Far Eastern occultism refers to the various mystical and esoteric practices that originated in the Far East, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Tibet. These practices are rooted in ancient traditions and philosophies, and have been passed down through generations. The term "occultism" generally refers to the study and practice of hidden knowledge or the supernatural. In the context of Far Eastern occultism, it includes a wide range of beliefs and practices, such as Taoism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and various forms of folk religions. Taoism, originating in China, is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that seeks to attain harmony and balance with the natural world. It emphasizes the cultivation of the inner self and the pursuit of immortality through practices like meditation, qigong, and alchemy.
26 Ibid., pp. 218, 219.
12 Rosicrucianism is an ancient mystic philosophy stressing a sixth sense, which its adherents hold enables them to understand the secrets of nature and to investigate the realm of the superphysical where the dead dwell. Then Collier sets forth phan tasms such as the tale of Atlantis, the submerged lost continent, and its sunken cities and their alleged super men the Atlanteans , assertedly revealed through occult revelations.
It emphasizes the cultivation of the inner self and the pursuit of immortality through practices like meditation, qigong, and alchemy. Taoist masters are believed to possess supernatural abilities and have deep knowledge of the hidden realms. Buddhism, which originated in India and spread to the Far East, is another major influence in Far Eastern occultism.
Occult Forces of Both East and West
Eastern Occultism's Penetrations and Footholds in the West.
L.E. Froom, Professor of Historical Theology, Andrews University
Tangible evidence of the penetrations and footholds of Eastern occult concepts into Western thought is further illustrated in the Book of Destiny publications, issuing from. Tarrytown, New York. Two of these by Gordon Collier'—Will You Be Alive in 1975 with a circulation of 80,000 copies, and Make Your Own World (3 volumes), with a distribution of 50,000—are representative. Their significance will become progressively apparent.
I. Spiritistic Origin of Plausible Fantasies.—Note Collier's first book.
Along with numerous helpful features, such as good health counsels and success pointers, this first volume is surcharged with occult teachings and alleged revelations from the astral world. He cites Worth Smith as saying that "immortality, the dream of man for ages will be a reality, here and now," and every soul is to become a "golden shrine for the Eternal Verities."' It sounds impressive. Reincarnation is likewise emphasized repeatedly. It is presented as "a way to reach God which man had now lost," 2 with assurance of daily directions from above. Such are some of its characteristic features.
The proportions and symbols of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh are dwelt upon at great length. The designers were ancient wise men who had a dependable "Knowledge of the past" and clear "vision of the future." The Great Pyramid is alleged to indicate the "Divitte Plan of the Ages," and to augur the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ.' Then Collier sets forth phantasms—such as the tale of "Atlantis,' the submerged "lost continent," and its "sunken cities" and their alleged "supermen" (the "Atlanteans"), assertedly revealed through occult revelations. This intriguing "continent" is supposed to have become submerged at the time of the Flood, as graphically told by Spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his fictional The Maracot Deep (1929), and by Cyrus Headley, and others.'
2. Tied in With the Occult and the East. —This is amplified by the fanciful Dweller on Two Planets (1952), a "metaphysical masterpiece," given through "automatic writing" to F. S. Oliver from the "spirit of Phylos," and leading up to the "Seventh Cycle"—that of "the spirit." Following this, come allusions to the "Masters of the Far East," 10 "New Thought and Metaphysics,' and the recitals of Baird T. Spalding (just surveyed). Then there is a long list—New Thought, Unity School of Christianity, Divine Science, Religious Science, Metaphysics, Psychiana," and Rosicrucianism." And along with these is the Psycho-Metaphysical Research Society, and the Aquarius School of the Masters, with branches of the various groups constantly being opened in the cities of America. The old and the new are thus blended, and East and West commingled. And be it remembered that the occult forms the undergirding for it all.
3. Personations Through Reincarnated "Agasha" Priest.—Then comes a play up of the "world-famous medium," Richard Zenor with his trances and messages from the "great spirit Agasha," claiming to disclose the metaphysical secrets of the universe.
One of the messages comes from Ravine Aum Tate, of Egypt, in the long ago, with whom Collier, according to the medium, had been associated during one of his "incarnations" as "one of the high priests of Agasha." Ravine Aum Tate is likewise declared to have formerly been "one of the builders of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh." He prophesied that Collier "would write books to . . . help spread the wisdom of Agasha, and the Agasham philosophy." 14
According to Collier, who attended Zenor's meetings in Agasha Temple in Los Angeles, not only was the "spirit" of Mary Baker Eddy heard but that of "Jesus," who allegedly spoke through Zenon Agasha constantly stresses "reincarnation," with mention of "materialization"; seance appearances from the "spirit world," with departed relatives "materialized"; trances under a "control";" and other "psychic phenomena."
