image for Constructing tradition : means and myths of transmission in Western esotericism

Constructing tradition : means and myths of transmission in Western esotericism

The question of constructing tradition, concepts of origin, and memory as well as techniques and practices of knowledge transmission, are central for cultures in general. In esotericism, however, such questions and techniques play an outstanding role and are widely reflected upon, in its literature. Esoteric paradigms not only understand themselves in elaborated mytho-poetical narratives as bearers of older, hidden, higher knowledge. They also claim their knowledge to be of a particular origin. And they claim this knowledge has been transmitted by particular (esoteric) means, media and groups

eBook, English, 2010
Brill, Leiden, 2010