* Introduction to Gnosis *

What is Gnosis

Gnosis is Greek for “Knowledge.” Gnosis refers to experiential knowledge, rather than intellectual or conceptual knowledge.

Gnosis is the ancient and universal science which is present in every major religion. It is not limited to one specific culture, place, or time. The Gnostic Wisdom is found in Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and many others. And as that universal wisdom or knowledge, it is the essential science required in order to achieve the ultimate aim of all real religions, which is the religare (Latin), or in other words, "union" with the divine. Gnosis is a method for training the mind. It is a universal method, which means that it is compatible with all religions and all mystical traditions, because in truth they are all founded upon the science of Gnosis anyway! So the student discovers that those who learn and apply this Gnostic Wisdom come from every culture, religion, tradition and mystical background, and they find common ground in this science, which reveals to us our origin and who we truly are.

Pneumatics: People of Spirit

Psychics: People of Mind and Soul

Hylics: Attached to the Physical World and Physical Things

In the Beginning You Knew,Then You Pretended to Forget,

Then You Pretended to Forget that You Forgot, Then You Forgot You Pretended.

Remember?

Gnosticism as a Matter of Perspective

The Gnosis of Gnosticism can be viewed as a Form of Perception; What do we mean when we say Gnosticism is a form of perception ? To truly understand the Gnostic vision it is important to grasp what Gnosticism is and not to be bogged down in various historical manifestations of the Gnostic way of looking at things. Gnosis literally means wisdom but does not mean book learning, even tradition, it is a direct experience of the divine, the flash of wisdom that is brought when we meet “God” face to face. Certainly Gnosticism has certain key motifs, certain perennial ideals, which we will examine in the course of this book. However, we
must appreciate that there are “Gnostic” trends in most religious traditions. Whether we are talking about Odin on the World Tree and his flash of wisdom as he grasped the runes or whether we are talking on the mystic achieving wisdom after days of penance and fasting, both are essentially Gnostic. In some ways the best way to appreciate Gnosticism is to use the metaphor of algebra.

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses letters etc to represent numbers and quantities. Algebraic is ultimately from Arabic Al-Jabr – reunion of broken parts. (Pocket Oxford Dictionary.)

It may be thought that Algebra has little similarity to spirituality, however, if we consider it more closely they have much in common. Algebra uses letters to represent actions and numbers, it is a system of representation and in a sense, symbolism. This is also the case with spirituality. Spirituality uses symbols to stand for realities, it uses images to represent things that cannot be easily imagined or explained. The problem is that Algebra is an academic form of mathematics and has little effect on everyday life while spirituality controls and influences us more than we would care to admit. Only be removing religious iconography from the realm of the emotions and appreciating it as a symbol system, as a form of divine algebra can we really understand its nature. The Gnostic handbook is one application, one representational system for the ancient Gnosis. It can be seen in many forms and using many symbol systems. Accordingly, it is important to realise the difference between the representational letter and the thing that is represented, between the essence and the form. The Institute hence differentiates between its philosophical works (such as Gnostic Theurgy) and its religious works (such as the Gnostic Handbook).

To give an example, while all Gnostic traditions agree on the universe being in some sense dualistic, there are many divergent ways of expressing this dualism and even more ways to understand. Some Gnostic schools have two a true and false God, one the Essence behind all things, the other a Demiurge or false creators, others see the dualism as relative and only existing between mans perception (ignorance) and the truth. While all of these “representational” systems are dif-ferent, their essential message is the same. In algebraic terms while the letters vary, the numbers they represent are identical. This should be kept in mind while studying this Handbook, it is one and one only interpretation of the essential Gnostic wisdom.

The aim of using Algebra according to the Arabs was to have a better understanding of the real nature of the equation, to find the essential form through the many shards or forms. This too is the vision of the Gnosis, the Arabic meaning of Algebra is pregnant with meaning – the reunion of broken parts.

Gnosis an Aberration of Time and Space

The Gnostic tradition of Gnosis is one that has spanned Millenniums, it represents the height of the religious traditions of Humanity. Its primary points of focus are found within Vedic Philosophy, Zoroastrianism, Greek Mystery traditions, Old World Religions (pagan and heathen) and Gnosticism. The Gnostic tradition is not culturally locked within the Christian tradition as many modern exponents seem to profess. It is a Pan-Gnostic tradition, which spans many traditions and cultural milieus. The primary assumption of the Gnostic tradition is that at some point in the dim reaches of time there was a primal universal religion, this religion diversified as man spread across the earth and different cultures and nationalities development. Accordingly, remnants of this perennial philosophy are found within the various traditions, belief systems and faiths. These faiths rather than being the primary sources of wisdom within themselves are actually remnants of one earlier, and more pristine school of knowledge. As time progressed the higher kingdoms saw the loss of gnosis and therefore chose to restore the structure of the Mysteries.

When Jesus came of age within the Essenes he purified the structure of the Mystery traditions and re-instated the original Gnostic faith. Hence, the Gnosticism of Jesus is not superior to other Gnostic traditions, but is a refinement or adaptation of an age-long tradition. Indeed, the gnosticism of Jesus brought together Egyptian, Greek and Mystery Cult traditions (such as those of Eleusis and Mithra) into one coherent system. The iconography of Judaism played a small part but was insignificant in comparison to, for example, the Greek Mystery cult tradition. To understand this “nexus” of the gnosis we really need to jettison the old model which sees gnosticism as a Jewish or Christian heresy. As has been documented in such texts as the Jesus Mystery and Jesus Christ, Sun of God ++++++ it is more likely that Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity are pagan
and Gnostic heresies ! While there may be vigorous complaints and denials it is now even well known that so-called Jewish Kabbalah primarily derived from a reworking of Neo Platonic mysticism which into Jewish religious language..

These teachings, however, did not remain available forever. As society changed and a new regime came to power the teachings of Jesus were suppressed and replaced with the political faith of Emperor Constantine, and accordingly the Gnosis went underground to ensure its survival. What we have in today's religious movements are not the original forms of Judaism and Christianity, but apostate faiths masquerading in their place. The Bible itself has been tampered with to such an extent that only through much critical study can we restore just some of its inner meaning. The Institute upholds the original inner teachings of Jesus as part of a continuum of wisdom which spans from Pagan to so-called Christian sources.

But it is perhaps desirable to state unequivocally that the teachings here, however, fragmentary and incomplete belong neither to the Hindu's, the Zoroastrian, the Chaldean, nor the Egyptian Religion, nor to Buddhism, Islam, Judaism or Christianity exclusively. Behind the veil of all the hieratic and mystical allegories of ancient doctrines, behind the darkness and strange ordeals of all initiations, under the deal of all sacred writings, in the ruins of Nineveh or Thebes, on the crumbling stones of old temples and on the blackened visage of the Assyrian or Egyptian Sphinx, in the monstrous or marvellous paintings which interpret to the faithful of India the inspired pages of the Vedas, in the cryptic emblems of our old books on alchemy, in the ceremonies practised at receptions of all secret societies, there are found indications of a doctrine which is everywhere the same and everywhere carefully concealed... the key of all divine obscurities and the absolute queen of society in those ages when it was reserved exclusively for the education of priests and kings. The Secret doctrine (universal gnosis) is the essence of all these.

The Gnostic Drouth of Modern Times

In these days of science, technology and the rule of rationalism it is hard to grasp the ancient view of wisdom. Knowledge was not simply to know about something, but to know something, to appreciate its place within the living cosmos (the Great Chain of Being). The scientific model with its emphasis on experimentation and materialism, removed man from his place within a living universe and replaced it with a universe of dead and inert substances. Experimentation was used to buttress a belief in the scientific method, yet "the scientific method" was a system based on self delusion. Experimentation is used to prove the results of a given thesis, the experiments created are those which fulfil the requirements of the thesis, others are rejected.

A simple mathematical example can be used, if the hypothesis or answer is 7, we can use "experimentation" to "prove" the data. The answer, however, could be 4 +3 , 6 +1 or 5 +2, depending on how you want the result the data is selectively chosen. The scientific approach hence is self-referencing, it demands the acceptance of certain pre-defined ideals (such as evolution, progress and the supremacy of the experimental method) and then moulds the data, consciously or unconsciously, to fulfil the data. Critiques of the scientific method are many but for the observant the results of the scientific method are most pronounced when he looks at the world itself. The results of unbridled science and rationalism are illustrated in our consumer society, our unquenchable thirst for technology and progress at all costs, and the resulting polluted and dying continents. Materialism, Rationalism and Fundamentalism go hand in hand, once you reject the possibility of a wisdom (gnosis) that is greater than the collective psyche of man, then the mind becomes the point of reference. Ethics become irrelevant, as do spiritual values and principles, in their place appear the relativism of the modern society whose primary focus is on progress. If you couple this with the disposing of religion by Darwinian science then man is reduced to a animal, no more, no less and his behavior and values come to reflect this unconscious revelation.

Fundamentalism is, in some sense, the encroachment of Rationalism into the religious field. Mysticism and esotericism (inner teachings) are rejected in favour of doctrines and beliefs that can be understood by a blinkered use of the rational mind. While fundamentalism is ambivalent to the intellect, it uses a restricted form of rationalism to hold its doctrines in place, accordingly, fundamentalism is most prevalent in religions of "the book" - Protestantism, Islam and so forth. While other forms of fundamentalism exist, the most pernicious forms are those which in reaction to materialism and scientism use rationalism to create a stalwart of dogma and doctrine, and yet in the process destroy the very foundation of the true religious vision- mysticism.

The World of Ideals is the real source of wisdom but to appreciate this world, we must expand our understanding of reality from the limited perceptions of sense to a multifaceted universe of many dimensions and realities, we must move from the mountains of earth to the "Great Chain of Being" (origin of our souls). For we need to consider what this means in regards to how we understand truth or gnosis.

Construing Dual Gnosis

The religious systems, ideologies and movements which have evolved within the history of man are reflections, distortions and adaptations of the truth which exists unsullied in the world of Ideals. Rather than truth having evolved and developed, as some would tell us, truth has dissipated as time has moved away from the first point of creation. Accordingly, like a stone thrown in a pool, we see the ripples through time but do not comprehend the first event. As we have moved further and further away from the "Golden Age" the ripples have become more and more distorted until now, in the Age of the Wolf they have dissipated into the pool of illusions. Religions, ideologies and movements are hence exoteric.

So, what is this Exoteric you may ask, and also what of its counterpart, Esoteric.

Their definitions are as follows:

Exotericism (the outer teachings) - Thus refers to knowledge that is outside of and independent from anyone's experience and can be ascertained by anyone. It is distinguished from esoteric knowledge. Exoteric relates to "external reality" as opposed to one's own thoughts or feelings. It is knowledge that is public as opposed to secretive or cabalistic. It is not required that exoteric knowledge come easily or automatically, but it should be referenceable or reproducible. Also of philosophical doctrines, treatises, modes of speech, etc.: Designed for or suitable to the generality of disciples; communicated to outsiders, intelligible to the public. Hence of disciples, etc. Belonging to the outer circle; not admitted to the esoteric teaching. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Esotericism (the inner teachings) - Thus are elusive and hard to find, they have been passed from "mouth to ear" through brotherhoods, sects and orders. They do not evolve, while their appearance may change from age to age, they exist as memories and reflections, transmissions from the Golden Age (the equivalent in time to the World of Ideals) through history. While esotericism can take any form from Hindu to Buddhist, Christian to Islamic, it is at the core, distinct from each. It is trans-temporal and yet being in time takes the appearance of the country, tradition or epoch it is clothed by. At the same time we must appreciate the form it takes, esotericism is not ecumenical, it is dangerous to assume that all esoteric traditions are the same. Islamic esotericism (Sufism) is distinct from Buddhist esotericism and while both are part of the Lore they should not be mixed and combined into some-kind of occult eclectic soup. While at the core esotericism is unified gnosis, in time, in history and in our experience it takes many forms and has many appearances and these must be appreciated for what they are. Similarities are noted, comparisons are useful but we must not believe that similar systems are the same.

