The Word Of Gnosis

Many people have no understanding of what the word gnosis means,others think that it simply means knowledge and leave it at that. Yet there is a deeper meaning. It is a word that gives rise to the title Gnostic, or one who has special knowledge. The true definition of the term gnosis is the direct mystical experience of the Divine in the self. It is the realization of the true nature of ourselves, and cannot be discerned through intellectual dogma or doctrine, but only through experience.

Many people have no understanding of what the word gnosis means,others think that it simply means knowledge and leave it at that. Yet there is a deeper meaning. It is a word that gives rise to the title Gnostic, or one who has special knowledge. The true definition of the term gnosis is the direct mystical experience of the Divine in the self. It is the realization of the true nature of ourselves, and cannot be discerned through intellectual dogma or doctrine, but only through experience.

In ancient times, the Gnostics sought for salvation through personal, experiential knowledge of the Divine. Their methods of self-reliance and their sublime knowledge profoundly impacted society, such that the dominant powers felt threatened and the tradition was forced to disappear from public view. Now, after centuries of obscurity, the Gnostics have re-emerged, still carrying their profound message of Gnosis: knowledge of self and the Divine. In a simple and elegant way, Samael Aun Weor explains the basic methodology for people in today's world to begin to approach the greater mysteries of the Gnostics. In this basic and practical guide, Samael Aun Weor offers a breadth of exercises guiding the reader to discover within themselves a wealth of insight and understanding. Gnosis, after all, is Greek for knowledge, and the seeker is told, "Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and its Gods." "A great author deduced that the human being needs eight important things in life: health and the conservation of life, nourishment, sleep, money and the things money can buy, life in the beyond, sexual satisfaction, the well-being of his children, and a sense of proper importance. We synthesize these eight things into three: 1. Health 2. Money 3. Love "If you really want to acquire these three things, you should study and practice everything that this course teaches you. We will show you the path of success." - Samael Aun Weor Includes the lecture "How to Make Light Within" and the pamphlet "Marriage, Divorce, and Tantra." Topics include: An Exercise to Control Your Anger; The Power of Thought; Mental Force; Concentration of the Mind; The Law of Karma; Favorable Circumstances; The Descent of Cosmic Vibration; Prana; The Names of the Tattvas; Properties of the Tattvas; Money; Clairvoyance; Alcoholism; Meditation and Intoxication; Osmotherapy; Mental Relaxation; Concentration; Meditation; Contemplation; The Universal Mind; Imagination and Will; Mental Action; Mental Epidemics; Mental Hygiene; Vegetarian Diet; Self-observation; Chatter; “I’s” in the Five Centers; Matrimony, Divorce, and Tantra; and more.

Many people have no understanding of what the word gnosis means,others think that it simply means knowledge and leave it at that. Yet there is a deeper meaning. It is a word that gives rise to the title Gnostic, or one who has special knowledge. The true definition of the term gnosis is the direct mystical experience of the Divine in the self. It is the realization of the true nature of ourselves, and cannot be discerned through intellectual dogma or doctrine, but only through experience.

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time The Gnostic Gospels is a landmark study of the long-buried roots of Christianity, a work of luminous scholarship and wide popular appeal. First published in 1979 to critical acclaim, winning the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, The Gnostic Gospels has continued to grow in reputation and influence over the past two decades. It is now widely recognized as one of the most brilliant and accessible histories of early Christian spirituality published in our time. In 1945 an Egyptian peasant unearthed what proved to be the Gnostic Gospels, thirteen papyrus volumes that expounded a radically different view of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ from that of the New Testament. In this spellbinding book, renowned religious scholar Elaine Pagels elucidates the mysteries and meanings of these sacred texts both in the world of the first Christians and in the context of Christianity today. With insight and passion, Pagels explores a remarkable range of recently discovered gospels, including the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, to show how a variety of “Christianities” emerged at a time of extraordinary spiritual upheaval. Some Christians questioned the need for clergy and church doctrine, and taught that the divine could be discovered through spiritual search. Many others, like Buddhists and Hindus, sought enlightenment—and access to God—within. Such explorations raised questions: Was the resurrection to be understood symbolically and not literally? Was God to be envisioned only in masculine form, or feminine as well? Was martyrdom a necessary—or worthy—expression of faith? These early Christians dared to ask questions that orthodox Christians later suppressed—and their explorations led to profoundly different visions of Jesus and his message. Brilliant, provocative, and stunning in its implications, The Gnostic Gospels is a radical, eloquent reconsideration of the origins of the Christian faith.

An examination of the alluring mysteries surrounding the ancient temple, revealing answers to questions that have puzzled generations. Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem—reputed to be the source of the most esoteric knowledge in human history—has fascinated scholars, seekers and dreamers for centuries. Generations of scholars and researchers have tried in vain to discover the fabled Temple of Solomon, only to be confronted by one problem after another. All the problems raised by these disparate and often desperate people have now been fully answered and can be revealed to the world. Through his own involvement in secret societies and his tenacious spirit, Philip Gardiner has unearthed the secrets of the Temple. From the Queen of Sheba and the arcane secrets of the Christian Gnostics to the Muslim Sufi and Hindu Avatars, Gnosis weaves a tale that is both profound and precise. Gardiner declares that the truth of Solomon’s Temple has been known all along within the realm of esoteric understanding. Only one question remains: Is the world ready for the truth? Find the true secret of the Knights Templar and the mysteries of the ancients. Find the truth for yourself in Gnosis. Praise for Gnosis “Controversial, provocative, even profoundly “irritating” to some. . . . Gardiner eruditely challenges us all with this refreshing study . . . from the Garden of Eden into more modern times.” —Dr. Karen Ralls, medieval historian and author of The Templars and the Grail “Gnosis is a refreshing creation of true spiritual teaching—as well as being a damn good read. Gardiner possesses that rare ability to weave history, mythology and spiritual tradition into writing that is both understandable and enjoyable. Gnosis will fascinate readers with its complex insights into spirituality.” —Gnostic Communications internet magazine “In this remarkable and thought-provoking book, Gardiner has literally undressed the sacred mystical language of our ancestors and reveals one of the most profound Biblical concepts to be exposed in recent times.” —Ernest Scott, author of The People of the Secret

The first English translation, published in 1896, of an important gnostic text preserved in a Coptic manuscript.