Dilating on the "Psychic Age," Zenor claims that "flying discs" or "flying saucers," have "astral" significance, according to the Master Agasha, and are "Created by those who dwell in the etheric world."" Along with this is stressed "God-consciousness," and the forces of "occult science," with "souls" once living on "Atlantis" being "reborn (through reincarnation) into this country.' Then, according to James Crenshaw, tied in with all this are strangely familiar contentions that we are now living in time's "Latter Days," when "great changes" are to be "wrought,' with nature "on a rampage." This "Latter Days" point is, of course, patterned after the clear Biblical teaching that is widely held among Evangelical Christians. So error and truth are commingled. And all this is according to "Agasha, the Master Teacher." 20
4. New Discoveries to Augment Christ's Teachings.—Richard Zenor likewise predicts "strange things" to appear in the "heavens" and the "vast etheric worlds," along with "mysterious manifestations," " and "millions of truth seekers" "turning to the Occult." Referring again to "Agasha, the Master Teacher," and Richard Zenor, the prediction is repeated of "unprecedented phenomena" to appear in this new "Psychic Age." The arresting claim is then put forth that "more authentic Biblical records will be found," which will furnish supplemental evidence as to "the original statements of the Master Jesus." "His [Jesus'] own writings" will yet come to light.' And again there is stress on the "Psychic Age," wherein that special "sense" which "has been lying dormant for generations" will be "awakened" through "Occultism," which will "explain everything" —and is destined to come to the "attention of mankind." " Then again the claim is boldly made:
"Parchments will be found in Palestine that will clarify much that is in the Old and New Testaments, particularly in reference to Jesus. Writings by Jesus Himself will be found."'
These are the "wonders of the future." The significance of these statements must not be missed—"archeological" discoveries will be produced, allegedly giving the endorsement of Jesus Himself to these psychic claims, thus preparing the way for tremendous deceptions to follow, wherever such endorsements are accepted. Thus it is that the Occult East is progressively penetrating and influencing the susceptible West. They are building toward a climax.
This first Collier volume closes with more forecasts by the Master Agasha through Zenor. Allusions to the "return of the Atlanteans" are made, "Psychic force," the power of appearing and disappearing, "strange things"-and all in alleged "completion of the Cycle Seven," and the development of the "sixth sense." 26 But there is further evidence in the other Collier three-volume treatise, which we will trace shortly. But let us first advert to Collier's periodic reference to New Thought, and note its involvements. Here Eastern impulses are adapted to Western thought.
5. New Thought Stresses "Divinity of Man."-New Thought holds that the universe is spiritual, man is a spiritual being, and good is universal and everlasting. The group recognizes Phineas P. Quimby (d. 1866) as their founder, and in many ways New Thought is closely akin to Christian Science. Its adherents teach the "Divinity of Man" and his "Infinite possibilities" through the power of "creative thinking" and the voice of the "Indwelling Presence." The constitution of the International New Thought Alliance, adopted in 1916, states the purpose of the Alliance to be:
"To teach the infinitude of the Supreme One, the Divinity of Man and his Infinite possibilities through the creative power of constructive thinking and obedience to the voice of the Indwelling Presence, which is our source of Inspiration, Power, Health, and Prosperity." 28
The concept of being "as gods" is a constantly recurring thought in these kindred groups.
As stated, the New Thought movement sprang from the work of Phineas P. Quimby, who practiced mental and spiritual healing, and allegedly "healed" Mary Baker Eddy. Since Quimby created no organization, many splinter groups developed under such names as Divine Science,' Unity (noted later), Practical Christianity, Liveable Christianity, Home of Truth, Church of Higher Life. In 1908 the name National New Thought Alliance was adopted, and in 1914 it became the International New Thought Alliance." It is one of the milder adaptations of Eastern thought on Western soil.
It teaches the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering through meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living. Buddhist monks and practitioners often engage in esoteric practices like mantra recitation, visualization, and ritual ceremonies. Shintoism, native to Japan, is an indigenous religion that is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural heritage of the country. It involves the worship of various deities, spirits, and ancestors, and places a strong emphasis on ritual purity. Shinto priests and practitioners perform various rituals and ceremonies to connect with the divine and seek spiritual guidance. Far Eastern occultism also includes a variety of folk religions and spiritual practices that are unique to specific regions or communities. These practices often involve the veneration of local gods, spirits, and ancestors, and may include elements of magic, divination, and shamanism. Overall, Far Eastern occultism encompasses a rich and diverse tapestry of mystical and esoteric traditions. These practices provide a deeper understanding of the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of life and offer pathways to personal growth, enlightenment, and connection with the divine..
Reviews for "The Art of Feng Shui in Far Eastern Occult Practices"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "Far eastern occultism" to be overly complicated and difficult to understand. The book seemed to assume a certain level of prior knowledge on the subject, which made it inaccessible for a beginner like myself. Additionally, the author's writing style was very dense and academic, which made it even harder to grasp the concepts. I ended up feeling frustrated and disappointed with this book.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Far eastern occultism" as I have always been interested in the subject. However, I found the book to be extremely repetitive and redundant. The author seemed to keep reiterating the same points over and over, which made it feel like a chore to get through. The lack of fresh insights or new perspectives made the reading experience quite dull. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking exploration of far eastern occultism.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I must admit, "Far eastern occultism" left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. The content of the book was disorganized and poorly structured, making it difficult to follow. The author jumped from one topic to another without providing clear transitions or explanations, which made it hard to connect the dots. Overall, I did not find this book to be a helpful resource for understanding far eastern occultism and would not recommend it to others seeking to explore the topic.