When we consider the gnosis an important issue regarding language arises. The issue is that many (perhaps most) of the concepts, beliefs and mental structures we have are artificial, they have evolved as the society around us would like them to evolve. Hence to really understand the gnosis there is a great need for you to put aside your pre-conceptions. This will be difficult as so many words have connotations which have been deliberately programmed to have us react in certain ways. We have developed certain "understandings" of Philosophy, Religion, Democracy, Politics etc..... all of which may or may not be true, but nevertheless all of which probably originated from the system around us, rather than from within the perennial tradition. It is always important to realise the extent to which language can be molded to suit different world views and used to create specific reactions and impressions. In some ways we might agree with the discussion in Alice in Wonderland between Humpty Dumpty and Alice…

"When I use a word" Humpty Dumpty said... "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less". "The question is" said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many
different things". "The question is" said Humpty, "which is to be the Master - that's all". Through the Looking Glass. Lewis Carroll.

To appreciate the gnosis you will need to put aside your beliefs and assumptions and reconsider most of what you have been taught. It is imperative that you understand the terms we use and the context they are used in. Many of the words and concepts we present, though obviously from the English language or more specially from the language of esotericism, have little or no connection to the concepts of the same name in the modern usage !

Now, stop for a moment and consider the fact that we have already used a number of these programmed "buzz words"... Occult, Esoteric, Exoteric, Reincarnation, Gnosis, Mystery teachings..

...and each of these will trigger a certain association for you. For example, you would probably relate the term Occult to something sinister and evil, and yet the word itself simply means "hidden". Members of the medical profession, for example, use the term occult bleeding for bleeding which comes from an unknown source. Hardly sinister or demonic I would suggest. Again and again we must emphasise that to understand and appreciate the esoteric world view you need to put aside the associations, prejudices and pre-conceptions you have and consider new meanings for the terms that are used. It is important for you to understand the language we use in the context of how we use it, and not in terms of prevailing religious terminology. We are not asking you to just accept everything we say or blindly agree with our redefinition of old terms. What we are asking you do to is temporally suspend disbelief, enter into your studies with us and only make a decision after you have seen the whole picture.

So let's consider some of the terms we have used and will use.. The term Gnosis comes from the Greek word meaning "to know", but it means the process
through which the seeker of spiritual wisdom experiences the divine and is transformed. The teachings which make this transformation possible are considered Mystery Teachings because they embody the most ancient wisdom, the essential essence behind the worlds religious and ideological systems. In this sense they are Esoteric, eso - meaning inner, they are the inner teachings that are behind or beyond the secular, they are core religious wisdom available to the few. They are Occult in that they are secret, hidden or unknown. They are Religious in the sense that religion means "to bind back", "to return to the source or origin". These teachings are those which lead back to the World of Ideals from which we have become alienated.

The Gnostic Method

All of the religious allegories, stories and teachings indicate that we need to change in order to achieve the goal of religare (union), religion. As we are now, we are overwhelmed by negative emotional forces and negative mental forces, which create tremendous suffering in our lives. Every human being struggles daily with unhappiness, doubt, anger, fear, and more. These states cause us to act in harmful ways toward ourselves and toward others, which in turn creates more suffering for everyone. Gnosis is a direct and very potent way of transforming these problems, because it works upon the very foundations of suffering.

Gnosis is a method to develop discipline and psychological stability. It is a means to arrive at genuine inner tranquility. And the great beauty of Gnosis is that it presents a method which uses tools that we already have within: we do not need to rely on anything or anyone other than ourselves. Truthfully, our happiness and wellbeing is up to us, and when we discover how to cultivate such qualities through the transformation of our own mind, we arrive at the understanding of the message that has been given by every great Saint and Prophet.

" Our minds create our lives. We become what we think " - The Buddha Shakyamuni, from The Dhammapada

The venerable science of Gnosis is the universal and essential "knowing" that arises from the experience of objective reality, universally experienced by all those who fully awaken and develop their consciousness. The science or path to arrive at knowing that reality for oneself, in ones own experience, is also called Gnosis, because it leads to the acquisition of one’s own Gnosis of fundamental truth. Gnosis is, in its essence, the method to escape suffering, because to experience fundamental reality, one must abandon the deluded mind, within which we all suffer intensely. Our delusions cause suffering, and prevent us from seeing the truth. The method to experience the fundamental reality is exact and has existed for millennia. True Gnosis - conscious knowledge of this experience - is free of separatism, dogma, politics, fanaticism, and sectarianism. Gnosis comes from the divine, and cannot be bottled into the limited concepts of the intellect or mere belief.

A Pregnostic system portrays in a concrete, evident and specific manner certain characteristics that in some way could be detected in the Gnostic systems, however, such characteristics are integrated to a conception that is entirely anomalous to revolutionary Gnosticism. Indeed, it is a thinking that is not and nonetheless is Gnostic. Any Gnostic system in an incipient, germinal state is Protognostic; these are movements directed by an attitude very similar to the one that characterizes definite Gnostic methods.

The adjective ‘Gnostic’ can and even must be applied intelligently to conceptions that are related in one way or another to Gnosis or to Gnosticism. Undoubtedly, the term ‘Gnosticizing’ is very close to Pregnostic in its meaning, for it is truly related, ‘Estricto sensu,’ to intrinsic aspects that bear certain similarity with Universal Gnosticism, but which are integrated in a method that is not defined as Gnosis. Having these semantic explanations firmly established, now let us define Gnosticism in an absolutely crystal-clear manner.

....It is not irrelevant to emphatically clarify in this exposition that Gnosticism is a very inner, natural and profound religious process; Gnosticism is genuine, in-depth esotericism, developed from instant to instant, with very individual mystical experiences and with its own Doctrine and rites; It is an extraordinary doctrine that fundamentally takes a mythical and, sometimes, a mythological structure; It is ineffable Magical Liturgy with vivid illustration for the Superlative Consciousness of the Being; Unquestionably, Gnostic knowledge always escapes the analyses of normal subjective rationalism; The correlative of this knowledge is the infinite togetherness of the person, the Being (soul or spirit).

The reason for the Being (soul or spirit) to be is to be the Being himself. Only the Being can know himself. In Gnosis, therefore, the Being becomes Self-known. Undoubtedly, Gnosis in itself is Self-gnosis; it is the Being revaluating and knowing himself. The Self-knowledge of the Being is a supra-rational movement that depends on the Being, and which has nothing to do with Intellectualism.

Remember, Gnosis is a Greek word meaning knowledge. Gnosis itself is a very special type of knowledge: it is that which one must acquire in order to free one’s self from suffering, to be liberated or to reach salvation. A Gnostic, from a general standpoint, is one who is not only searching for, but also receiving, gnosis. A Gnostic’s mode of life, from both a practical and philosophical point of view, must therefore be considered Gnosticism. I think this is a very sensible method to define these terms.

Unfortunately, what constitutes proper “Gnosticism” today has been formulated by classes of people who have – by definition – no requirement in attaining actual gnosis: academia, historians, or heresiologists. What we can say, in general, is that the proper understanding of Gnosticism can only be found when one has acquired at least some degree of gnosis. This much is self-evident, is it not? The true essence of Gnosticism cannot be uncovered simply by reading ancient manuscripts and dusty parchments, or by reading the many interpretations of others who have read them. Intellectual pursuit, like the nostrils leading man to his meal, can direct and guide one towards the bread of wisdom, but if one wants to know the contents of the food itself, olfaction is not only wholly inadequate, but absurd. Likewise, it does not matter how many years of earnest and sincere intellectual, conceptual, or philosophical refinements are obtained regarding Gnosticism, a Gnostic it will not make, because that quality of discipline cannot result in the actual obtainment of gnosis.

Gnosticism is esoteric, meaning hidden or kept within the interior. In other words, gnosis is found within one’s own consciousness, and as a corollary to this magnificent fact, it is obvious the quality of discipline required for the actual obtainment of gnosis is related with consciousness. Unfortunately we often confuse consciousness with the intellect or intelligence of a person, and believe that those who possess powerful intellectual abilities possess a great degree of consciousness. It is important to understand that this notion is false.

Due these factors, many of the ideas concerning Gnosticism that are floating around today are inaccurate. They are formulated by people who may study Gnosticism, but who are ultimately not Gnostic. Scholars understand Gnosticism as a somewhat vague and often contradictory collection of beliefs that wildly vary depending upon the time and place. In reality the essence of Gnosticism is very clear, precise, and direct. Yet it is also profound, and often thickly veiled in symbolism and allegory, which makes it difficult to comprehend.

The principles of Gnosticism can be expressed through the lexicon and symbolism of any tradition, leading many scholars to consider Gnosticism syncretic. Syncretism is the method of melding seemingly unrelated doctrines, and the usual mode of thinking is to believe that Gnostics borrowed all the theological ideas around them, mixed them together, and made a new type of hodgepodge religion. Of course, the reality is quite the opposite: Gnosis is the very core of all religious pursuit, and therefore it can appear under the guise of any religious form. The exterior, literal viewpoints can only see contradiction and confusion, but the interior, esoteric views see the values of gnosis. Those who have the eyes to see can witness these values glowing in all authentic traditions with terrific clarity.

In conclusion, instead of Gnosticism being defined through its transcendent immutable ideals, it has been defined in essence by nothing more than some religious movements that existed within a small locality and historical period. Just about any eccentric religious movement, simply because it happened to exist around 2000 years ago in Mesopotamia or Egypt, is considered Gnostic when in reality many of these systems were not. Some of these groups, even though they use familiar concepts and words, in reality had nothing at all to do with true Gnosticism, for they are anathematic to the teachings of Christ. This modern definition of Gnosticism prevails simply due to the fact that authentic Gnosticism was held in the strictest secrecy for the last twenty centuries. In such a vacuum of public authority profound ignorance prevailed.

Many “experts” treat Gnosticism as a historical artifact; they believe that its existence was destroyed for the most part by the fifth century. Indeed the original sects did vanish. Yet, the values of Gnosticism were carried on, under the names of different groups, sects, and orders. They all held the common thread of the esoteric doctrine of gnosis.

- The Doctrine of the Synthesis -

The One Universal Path

True Gnosis is universal to all mankind and can be found in all genuine religions and mystical traditions. Thus, within all of them is The Doctrine of the Synthesis: the Universal Teaching from which all religions have been born. This root knowledge is the essential science that every human being needs in order to know the Mysteries of Life and Death directly, personally, through their own experience. The Golden Door of Wisdom can transform itself into the wide door and broad path which leads to destruction, the door of magical arts practiced with egotistical ends. We are in the Age of Kali-Yuga, the Iron Age, the Black Age, and all the students of occultism are predisposed to becoming lost in the Black Path. It is astonishing to see the mistaken concept held by the "little brothers" regarding occultism and the ease with which they believe they can reach the door and cross the threshold of mystery without great sacrifice. The true and deep knowledge of Alchemy, Kabbalah, Esoteric Psychology, and Meditation is the knowledge that transforms the common human being into a Master, an Angel, a Buddha. To achieve such a tremendous transformation is not a matter of belief or concept: it is a complete psychological revolution, a revolution of the whole person, on every level. It is an exact science, and it is filled with dangers from within and without. Each step holds the potential for falling from the path, so it takes great care and great attention. The path is One Path, the same path taught by every Christified Master, the same path that illuminated all the Angels and Buddhas of every tradition, no matter what culture or religion or age they blossomed from.

Gnosis is the Foundation

The heart of Gnosis is the Great Arcanum, Daath (or Da'ath, which is Hebrew for "knowledge"), the vital wisdom symbolized in the story of the Garden of Eden as the Tree of Knowledge. Adam and Eve abused that tree, and were cast out of Eden; this story is symbolic.

The ancient cultures who built the great pyramids, who developed tremendous civilizations, who possessed knowledge and technologies that even today we are unable to understand, all possessed and venerated the mystical sciences above all else. And the greatest secret, the greatest science of all, the Great Arcanum, or the great Occult Science of Alchemy, was the most important one of all. The Egyptians, the Aztecs, Mayans, Chaldeans, Hindus, Tibetans, etc. all had as their most precious treasure the Great Arcanum.

In all these civilizations, the esoteric knowledge was always reserved for an elite group. Whether in India or in Egypt or in the Mayan or Aztec civilization, the mystical knowledge was transmitted, practiced and maintained by a priesthood of carefully cultivated individuals. And these individuals were subject to the most rigorous, demanding discipline and guidelines. In order to enter into the knowledge of the Great Arcanum, they had to pass test after test, proving their sincerity and trustworthiness. Many times, they would be watched for years, even without their knowledge. Many times, they would be rejected only to see how they would react, if they would still respect the vows they had taken. So important and so powerful were the secrets of the Great Arcanum, the greatest mystery of the mystery schools, that any initiate who revealed it, who merely spoke of it, was beheaded and his ashes tossed to the winds, or he mysteriously disappeared. Inevitably, all initiates who publicly revealed the secrets of the Great Arcanum were killed and wiped from the Earth. That is, until very recently.

In ages previous to ours, the specific meaning of the Tree of Knowledge - or to be more exact, The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad - was hidden until the seeker was proven worthy. Unfortunately, desire corrupts the mind; desire for power and envy for knowledge led many to threaten and even kill the holders of the hidden wisdom, thereby forcing the real Initiates to go into hiding in most places on the planet. The knowledge had to be hidden to protect it.

One thing anyone who seriously studies esoterism will discover is that the underlying science, though never explained openly, is unalterable; all true initiates agree on the essential nature of the science and art, regardless of their tradition or even what century they lived in. Jesus of Nazareth, Hermes Trismegistus, Moses, St. Augustine, Homer, King Solomon, the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Indian Tantric master Padmasambhava, Mohammed, Eliphas Levi, H.P.Blavatsky, the Buddha Maitreya, Rudolf Steiner, Swami Shivananda, Nicolas Flamel, Basil Valentine, Master Moira, Max Heindel, Paracelsus, Arnold Krumm Heller, Dion Fortune, and Samael Aun Weor, writers and mystics that span the last three thousand years, all agree, all describe the exact same science, though they use different symbols and dialects. And this science is exactly the same in the mysteries of Eleusis, the Aztecs, the Maya, the Chaldeans, the Essenes, etc. This inner knowledge is the One Path spoken of by Jesus of Nazareth:

Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. - Matthew 7:13

The narrow gate is the gate back to Eden; it is the gate we left through so long ago. This gate is the knowledge of the Great Arcanum. To practice the teachings contained in this most precious treasure is to step onto the true Path. This path, and the steps that make it, is defined in Hebrew by the word Daath. Daath is the hidden sphere of the Kabbalah, and the word means "knowledge." It is the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden, which bore the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve. The Greek word for Daath (Knowledge) is Gnosis.

There is one core teaching. This teaching has had many names and many faces, because the science and art of awakening the consciousness in a positive manner are universal and eternal, but have been hidden from the eyes of the common man. What the common man has seen is the wide gate that leads to destruction.

Many do not seem to realize that there is a vast expanse of schools, traditions and religions who have taken the core spiritual knowledge, the Great Arcanum, and corrupted it, either intentionally or ignorantly. In most cases, these are the most respected, most famous and most "popular" teachings; respected, famous and popular precisely because they do not conflict with the core psychological problems that degenerate the mind. Black Magic appeals to the mass mind. It appeals to the principles of our civilization. It offers something for nothing. As long as there is cupidity in the human heart, it will remain as a menace to the honesty and integrity of our race. - Manly P. Hall from Magic: a Treatise on Esoteric Ethics. The hidden, inner meanings of all the great religions have always been fiercely protected and restricted, precisely because they contain tremendous power; power all too easily misunderstood and misused by the selfish, vulgar common thread of humanity. The transmission of the knowledge required a student to be "pious, gentle, and fearing God," or, in other words, the opposite type of person from the one who merely wants to make gold from lead, to feed his desires.

Gnosis is defined as both the knowledge gained through experience and the method or science to achieve it. Unfortunately, academia has no way of recovering the science of gnosis strictly from crumbling parchments, and without the science, there can be no way to acquire the knowledge. Likewise, without gnosis there can be no understanding of Gnosticism. What is written in the Nag Hammadi, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gospel of Judas, etc., reveal many clues and hints, but they rarely provide anything that can be correctly interpreted without previously being exposed to the ciphers that hide their profound inner meanings. As a result, scholars can only depend upon the theories based off their ideas of Gnosticism. Thankfully, as it was stated previously, the actual science has been passed through the various esoteric sects throughout the ages and was revived in the 20th Century.

Truth in Relation to Gnosis

What is truth ? This is a question that is central to understanding life as we know it. It is never an easy question to answer. Two thousand years ago Pilate asked Jesus the same question and it seems we haven't come much further, though society has progressed in many other ways. The best way to understand the question of Truth is to travel back to Ancient Greece and examine the allegory of the cave as used by Plato. This allegory, beyond all others, offers us a real insight into the problem of what truth is. Plato sees all of humanity as prisoners, each of us has been kept chained in a subterranean cavern from birth, facing a dark wall. Only a very small amount of light enters the cavern and this comes from a small opening high overhead. Because of our chains, we look in opposite direction and hence can only observe the dark shadows which pass along the wall we are facing. These shadows are cast by the men and occurrences of the upper world beyond the overhead opening. Our perceptions and hence of the shadows and reflections, Platos major contemplation was on what would occur if one of us escaped from the cave ?

Plato`s answer is found in his work The Republic, where Socrates tells us that at first the escaped prisoner would be blinded by the strength of the light of the upper world and would retreat back to the shadows. But only for a while..... He would need, then, to grow accustomed before he could see things in that upper world. At first it would be easiest to make out shadows, and then the images of men and things reflected in water, and later on the things themselves. After that, it would be easier to watch the heavenly bodies and the sky itself by night, looking at the light of the moon and stars rather than the Sun and the Suns light in the day time...Last of all, he would be able to look at the Sun and contemplate its nature, not as it appears when reflected in water or any alien medium, but as it is in itself in its own domain.... And now he would begin to draw the conclusion that it is the Sun that produces the seasons and the course of the year and controls everything in the visible world and moreover is in a way the cause of all that he and his companions used to see. - Republic, Plato. 516ff.

Plato, then, is illustrating for us the state of Man. His insight is clear and precise. Man is chained by his attachment to matter and his fallen condition. The only reality he sees is a reflection and forms an illusionary world around him. This is known as the Dialectic System or the World of the Archons (higher powers and principalities). The true source of all things is found in the world of Ideals - the spiritual planes. In the Gnostic school these are known as the Static System or The Treasury of Light (origin of our souls).

The allegory of Plato is an important place to start as it gives us a keen understanding of mans search for meaning. Man search is a battle, a Cosmic Battle, between two distinct systems. In many traditions these two distinct systems are not only seen to be at odds with each other, but in antagonism and conflict. For if the same force that put man in chains is manipulating the reflections, then surely a battle to achieve liberation is necessary. Sometimes this battle is seen in cosmic and "otherworldly terms", while in others it is shown in all its bloodthirsty realism. At the same time, the battle needs to be seen in relation to why we are on earth, who or what put us here and what the goal of life is. To understand this battle, and what it means for mankind requires that we re-evaluate our beliefs and concepts. Over the years that we have researched these volumes, we slowly came to realise that many of our generally held beliefs were actually created and sustained by a system that is totally alien to our life-stream. Accordingly, when the real truth became obvious to us it was
a shock - quite a shock ! Particularly because it was so radically different from everything we had assumed was correct. I realise that starting this volume by discussing "the battle" will immediately turn people off. What are you talking about, you may ask ? Satan ? Demons ? UFO's ? Before we answer that you will have to study this text and reach an understanding of a new worldview, a Gnostic worldview.

Become Universal in Study

It is vital that you have an expansive knowledge of things so that you do not waste time in the pursuit of only one aspect of the work. In the Gnostic tradition, we have a vast collection of spiritual writings which forms the basis of our understanding. To begin, One must study the bodies of knowledge thru out the various orders of True Gnosis (not watered down infomation) to elucidate yourself in the understanding of the Christian Bible, the Zohar, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Germanic Eddas, all the great psychological wisdom hidden in the Greek myths, the Odyssey and the Illiad of Homer, and hundreds of other volumes from our religious and classical heritage. As well, Gnosis is found in the one hundred volumes of Buddhist sutras and in the two hundred volumes of commentaries on those sutras by great masters such as Tsong Khapa and Nagarjuna. Gnosis saturates the Tibetan Tantric tradition and overflows from the teachings of Milarepa, the Dalai Lamas, and many others.

For, if you take into consideration the Mexican codices, Egyptian papyri, Assyrian bricks, Dead Sea scrolls, strange parchments, as well as certain very ancient Temples, sacred monoliths, old hieroglyphs, pyramids, millenary sepulchers, etc, offer in their symbolic depth a Gnostic sense that definitively escapes literal interpretation and which has never had an exclusively intellectual explanatory value. Lamentably, speculative rationalism, instead of enriching the Gnostic language, impoverishes it, since Gnostic matters (whether they be written or allegorized in any artistic form) are always directed to the Being (the soul). Thus, it is in this extremely interesting Quasi-Philosophic and Quasi-Mythological language of Gnosis that a series of extraordinary invariants appear: symbols with a transcendental Esoteric content, which silently say much.

So, if you were to gather the wisdom of all these traditions and incorporate them into your daily practice, you would make giant leaps forward in your comprehension of great spiritual truths. But if you were to merely respect all these writings and instead base your practice on some small text or personal selection of materials, you will probably receive some benefit, but your spiritual progress will not be that great.

There are two ways to understand this knowledge. One is on the superficial, intellectual level, which is developed by reading or listening to lectures, and through which we gradually form a conceptual understanding of the science to transform ourselves. This is primarily focused on helping us recognize the difference between positive and negative states of being and the means to control them. The second is the experiential level, the stage at which we begin to realize the practical application of the teaching within ourselves or it`s consistency in Truth.

The science of Gnosis is a vast and incredibly sophisticated map of the universe and the consciousness, thus to develop an intellectual understanding of it can be a daunting task. Yet the experiential knowledge is even more difficult to develop because it arrives only as a result of continuous practice. Experiential knowledge is always accompanied by the presence of intuitive knowledge, or the wisdom of the consciousness as realized in the heart. This is essentially an emotional wisdom, something that one feels. For example, from time to time we may "feel" that a certain behavior is wrong, and this is a form of intuition, because it is not rational, it is emotional. Yet, this is only the most mundane level of intuitive knowledge; intuition is a deeply emotional wisdom that can be felt in a very powerful way.

From this we can understand that there are both beneficial and harmful emotional states. Emotion is a vital part of life. However, there are different types of emotions. There is the common and widespread experience of negative emotion, those feelings which are harmful and result in suffering, even when we enjoy experiencing them. Many people enjoy and cultivate pride, but objective knowledge leads us to see that pride creates suffering. Likewise, many people enjoy their anger, yet this same anger is a source of tremendous suffering. Therefore, a negative emotion is called such in part because of the results it brings, and also because of its source in the psyche.

Superior emotion includes feelings and states that are very rarely felt by modern human beings, because it arrives into the psyche through a psychological vehicle that very few human beings possess. Even still, we can experience many positive emotional states which greatly enhance and enrich our lives, and whose effects include the positive reinforcement of our longing to change for the better. Therefore, Gnosis is about changing ourselves. It is a precise science which indicates the way to reduce afflictive emotional and mental states and instead cultivate beneficial ones. It is the means to transform our undisciplined mind into a disciplined one and beyond.

- The Esoteric Psychology of Religion and Myth -

Self Induced Karma (sufferring)

A common psychological mistake of today’s society is its perpetual failure to realize mistakes on a personal level. Society is made of individuals, but every individual blames society and circumstance for their faults, failures, sufferings, and stress. We continue to believe we know a better way than the others, we believe we know more than anyone or anything, and yet our lives are filled with mistakes, pain, and misfortune. Could this be due to our own ignorance? Could this be due to our own action, which is guided by our knowledge of life (or lack of)? Do we not know that the superior man always criticizes himself and not others?

We wish to believe that others make our life painful, but this is true only on the most superficial of levels. The horrors that exist in the world are nothing more than the reflections of our internal world, our mind. The true cause of suffering, when viewed with profound depth, is one’s own quality of mind, and the actions which are invoked from it.

Terrible fear prevents many people from studying their own mind, and this is certainly regrettable. Solemnly, we must state that these people are not yet mature enough to study this doctrine. Some people cannot withstand the sight of their own lives when they actually take a look at it. If you are feeling sad, depressed, if you are always making mistakes and cannot change your position in life, it can be difficult to accept that the causes and conditions for those circumstances in life are due to your own action. For this reason many people leave this teaching: it is too much for them.

Too show this biblically, here we have, just a taste of Esoteric Psychology from the Master Jesus, simple and yet so profoundly enlightening.
Jesus speaking from John 8:37- 45

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me (your intimate Christ), because my Word hath no place in you (because your “Inn” or psychological interior is full of animal vices). I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father (Satan). They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father (Satan, the ego).

Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear (understand) my Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer (of the truth) from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him (only ignorance or lack of gnosis). When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you (the ego) the truth, ye believe me (the intimate Christ) not.

Astounding (Christ`s words), yet undeniably true, for as a grate maxim goes... when skydiving (seeking truth), your parachute (psychological mind) works best when open (not in the ego, pride or ignorance). For as jesus also stated, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Now let us proceed with a brake down of the words Esoteric and Psychology, unavailing their deep relations akin within the doctrine of Gnosis.

Esoteric: "Designed for, and understood by, the specially initiated alone; not communicated, or not intelligible, to the general body of followers; private; interior. Opposed to exoteric." Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary.

Psychology: from Greek psyche (pskhe) meaning "soul," and Logos, the "principle governing the cosmos," the Word, God. True psychology is "the knowledge of the relationship of the soul with God." Esoteric Psychology is the highest and most potent level of that knowledge, which is "private" and "interior" and is entered into in levels, according to the internal, initiatic process of the seeker.

Psychology is a science that has been studied since the dawn of humanity. Psychology is not simply the territory of modern psychiatrists and psychologists; the study and development of Psyche (Greek for "soul") is the essential root of every mystical and religious tradition in the world.

In ancient times, for example, the Shamans (mystics who also served as doctors) understood that the body/mind, psyche (soul), and spirit were the principles to be studied regarding the composition of the human nature. Therefore, in dealing with disease, they would treat not only those symptoms and behaviors that can be seen easily, but also those which cannot be seen with the physical senses. Thus, psychology deals with two types of observable phenomena: external (being able to be perceived with the five senses: circumstances and events) and internal (that which is not observable with the five senses: states of consciousness).

To deal with phenomena of an "unseen" or hidden nature is something that one constantly deals with in psychology and also in mysticism, religion, and occultism (occult means "hidden"). But these "unseen" phenomena have proven inaccessible to modern psychologists and scientists, in part because they refuse to study the wisdom of the ancient religions, discarding it all as "myth" and "superstition." Instead, they persist in inventing new theories, which leaves them in the unfortunate position of contradicting themselves with each new theory or concept. Of course, our modern psychological "experts" are often the first to admit that they are nowhere near solving the massive psychological problems that burden humanity.

The "hidden" phenomena that truly drive the visible manifestations of human behavior have remained out of the reach of scientists and theorizers because such phenomena are beyond the physical senses. Only those who know how to utilize the other senses of the human being can perceive the realities beyond the five primary senses. Therefore, the modern scientists and doctors are working "blind," a fact that many of them readily admit. This is because they lack understanding regarding the most important aspect of psychology: consciousness. Where does it come from? What is its function? How can one cultivate and develop it? These are some of the most important questions that pertain to the study of psychology, and in modern psychology they remain unanswered.

Consciousness is divine intelligence within the human. It is universal and comes from God, the Buddha nature, the Innermost, the Lord God of Truth Within. This is the factor upon which all of the unsolved equations of "modern" psychology rests. In studying the techniques given and synthesized by the Masters, we can learn the way our consciousness has been conditioned and even programmed into a type of psychological somnambulism. With knowledge that is acquired when one works directly with the consciousness, esoteric (hidden) knowledge is cultivated. It is hidden to those who refuse to utilize the proper tools. The Gnostic psychologist who works to cultivate esoteric knowledge (relating to the mysteries of life, death, and nature) directly and tangibly perceives the true nature of the human mind, heart and psyche (soul).

Esoteric psychology, as studied in the light of Universal Gnosticism, can be found in all of the scriptures of the ancient religions. One cannot deny that the Old and New Testaments, for example, teach an in-depth doctrine of psychology. These teachings are taught in parables or stories, often with obscure symbols that are understood only to those who "Know" (Gnostics, or in other words those who have been initiated into the hidden knowledge). This is why we compliment the study of psychology with Alchemy and Kabbalah. Alchemy, the "chemistry of God," is the scientific and chemical basis of inner transformation. Kabbalah, related to the ancient teaching of the Tree of Life, is the mathematic basis of inner transformation. When these forces are combined with meditation, a complete system of deep and penetrating wisdom is revealed; the symbols and parables are revealed in their original and pervasive depths. Through the combination of these sciences, a synthesis is formed which reveals in turn the synthetic ground from which all true inner wisdom arises. Like Kabbalah and Alchemy, psychology is an occult (hidden) science, because once applied, it reveals that which was once hidden in the psyche, and one can experience the miracles of the saints.

From this perspective we can understand why all the world's great religions and mystical traditions contain the same symbols, icons and messages. It is because they are all derived of the same source, and that source is the source of the human psyche, the source of the worlds, planets, galaxies etc. That primal source is universal, perfect, whole, and complete; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken away.

The Occult Psychology of Man

Science is the method of religion. Religion comes from the Latin religare, which means, "to unite." It is the Inner Being that we seek to unite with. That which separates us from the Inner Being is the selfish desires that condition the consciousness into instinctive, mechanical impulses. These desires are the multiplicity of "egos" or "psychological I's" that we carry within. These are the unseen causes of the diseases that exist in humanity (diseases of the mind, heart and body). It is the goal of Gnostic Psychology to comprehend and eliminate the egos, so that we can liberate the consciousness and finally return to the Divine Principle through an ancient, systematic and practical technique. We study psychology to learn how to bring about practical change in our lives. It teaches how to bring about health through balance. If we observe the common level of being of humanity, we would see that humanity is not completely healthy. The group is only the sum total of the individuals. Therefore we as individuals need a revolution, in ourselves, here and now. To assist humanity, we must learn how to change ourselves.

Gnosis is a practical methodology whose goal is the awakening of the consciousness and the complete development of human potentiality. What is need to acquire results in such an effort is summed up in the famous maxim.... "Man, know thyself!"

When one knows the how and the why of the mind, when one knows the different functionalisms of the mind within understanding facets of psychological study, one can control it. Thus, the mind becomes a useful and perfect instrument through which we can work for the benefit of humanity. Since ancient times, on the different scenarios of the theaters of life, psychology has always played its role by being intelligently disguised with the costumes of philosophy. Since the terrifying night of all times, on the banks of the Ganges in the sacred India of the Vedas, there have existed many forms of yoga, which in their depth are pure, higher experimental psychology. The seven types of yoga have always been described as methods, procedures, or philosophical systems.

In the Arab world, the sacred, partly metaphysical, and partly religious teachings of the Sufis have indeed a purely psychological character. In old Europe (which is rotten to its very bone morrow because of so many wars, racial, religious, and political prejudices, etc.,) right up to the end of the nineteen century, psychology was disguised with the costumes of philosophy in order to pass unnoticed.

So, notwithstanding all the divisions and subdivisions of philosophy—such as logic, the theory of knowledge, ethics, aesthetics, etc.—nonetheless, psychology is undoubtedly in itself: evident self-reflection, mystical cognition of the Being (the soul), a fundamental cognition of an awakened consciousness. The error of many philosophical schools consists in having considered psychology as something inferior to philosophy, as something related only to the lowest and even trivial aspects of the human nature.

A comparative study of religions allows us to formulate the following logical conclusion: the science of psychology has always been intimately associated with all religious principles. Yes, any comparative study of religions demonstrates that wonderful treasures of psychological science exist within the most orthodox sacred literature of various countries and from different epochs. So, in-depth investigations in the field of Gnosticism allows us to find that wonderful compilation of several Gnostic authors known as The Philokalia, which comes from the earliest times of Christianity. The Philokalia is still used in our time by the Eastern Church, especially for the instruction of monks. Undoubtedly, and without any fear of deceit, we can emphatically affirm that The Philokalia is essentially pure experimental psychology.

Psychology was always connected to philosophy, to the authentic objective art, to science, and to religion in the ancient schools of mysteries from Greece, Egypt, Rome, India, Persia, Mexico, Peru, Assyria, Chaldea, etc. Yes, in those ancient times, psychology was cleverly hidden behind the graceful forms of sacred dancers or behind the enigma of cryptic hieroglyphs or beautiful sculptures, or in poetry or tragedy, and even within the delectable music of the temples. Indeed, before science, philosophy, art, and religion split asunder in order to subsist as independent parts, psychology reigned sovereign in all the very ancient schools of mysteries.

For thousands of years, Gnosticism has offered keys to unlock the mysteries that lay deeply hidden within the soul and it has promised one thing: objective knowledge. We do not ask the students to believe in a particular dogma. “ Why believe when you could know? ”.... Why believe when you could know? That is why it is said that the Innermost Self-realization of the Being is our goal, but science is our method. We must be critical, attentive and determined if we are to reach such a lofty goal. Therefore, there are three esoteric sciences which have been studied since the dawn of humanity which offer the means to our goal.

An Esoteric View of the Personality

Esoteric psychology seeks to understand and eliminate the cause of suffering just as the Buddha Shakyamuni taught over 2500 years ago. In relation to this aspect of psychology, the Buddha gave to his disciples the four noble truths. In brief, the first noble truth is that all ego-centric life is suffering. The second noble truth is that desire is the cause of all suffering. The third noble truth is that to eliminate suffering, one must eliminate all desire in oneself. The fourth noble truth says to follow what is called in Buddhism “the Eightfold Path”; these are the ways in which one goes about to eliminate desire and suffering.

Through many births I sought in vain
The builder of this House of Pain.
Now, Builder, thee I plainly see!
This is the last abode for me.
Thy gable’s yoke and rafters broke,
My heart has peace. All lust will cease.

- Buddha Shakyamuni

So in Gnosis, we go further into the soul of the matter. In esoteric psychology, we must understand how the desires and defects of the mind trap and condition the consciousness of the human soul. Therefore, under the light of the teachings of Gnosis, we study three main facets of psychology: the ego, the essence, and the personality.

EGO (Latin for “I”): These are the various vices, errors, wants, desires, conditionings, mechanicities, etc. in one’s mind, heart, and actions. By observing ourselves, we will see in a clear and obvious manner, that we have many different desires, often conflicting and contradicting each other, without any rhyme or reason. It is said that we have many thousands of these egos that dominate our mind, feelings and actions at a given moment. These are the elements in our psyche that cause us to identify with a particular self-gratifying sensation, these make up the false identity. These are the elements that lead to all the suffering of humanity. These elements, called psychic aggregates by the Tibetans, condition the human soul by trapping the essence or causal principle in the many deluded states of desire. The ego is a multiplicity, its name is legion.

PERSONALITY (from Latin Persona, which means mask): This is the visible aspect of one’s character, as it impresses others. This is formed from the time of birth to the age of seven. It has three major influences that are studied in the Gnostic curriculum. Our personality can give us the keys to understanding our psychological make-up and ourselves. Yet the personality is just a mask, it can be worn by the various egos or it can be the passive instrument for the Innermost to express itself in the world.

ESSENCE: This is the intelligence of one’s own Inner Being, inside the mind, heart and body. This is what we can call the Consciousness, Buddha nature, Buddhata etc. The Innermost has two souls, one divine and the other human; these three aspects make up our own particular individual Monad. The Innermost who is the aspect of the androgynous internal spirit, the Inner God, sends the essence of the human soul into the world in order to create. It does so, so as to acquire more knowledge in regards to the mysteries of nature. Thus, with divine intelligence, the Monad sends the essence into the world, our own psychological-physical world: mental, emotional/astral, vital and physical bodies. These bodies, intended to be vehicles of the cosmic intelligence of the Innermost (Monad), become identified and the mind becomes lost in the world, due to the identification with the desire for physical sensation. Thus, we must understand the egos, how they use our personality and how they trap the essence causing us to remain trapped in the base and superficial level of being that is so common and natural in this day and age. Yet it is only through re-connecting oneself to the essence that such a mission could be possible, for an ego cannot work on an ego, suffering only perpetuates more suffering. Therefore, the essence is what the students of Gnosticism seek to contact; it is only experienced in the moment, bringing knowledge, happiness and understanding. It is through the essence that the student can experience Gnosis (an intuitive and direct knowing), it can be experienced in different mystical states and various dimensions, as the essence is multi-dimensional.

For when one comes to this world, one brings within the essence all the data (which is deposited by nature) that one needs for the inner Self-realization of the Being. But, what happens? One is put into schools, where one is receives a false education and much advice and precepts which are futile. In the end, one creates a false consciousness. The true consciousness within, with the deposited data which one needs to follow the footsteps, to follow the path, to arrive at the Liberation of the Being, remains at the bottom, sadly categorized with the name of subconsciousness. Have you ever seen anything more absurd?

We have to become sincere with ourselves, to recognize that our false consciousness is the one which they have formed for us; the one which was created with all their theories learned in elementary and secondary schools, in college, etc., and through so many other ways (such as with the examples of our elders and the prejudices of this society in which we live). Therefore, it is not the true consciousness.

We must eliminate everything which is false within us. We must completely eliminate, definitely eradicate, that false consciousness (which is based on what we have been told, on school precepts, on college lessons, etc.) so that only the true consciousness, the Superlative Consciousness of the Being, remains within us; that is what matters.

- Gnosis is Self-Knowledge -


Direct Experience is Key

The foundation of Gnosis is self-knowledge. By knowing ourselves in depth, we discover the nature of the universe itself. The word Gnosis in itself means "knowledge," and by this is meant experiential knowledge, or the direct knowledge that is experienced by the consciousness. This type of knowledge has nothing to do with the intellect or with any belief, and is instead derived from one's own personal experience. The way to arrive at direct experience of the essential truths of the universe and ourselves is through intimate exploration of our own interior psychology.

The animal mind cannot comprehend the Christic Wisdom. Only the consciousness can comprehend and receive Gnosis. However, the consciousness is asleep in the intellectual animals. The humanoid creatures worship the animal mind, and are attached to beliefs, theories and ideas. Thus, in this way they remain without Gnosis, that is, they remain ignorant. The animal mind, as a product of beatial nature, is filled with darkness. It is the mind of pride, anger, envy, fear, jealousy, and all manner of desires. This mind lacks the light of the Christ, and thus remains in darkness.

People do not understand the Christic Wisdom because they remain within their own interior darkness. Only by awakening the consciousness can the true understanding of Religion (re-union) occur. That is why all the sacred scriptures insist on the need to awaken the consciousness, and purify the animal mind.

And said unto them, “Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” - Luke 22:46

For this cause many [are] (spiritually) weak and (psychologically) sickly among you, and many sleep. - 1 Corinthians 11:30

Wherefore he saith, “Awake thou (consciousness) that sleepest, and arise from the (spiritually) dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” - Ephesians 5:14

Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch (consciously) and be sober (rather than drunk with desire). - 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy sleep. - Ecclesiasticus 13:13

The inside PSYCHE is the foundation of the outside world (the physical body and the material world). Compiling facts about things (research) and memorizing them is not "knowing". It is just an accumulation of facts about things outside you. So "knowledge" is not the same as "knowing". Knowledge (what you do at school) is just the accumulation of facts about things outside you. knowing means to experience the Christ consciousness, the Krisha consciousness, the Buddha consciousness. Not intellectualize about it, but EXPERIENCE this reality within your being. It is easy to know things from the outside, objectively. That is why many people remain on the outside. To know things from inside, subjectively only come by way of meditation. Seeking within ones self. For example it is easy to study fire and write tomes of scholarly treatises about the philosophy of fire. But it is not easy for one to put his finger in the fire to be burned so as to have a direct experience of what is fire! That is why there are very few "knowers" in the world, men and women of wisdom!

This Via Crucis that is our miserable existence begins in infancy and youth with mental disorders due to intimate family tragedies, difficulties at home and at school, etc. It is clear that during childhood and youth all these problems do not manage to really affect us—with few exceptions—in such a profound manner; however, when we become adults we start questioning: “Who am I? Where do I come from? Why do I have to suffer? What is the purpose of our existence?” etc. On the path of life we all have asked ourselves these questions. We all have wanted at sometime to investigate, inquire, find out the “why” of so many sorrows, troubles, struggles, and sufferings, yet unfortunately, we always seem to end up caged within some theory, or within some opinion, or within some belief, or within what the neighbor stated, or within what some decrepit old fogy told us, etc. Thus, since we have lost our true innocence and the peace of a tranquil heart, we are incapable of experiencing the truth directly, in all of its harshness, given that we depend on what others might say; so, because of this, we are obviously on the wrong path.

Capitalist society radically condemns the atheists, those who do not believe in God, whereas the Marxist-Leninist society condemns the theists, those who do believe in God; nevertheless, in essence, both beliefs are the same, a matter of opinions or caprices of people, their mental projections. Not credulity, incredulity, or skepticism signify the experience of the truth. The mind can give itself the luxury of believing, doubting, of forming opinions, conjecturing, etc.; however, these are not experiences of the truth. The blind can also give themselves the luxury of believing in the sun or not believing in it, and even doubting about its existence, nevertheless the king star will continue to give its light and life to everything that exists, without giving the slightest value to their blind opinions. Many shades of false morality and many mistaken concepts of false respectability are hidden behind blind beliefs, behind incredulity and skepticism; the psychological “I” strengthens itself within those shadows.

Capitalist society and communist society each have—in their own manner and according to their caprices, prejudices, and theories—their special type of morals. Thus, what is moral within the capitalist society is immoral within the communist society, and vice-versa. Morals depend upon customs, upon the place, upon the epoch. What is moral in one country is immoral in another country, and what was moral in one epoch becomes immoral in another. Morals do not have any essential value whatsoever; when they are analyzed in depth, they are revealed as one hundred percent stupid.

Gnosis Stands Alone

A fundamental education does not teach morals. A fundamental education teaches revolutionary ethics, and this is what the new generations need. Since the terrifying night of ancient times, in every age, there have always been those who withdrew from the world in order to seek the truth. Yet, to withdraw from the world in order to seek the truth is an absurdity, because the truth is found here and now, within the world and within the man. The truth for the mind is the unknowable from moment to moment; yet, the way to discover it is not by withdrawing ourselves from the world or by abandoning our fellowmen. To state that any truth is half-truth and thus any truth is half error is an absurdity. The truth is radical: the truth is or is not. The truth can never be half-truth, it can never be half error. Likewise, it is an absurdity to state that the truth is of time and what was true at one time is not in another time. The truth has nothing to do with time; the truth is not temporary. Yet, the “I” is time and therefore it cannot know the truth. Therefore, to adopt conventional, temporary, relative truths is an absurdity.

For, remember Gnosis is self-knowledge, but it is not ordinary knowledge and it is not simply knowledge of the personality. To know who you are as a personality is fine but that knowledge is worthless at the end of the day. There is something beyond what one normally considers their self to be. This “transcendent self” is so radically different from our ordinary conceptions of self that in Buddhism it is taught as no-self. A man without gnosis is blind to the causes and conditions of his life. In his journey of terrestrial existence, he wanders from one destination to the next. An education, a marriage, a home, these are all destinations on the voyage of life. At times he rests, and later he moves on: a new job, the birth of a child, a death in the family, etc. Throughout his journey our traveler gains information about his life, but this does not mean he has acquired gnosis in the strictest sense of the word.

Throughout life we learn many things, but that knowledge is not gnosis, because usually it is just mundane knowledge of this world. Experience in this society is good, this is how we live from day to day, how to deal with investments, how to repair our car and home, how to take care of our family and interact with society, etc. Everything here is not only useful, but necessary, yet it is all related to the personality and of the modern times. Therefore, it is not inner knowledge, it is not true knowledge.

Fortunately it is within this same life that gnosis is waiting to be found. We just need to accustom ourselves to find it. In order to access this special knowledge, we need a “shock” or an “active pressure” upon the consciousness. We need to activate something within that is currently dormant, sleeping. Gnosis cannot be found in a mechanical or blind way. So, if a man travels on life’s journey without knowing where he came from or where he is going, blindly following the tides of time, he will quickly find himself dead with little or no true knowledge of life at all.

Sometimes we are given exceptional circumstances that activate our consciousness, allowing us to perceive the greater truths in life, even if it is only for a brief time: an epiphany. For example, when a loved one dies unexpectedly or when a child is born. Events like this cause some people to begin to experience the world in a different manner because it causes the consciousness to be shocked into awakening in some way. Consciousness is the root of perception, and awakening the consciousness allows one to perceive the nature of reality in a more piercing or direct manner.

In the case of death, this shock is not pleasant. Nevertheless, there is tremendous value in understanding the nature of death. It is only after witnessing death that many people seriously contemplate life. Others do not change one iota in their ways of life until they witness the birth of their child. It is only at this moment, shocked by the majestic reality present before them of their newborn do they tremble at awesome creative potential of the human organism. Thus, it is in these ways that they grow up, lose their childish ways and become responsible adults.

It is horrifying that, as a result of a shock of the consciousness, some people let personal crisis become a theme song that they always carry with them; as a result their lives become more terrible. Instead of taking advantage of their situation as leverage to change their life, they become pig that rolls in its own psychological despair, giving nothing but the mud of their misery as payment to those who keep their company.

If life can give us events that change our understanding of life, we can take the next logical step and conclude that it is possible to provide the consciousness an intentional activation in order to acquire gnosis. By doing this we take a willful comprehension of the causes and conditions of life. This is how we can begin to obtain control of our life, and it can be done in many ways according to ancient tradition. In history we can equate it to terms such as: religious devotion, meditation, or self-observation.

But alas, many people mistake concepts and opinions for that which is the truth, yet the truth has nothing to do with their opinions or with their so-called conventional truths, because these are only irrelevant projections of the mind. The truth for the mind is the unknowable from moment to moment; therefore it can only be experienced in the absence of the psychological “I.” The truth is not a matter of beliefs, sophisms, concepts, opinions. The truth can only be known through direct experience. The mind can only formulate opinions, yet opinions have nothing to do with the truth, because the mind can never conceive the truth.

Teachers of schools, colleges, and universities must attain the experience of the truth and thereafter expound the path to their students; they must explain to them that the truth is a matter of direct experience, and not a matter of theories, opinions, or concepts. We can and we must study, but it is essential to experience—by ourselves and in a direct manner—the truth within each theory, concept, opinion, etc. Yes, we must study, analyze, inquire, but we also need with an unpostponable urgency to experience the truth contained within all the subjects that we study. The experience of the truth is impossible as long as the mind is disturbed, convoluted, distressed by opposed opinions. The experience of the truth is only possible when the mind is quiet, when the mind is silent. Teachers of schools, colleges, and universities must point out to their students the path of profound internal meditation, because the path of profound internal meditation leads to the quietude and silence of the mind. When the mind is quiet, when the mind is silent—that is, when the mind is empty of thoughts, desires, opinions, etc... then, the truth comes into us.

Note that reading books does not change us in a fundamental way. Having an intellectual understanding of various theories or schools does not awaken consciousness nor is it true Gnosis.
Many people are intelligent, scholarly and knowledgeable BUT very few are "knowers"

Gnosis is a Matter of Change

Our interest here is to awaken consciousness, to see for ourselves, directly, personally, exactly what all the great teachers have tried to tell us. We want to understand for ourselves what Jesus taught, what Krishna taught, what the Buddha taught. We do not want to hear another person's explanation, or what this religion says or that religion. There are many opinions but there is only one truth. That is what we want. And many Masters, through their traditions and through their writings, are seeking to show us in a precise and very scientific way how we can best awaken our own consciousness so we can know for ourselves what the truth is.

There are many schools and books you can find that talk about awakening, and about meditation, astral travel, kabbalah, etc. but it is difficult to find anyone who can tell you how to use it all in a comprehensive and effective way in order to awaken, in order to not waste our time fooling around with all these things. Because really, we do not have such a long life to live that we can learn a little about this and a little about that and really expect that somehow we are going to get somewhere. We need to know what to do. We cannot afford to waste time filling our heads with ideas, with the opinions of others.

You can't understand how the outside works and what makes it so, until you know it from the inside. That is why if you keep studying things in the outside material world from outside, you'll keep getting more and more puzzles. Never a conclusive answer! You'll never reach any answers. This is the problem which Science has today. It is always seeking for answers but always ending up in riddles, enigmas and mysteries, with no answers. Those who remain trapped merely within the intellectual (theories, ideas) or sentimental (beliefs) are excluded from the experience of truth. The solution is not on the outside. The solution is on the inside.

Yes, thats right... its on the inside of You.

Gnosis demands that we take an objective point of view of all phenomena. We cannot hold onto a way of seeing things merely because we like it or because it is our tradition or it satisfies our psychological tendencies. Any limiting view (such as a religious, scientific or metaphysical theory) restricts our capacity to approach objective knowledge, thereby restraining our ability to perceive the true nature of any given phenomena. It is essential that we set aside any personal preference if we wish to see the inherent truth of life. Thus, as the subheading states, Gnosis is a Matter of Change.

This is especially true of how we view ourselves. So long as we have false views of ourselves, then we cannot see ourselves as we really are. If that is that case, then we cannot begin to approach the objective view of reality itself. Just as so many wise beings have told us, we create our own reality. We reap what we sow. Therefore, if we plant good seeds through proper action, we can create a better life for ourselves and for everyone around us. This comes naturally as we realize and transform our mistaken views about life and about ourselves. The purpose of Gnosis is nothing less than the complete transformation of the individual, which in turn changes our society and our world. The achievement of this transformation is dependent only upon the effort of the individual to work on their own mind. How do we know this type of change is possible?

Firstly, we know about the law of impermanence. Truly, in every moment, everything is changing. Through proper forms of action, one can influence that change. But to do so requires that you know how to act, and how to achieve the desired effect. Likewise, through discrimination and spiritual wisdom, we learn how to properly influence the continually changing psyche we have within, in order to achieve a more fruitful and beneficial result.

Secondly, it is easy to see that within nature we always find contradictory forces. Light and darkness, acid and alkaline, heat and cold, etc. are opposing forces which dance around a central point of balance. This same situation exists within our own mind.

When we begin to examine the state of our mental and emotional world, we find many opposing currents. And we see that certain forces can overwhelm others, in the same way that turning on the lights in a dark room causes the darkness to vanish. Gnosis teaches us how to accomplish this from moment to moment within ourselves, in order to achieve psychological equilibrium, a state in which we maintain a continual balance in our mental and emotional wellbeing. This equilibrium is based upon an extensive understanding of our own psychological situation, and the discrimination to consciously choose how to act, think, and feel. From all of this it is clear that in order to achieve the aim of any religion, one must have a penetrating knowledge of the mind, accompanied by a comprehensive awareness of emotional and mental states.

It is also evident that our problems and sufferings arise from a flawed perception of ourselves and the world, therefore we need to develop the capacity to question our own perceptions from moment to moment. Understanding the true nature of reality is crucial in this case, because it is our perception of reality which determines how we relate to everything: our own self, those around us, and every circumstance we pass through. By "reality" we mean the entire expanse of existence and not merely our own superficial view of our little corner of it, because a large portion of our fundamental problem is a flawed view of reality, which in turn results in suffering.

The essential root of this change is the recognition of a flawed perception that we have within. We do not see the nature of reality, and it is due to this ignorance that we grasp at illusions and act in ways which contradict the basic laws of existence, resulting in suffering for ourselves and others. In synthesis, this ignorance is a form of self-grasping, or a mistaken view of our own identity. The way to change this mistaken view is to cultivate that part of ourselves which can see things in their objective form, thereby creating within our own mind a natural antidote to ignorance and wrong action, an antidote that is already a part of our own psyche but which remains in a latent or inactive state.

To achieve this we must learn which mental states are positive and which are negative, and we must learn to discriminate between them. When we can see within ourselves how we cultivate many different states of mind and the subsequent results of those states, we arrive at the understanding of the true nature of our own life. When we see how our own anger makes us suffer, and then in turn brings suffering to others, we will be compelled to change that quality within ourselves. Likewise, when we experience the great power of gentleness and humility, we will naturally be drawn toward cultivating those qualities within ourselves. The transformation of the psyche and life is something that can only be developed by the person who wants to change, and is inspired by their perception of the truth within themselves.

This is not a change that can be rendered overnight. Real change requires the respect of certain natural laws and factors. For example, in order to grow a garden one must work with the laws of nature. The gardener must understand how the sun, moisture, the seeds and the other elements are all interrelated, and to have a successful garden there must be planning, preparation, proper effort and patience. Likewise, to transform the mind requires a great deal of proper effort and patience. You must have a good understanding of the psyche, the mind, emotion, and how all these elements interrelate with external circumstances. All of this knowledge is integral to the science of Gnosis.

The hallmarks of true Gnosis are seen in the world's greatest human beings: profound compassion, penetrating wisdom, and sparkling intelligence. The Sufis and the whirling Dervishes’ secret science is within Gnosis; the secret doctrine of Buddhism and Taoism is within Gnosis; the Nordic people’s sacred magic is within Gnosis; Hermes’, Buddha’s, Confucius’, Mohammed’s, Quetzalcoatl’s, etc., wisdom is within Gnosis; Christ’s doctrine is the essential Gnosis. However, being misunderstood at its root, both critics and misguided supporters of Gnosticism often believe that what constitutes gnosis are simply communicable secrets passed from mouth to ear, rituals performed, etc., and possessing this knowledge, or enacting some secret sacrament alone would provide salvation. This is not so.

The secret knowledge, gnosis, is something individual. Everyone has their own gnosis, given to them from that which is called God or divinity, and only one’s own gnosis can save one’s self. The Gnostics certainly did have secrets of an intellectual type, and rituals such as the Mass, but they were merely a means, an assistance, in order to reach the goal. Actual gnosis is something living and could never be found in the dead letter of any book or sermon. Yet, what books and teachings can do is point towards gnosis and aid those searching for it.

- The Will to Power, Gnosis and Happiness -

Transcending Outer Chaos thru Inner Peace

Within the soul herself is the message of immortality, it is the forbidden fruit and woe to those who pluck it from her breast. The fruit of immortality is the gift of the Will to Power, it is the reason behind existence. It is brutal and strong and is beyond the qualms and queasiness of little men and petty tyrants. It is pure dynamic force, yet encompasses and goes beyond the Libido of Freud and the integrated Self of Jung. Be aware, however, it is not mindless violence, foolish ego and petty domination. It is pure unhampered Self, and within it thrust lies the fullness (Pleroma) of individual immortality. It is the flash of light which awakens the soul
as it is issued from the Treasury above, it is the transition beyond humanity.

I forgot to say that such philosophers are cheerful and that they like to sit in the abyss below a perfectly clear sky, they need different means from other men for enduring life, for they suffer differently (namely from the profundity of their contempt for man as from their love for man). Hence the most suffering animal invented for itself - laugher.

Fredrich Nietzsche.

The Will to Power, No 990 (1885)

The Will to power transforms the Gnostic’s view of the world, he sees humanity for how they really are. This vision of the world, sometimes called The Vision of Pan, can drive the unprepared mad. For to see the futility and stupidity of human existence, the meaningless desire to create more anguish, to reproduce, to populate, to pass on the burdens and sins of our forefathers is enough to destroy even the strongest soul. To see the panorama of human existence as we emerge into each life naked, alone, weak and ignorant and leave each life much the same. Mankind is a decayed and malefic species, caught in a cosmic battle from which we cannot escape. As the darkness increases mankind becomes more and more materialistic, believing that science, pleasure and social values will save him and yet, as the news clearly shows, there is no real development, no redemption, no salvation, only more violence, destruction and death. The Gnostic must stand away from humanity, when the light within him has been awakened, he has been changed forever. Many will
try and attack that which exposes their sickness and hence to be awakened is to be in danger. We must share the wisdom with those who seek it but let the others reap the crop they have sown.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams - Acts 2:17

Transfiguration is not something that can be easily conceptualised. The human psyche is dominated by the Archons (Evil Forces) and the Demiurge (The Great Architect of Matter), our emotions are flooded with alien feeling which come from the malefic clouds of dark spirits which surround the earth, our bodies are poisoned with instincts alien to our spiritual goals. We are manipulated by our cellular programs, genes and memes mar our way. It is impossible to communicate the essence of the dimension, world or reality we originated from, the Treasury of Light and the Lord of Wisdom is so far away on every possible level. Truth is alien to us because we have never known it, as wisdom is revealed, it is twisted and turned to poison. The Kali Yuga is rolling over the earth and taking mankind with it, at the same time the forces of the Conquering sun child of Horus offer man a last chance to wake up and realise his plight. But be warned, Horus is the god of war as well as of liberation, the sun can dry up and parch a desert as quick as it can causes flowers t bloom. If we do not heed the call from the world of Light to awaken and be transformed, then as the Kali Yuga ends and time reaches its final days, as the Omega Day explodes onto our planet, then we shall surely cease to be and there will be nothing of us left - no thought, record - not even a trace. Annihilation is the hell that awaits those who do not have the eyes to see.

A lot is said about Gnosis and Gnosticism today. There are many experts and scholars who, apparently knowledgeable through the study of ancient manuscripts, declare a definitive understanding of what is and is not Gnosticism. Additionally, today there are many pseudo-New Age mystics talking about Gnosis and Gnosticism. What this leaves us with is a lot of misunderstandings and terrible confusion.

Gnosticism has been studied by many scholars, nevertheless, the fact remains that to be a scholar one does not need Gnosis. Therefore, what academia has accumulated is nothing more than unsubstantiated theories and rhetoric. Depending entirely on empirical observation and logical analysis, it is obvious that those who study in this manner have no way to understand Gnosticism, no method to acquire Gnosis. The Gnostic Mysteries are not intellectual data, but rather living experience. This is why the gnostic does not need to believe in God, but rather knows God. No one has uttered the Mystery, know no one has understood the Mystery, without having incarnating the Mystery.

What is interesting is that those who understand nothing but dust and manuscripts cannot accept these statements. By stating, “Prove otherwise, and then I will believe you…” they have already admitted their ignorance, literally, their “lack of gnosis.” The one who has Gnosis does not rely upon theories, postulates and beliefs. Nevertheless, those who do not have Gnosis continue to believe in an idea of Gnosis, they only believe what others believe, they point to other documents that believe in what they believe, and they want us to believe it too. The method is vague, even useless when brought to an extreme. They swear by it because it is all they understand.

The Gnostic understands that only God knows himself. With this in hand, we can intelligently work within our own consciousness, to transform it, to awaken it. The method is outlined in every religion, according to the time and culture upon which it was founded. In truth, the method is very exact and very clear once one unveils the keys that have been hidden. All religions are aspects of Religion. This is irrefutable when the facts are unveiled.

Gnosis only comes from within, and it is the only way to understand what Gnosticism is. True Gnosticism is the same message of the New Age of Aquarius. Totally washing away the decrepit, degenerate, old and wretched norms of the past, the message of Aquarius is totally revolutionary and therefore rejected by the masses that support and enjoy their stupidity, suffering and ignorance. The message of Gnosis is for the intelligent rebel – the rebel with a cause – the one who is looking for a path out of the darkness and who is thirsty for the everlasting waters of transcendental knowledge (Gnosis).

The Elusiveness of Happiness

Everyone travels the journey of terrestrial life. Yet, there is another journey that few travel. It is not a journey of external circumstances, but rather of one’s state of being. Although everyone changes throughout life few people actually travel this other path. This is the path up Jacob’s ladder. Each rung represents a “level of being.” The higher rungs are higher levels of being, such as the level of a saint, a prophet, or an angel. The lower rungs pertain to lower levels of being and consequently greater degrees of ignorance and suffering. The true purpose of life is to acquire ever higher levels of being. The greater the level of being one has the greater degree of freedom and happiness one experiences.

In general, society does not teach how to acquire inner knowledge. What it teaches is how to become rich, how to become respected, to be famous, to become a believer, how to conquer and gain power in this society. Some indeed do accomplish all of that. They achieve it all, yet they are not content with life, they are not happy in a true sense. The worthlessness of our modern culture’s message is self evident, yet so pervasive that few people even take a moment to question it.

Every individual believes they know how to live in the best way, and upon investigation we find that the root cause of all our action in life is to gain happiness. Contemplate this for a little bit. We act in the way we believe will give us what we want, and what we want, ultimately, is happiness. But what exactly is happiness? Is happiness getting what we want? Surely, it cannot be, because there are innumerable cases when we do get exactly what we strive for, but we still find ourselves looking for happiness, for something to satisfy us.

Is happiness a promotion at work? The respect of your family, your peers, or boss? Is it the plaques and diplomas that rest upon your wall, perhaps covered with the dust of so many yesterdays? Is it the joy of seeing your child? What if your child grows up to resent you? Where, then, is happiness? Where is happiness when life assaults you with too many unfavorable circumstances?

Some will answer that indeed happiness is one more of these things… the simple pleasures of life… but, for everyone who has experienced it all, all the “happiness” of life, what is their current psychological mood? Do they get angry? Do they get sad? Do they get cranky? Are they frustrated? Do they lie, cheat, or steal? Are they afraid of their inevitable death? Are they sexually content in every possible way? We must conclude that happiness is indeed very elusive. Where does it come from? Where does it go?

There is a common assumption that happiness is found in the world, “out there,” somewhere in the world. The reality is that happiness is a state of mind. Happiness is not a place or any type of circumstantial arising. Happiness is an intrinsic property of the universe. The problem is that our states of mind rely on the events of life. Our mind is a slave of the sustenance of temporal sensation. A true illuminated and happy person finds that happiness from within, regardless of what is occurring in the external stage of the world. A crystal clear mind of illumination does not nourish itself from the events of the world because it craves nothing.

How many times have we gotten that promotion, that raise? Surely, it feels good… but has it ever provided contentment? What provides financial contentment is not a raise, but a state of mind that lacks greed, pride, and fear. As long as one remains greedy, there will never be financial contentment. So long as one is afraid of loosing their “things,” they will always want more. As long as one is too proud to own things of lesser value, they will always need to spend more. Money does not make one greedy, it is the mind. Life does not make one sad, rather it is the quality of mind.

Today’s success is something defined along the lines of an education, a family, a house, and two cars. This is common in the western world particularly. Yet, having all of this “success” we still find ourselves discontent. So? Now we want a boat and a bigger house, and even more money, something more, something. That something cannot be bought, sold, stolen, or cheated – and when one tries to do so they only end up stealing and cheating their own birthright of gnosis. Remember Essau who sold his birthright for a bowl of porridge…

What we do not realize is that the cause of suffering and happiness lies within existence itself. Ignoring this fact we submerge ourselves into hobbies or useless activities in order to avoid the things we do not wish to know of within ourselves; in other words, we ignore, or refuse to admit that we, individually, are the cause of our own state in life. Does such an idea seem too outlandish? We can be quick to take offense at this notion, and yet, who rightfully and obviously receives proper recognition for the numerous accomplishments in one’s life? Indeed, it is all too easy for “I,” “me,” and “myself” to take credit for all that which is good, yet, how interesting is it that the failures one experiences always have long and complicated reasoning behind them.

What is necessary in order to find genuine happiness is to know the truth about ourselves. What is true and what is not true has nothing to do with an argument we form in our mind. This is an important fact to understand, because we all form a very elaborate theory in our heads to justify the state of our lives. We think, “If only people could treat me with the respect I deserve… If only my coworker was not so stupid… If only the world treated me perfectly… then, I would be happy.” This type of thinking is deceitful and incredibly harmful, nevertheless we choose to believe it because it is the argument we want to believe. We construct very elaborate arguments to appease our self illusions. In other words, we believe what we want to believe, but we pretend it is the objective truth. Ultimately, every logical argument can be refuted with an equally constructed counter-argument. An argument in itself means nothing.

The mind has the dusty fragrance of a library containing endless aisles of books. In this library we can read our many books (memories), but just as reading a book on riding a bicycle has little to do with the experience of actually riding one, accepting or rejecting theory has no bearing on its reality. True reality strikes us not from the mind, but from beyond the mind, because the mind does not have the capacity to know the truth. Perceptions are not reality. We experience reality not through ordinary thought or emotion, but something superior. We need to open up this superior aspect of ourselves because this gives us direct experience of the superior worlds, of the “ultra.” This is what is called Heaven or Nirvana.

Obviously, we need to begin with an intellectual, theoretical idea of the esoteric philosophy. Through the reading of this book one can gain a theory, however, that is of no consequence without direct experience. No book or form of logic can provide direct experience. Gnosis is direct, living experiential knowledge. Gnosis is self knowledge. The mind has already been pushed to its limits. We all know the benefits of the mind, and for this reason I do not need to write about educating the mind. We are already in this very modern society reaching the breaking point of intellectualism. The problem is that we use the mind too much. We are out of balance and as an outcome, the birth the materialistic dialectic, fanatical skepticism, sexual perversion, and a range of mental illnesses are occurring. Therefore, we need to equilibrate ourselves emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We need to regain psychosomatic equilibration.

The Self - Quasi-Autonomous

There are countless theories on God, and the vast majority of spiritual groups are simply proliferating beliefs. However, what is necessary is direct experience. The real goal of this work is for the reader to directly experience the awakening of consciousness. The awaking of consciousness is the absolute antithesis of our present state of mind. Religion tells us to awaken, but we continue to sleep within our false mental representations and mechanical associations. If we want to awaken we need to alter every aspect of our lives, because society is teaching us how to sleep, not how to awaken. To awaken means to see the truth about ourselves, and thus to see the truth in the world around us, but this is no insignificant task. In reality, it is very difficult and requires tremendous willpower.

Bull-like, noble, a hero, a great sage, and a conqueror, he who is motionless of mind, washed clean and awakened – that is what I call a brahmin. – Buddha

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. – Proverbs 20:13

Due to our sleeping consciousness, we are unaware of the superior aspects of our Being. We know nothing about our true self. We now erroneously assume we are a personality and are consequently identified with something that has no real existence. Therefore, when we awaken, we come to know what we truly are and we come to know about the universe. To know the external world one must know the internal world, because the exterior arrives through the interior. This is why when one comes to know the interior, they come to know the exterior, and likewise those who never explore their own inner psychological country will never gain true knowledge.

It is clear that our interior is a frightful area to situate our attention upon, namely because we never spend any time observing our interior. We rarely, if ever, take the time to contemplate the secret interior impulses of our actions. We ignore our dreams at night to the point of amnesia. Our minds often race at a million miles an hour, and many only find relaxation through the consumption of alcohol or drugs. All of this is evidence of escapism. It is quite evident that we are smothering our insecurities in vain attempts to remove them. We “escape” through whatever means necessary, because, ultimately, we are afraid of the monster in our dreams, we are afraid to actually look at the mess we have created, we do not want to know what we have made ourselves into. When we unleash that monster, and a fit of rage surges forth, we later state, “I did not act like myself…” Well, if that wasn’t you, then who was it? It is that which you try so diligently to ignore, to escape.

Let us now manifestly understand that few people possess the courage to stand in full attention within the darkness of their own creation. Rare is the one who can make out the Path to the Light through the dense, dark labyrinth of their own conditioning. Who actually wants to look in the mirror and see who they really are? Who wants to know how they are seen by others? Who wishes to take responsibility for all the hateful things they have done? Begin to observe life and one will find that very few people want to know who they truly are. People rather live as who they wish to be, who they dream of being.

One can catch their voice saying things like, “When it comes to cleaning the house, I’m a real fanatic… but that’s ok.” Within this absurd affirmation is a speck of gnosis, a little tiny bit of self-knowledge. To simply justify our fanaticism because we like our fanaticism and we have no desire to remove it will never lead to understanding our fanaticism. Thus our knowledge remains hidden. But to look at it squarely, front and center, without evasion or prevarication, to actually probe the reason behind action: that is something that gives us self-knowledge. You may not know this yet, but self-knowledge is the key to life and death and happiness itself. But, to even grasp this latter fact, one must first have gnosis of finding gnosis! So, just for now take my word for it: self-knowledge is summit and key of all knowledge.

The state of dream is a state of ignorance. We dream constantly, and we are therefore ignorant. All day we dream of being correct, superior, justified… We think with unknowing arrogance, “That driver just cut me off and almost caused a car accident… how could he be so stupid? Why are these people ruining my day?” Once again, this rather odd behavior is seen as normal. In reality it is not normal at all. Perhaps it is normal for a child to cry in front of spilt milk, yet what kind of normal adult would get angry at another person? What is normal in this world is abnormality.

Society itself is greatly infected with a disease that causes this abnormal behavior. The name of the disease is called “ego.” It is not of a physical nature, but rather of a psychological nature, and as a result our psychological degradation is quite profound. We are very, very sick, so sick that it takes a large dose of highly concentrated medicine to get better. Being that our illness is of a psychological nature, it is obvious that this medicine is also psychological.

The medicine is gnosis. Sometimes medicine does not taste good. Sometimes, to get better, one has to go through a lot of pain, a lot of crisis, just as a patient needs to go through physical ordeals, like surgery, in order to ultimately be cured. The reader will now understand why Buddha has been known for over 2500 years to be The Great Healer. Jesus healed people of leprosy, yet today this is easy, any doctor can cure leprosy. But who can cure themselves of psychological leprosy? The esoteric significance of Jesus healing the leprous is purely of a psychological nature.

The pleasure that appears as poison in the beginning, but is like nectar in the end, comes by the grace of Self-knowledge, and is in the mode of goodness. – The Bhagavad Gita 18.37

The truth is we like to get angry, otherwise, why would we be angry? Have we ever examined our anger? Of course our anger likes to be angry! The answer is to remove our anger through comprehending it, to destroy even the shadow of it, not to justify it through reasoning or condemn it through repression. To annihilate one’s anger is not something many wish to do, because, they think “that is a part of me, that is who I am, that makes me unique.” That is a true statement, but the question then becomes: Why do we like to hold on to our sufferings, why do we want anger to be a part of “who I am?”

If we were to spend just a small amount of time observing it, we would quickly conclude that our psychological country is a mess. It is a land of destitution where various desires fight as war lords to gain dominance and to reign as king. When one particular “lord” becomes governor, we personify that desire: we become identified with it. In that moment, we are that desire, we act in accordance with it – that is until another arrives and takes control. This is how we change our minds, how we say one thing and do another, how we feel one way today and another way tomorrow. Thus, in the same way a puppet is under the influence of the strings that suspend him, so are we subservient to different, contradictory and quasi-autonomous psychological constitutions of our own creation.

If we continue to observe this land, we will discover with astonishment the tangible actions that create and destroy these particular “war lords.” This is precisely what we are after in the esoteric philosophy, because if we know how to stop acting in ways that cause suffering and to begin acting in ways that produce happiness, then we can at least have a choice in life.

The “self” is the suffering, the “self” is the arrogance, it is the pride, it is the ignorance, and therefore it is the “self” that must die. That may sound unrealistic, but that statement is more real than any of the lies we live by. It is the essential truth that religion teaches. Have you transformed your life into everlasting happiness? Have you transformed your life in to conscious happiness? Do you have control over your happiness? Do you really know what happiness is? My friend, we have to awaken, and only then do we have a choice in life. Happiness has nothing to do with sensation, it is not pleasure, and it is not a feeling as it is normally understood. We learn to smile at work and for the camera, but that is not happiness. Happiness is not something to be learned or forced.

Happiness is a joy of existing close to the glory of God, and God is not a person. He is an intelligence, he is love, he is happiness. This is how we must understand happiness. It is a deceitful notion that happiness is something to do with sensuality, hording money, “making my parents proud,” or one million other ridiculous ideas of the sort.

We have no conception of true happiness. Some people hear about Nirvana and think, “What will I do if I attain nirvana? Enlightenment seems boring… meditation looks dull…” This manner of thinking exemplifies of our incorrect understanding of happiness. We commonly believe happiness has to do with sensation, thus an activity such as meditation – an activity which has little to do with sensation – seems anything but happy. Nevertheless, when meditation is practiced correctly, it brings about experiences that cannot be described in words, which is true joy. Therefore, it is imperative to transvalue our concept of happiness.

It is important to understand that these are not fantastic ideas that simply manifest because we believe in them. We are speaking of the great events that occur due to great sacrifices, triumphs, and efforts. Many people who are searching for “something,” are searching for a new set of beliefs. What is better is direct experience, because no belief leads to happiness. For Gnosis is lived upon facts, withers away in abstractions and is difficult to find even in the noblest of thoughts.

- The Gnostic versus The Sectarian -



Sheeps, Shepherds and Gnostics

A Gnostic is anti-sectarian in every way with one critical exception. While it is true that there is only one path to God, this path can be traversed in two directions. Remember Jacob’s Ladder, where Angels were not only ascending, but descending as well. So it is important to note that throughout history not all these ancient so-called “Gnostic” sects were alike: some were using the knowledge in a negative way, and other groups made use of the knowledge in a positive way. Some traditions call these the Left Hand Path and the Right Hand Path.

From the academic viewpoint, these two sides are sometimes viewed as ascetic forms of Gnosticism and hedonistic forms of Gnosticism. It is plainly evident that Gnosticism and its antithesis are very concerned with sexuality. Some sects preached the strictest chastity and purity, where there were other sects that taught defilement and debauchery. This is pointed out clearly in chapter 147 of the book called The Pistis Sophia, where Jesus denounces the hedonistic sexual acts purported by other false sects. These other sects are the false Gnostic sects. The false Gnostic sects practice the same doctrine of the Nicholaitans mentioned in the second chapter of Revelation.

Modern pseudo-Gnostic groups, some from the “left,” and some from “right,” want to castrate the teachings of The Pistis Sophia. They want to use the parts they adore and love, and throw away the parts that contradict their own ideas of Gnosticism. They believe that Gnosticism is a free-for-all where one can do whatever one pleases, and indeed, even some believe that this is the very essence of Gnosticism.

Of course, everyone is free to possess their own viewpoints. Therefore, we must state that the man we call Jesus is the supreme Patriarch of the Gnostic Church. This Church is open and accessible to those devout aspirants who awaken their consciousness. Jesus taught the methods to acquire gnosis, but when he delivered his doctrine it was not proper at that time to teach everything publicly, thus the esoteric teachings of Jesus are found in the ancient Coptic text The Pistis Sophia. The time has now arrived to teach everything publicly, and this is evidenced by all the Gnostic scriptures that have been found throughout the last two hundred years. The Pistis Sophia is the Gnostic Bible.

The Pistis Sophia contains all the words of the adorable Savior of the world. It was written by the Apostles. Thus, all the Esoteric-Christic instructions that Jesus Christ gave to his disciples on the Mount of the Olives and other holy places is written within this book. This book had been conserved in secret for many centuries. In this book, the Adorable One left an extraordinary, formidable body of doctrine. Modern Christianity can be traced back to St. Paul, when his sect of Gnosticism was selected as the major source for what became the New Testament. Contrary to popular belief, Paul’s teachings are pure Gnosticism. Unfortunately, without understanding Gnosticism, his writings lack their true depth. The literal interpretations purported today of Paul’s writings are not the complete teachings of Christ.

During the times of Jesus there were many men of great wisdom living in the area. Today we can call these people Initiates, Masters, or Gnostics. Whatever the name, these people knew very well about the upcoming birth of Jesus and they prepared the area by teaching their knowledge, forming many of the Gnostic sects. However, some of these people ended up betraying the divine plan because, due to jealously, they did not wish to divulge the wisdom to the masses. So, there was of course a great struggle, and in the end darkness fell over the Earth for many centuries. We know these times as the Dark Ages. It was during these times that the Initiatic Colleges closed their doors and humanity was left to drift upon the waters of its own Machiavellian current.

The Initiatic Colleges were the schools of authentic esotericism. They were found at the heart of all the great religions. These schools existed for the few, the elite, those who proved worthy, those of unquestionable humility, sanctity, and charity. These schools existed in Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Greece, Chaldea, Rome, Phoenicia, as well as in the heart of India, China, the lands of the Druids, Persia, etc., etc. They educated the chosen ones, and as a consequence when these schools flourished, civilization advanced, yet when they closed, civilization lost its secret guides and darkness covered the Earth.

To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not hear.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the esoteric wisdom… (St. Paul) – Luke 8:10

Esotericism, or the esoteric philosophy, is really one and same as that which we call Gnosis or Gnosticism. Weaving its way through philosophical, religious, artistic and scientific doctrine, the esoteric philosophy is the common golden thread uniting all divine wisdom. It is everywhere, yet, so hidden that few people even consider its very existence. The concealment has been so complete that its existence has all but been completely forgotten. Many “authoritative” voices express extreme skepticism and contempt towards the very idea of something so profound, yet so unknown. Nevertheless this is the way it is. It seems that the best way to hide something is to speak through symbolism. In this way a single message contains multiple meanings: those who are prepared to hear the superior Word will hear it, and those who are not prepared will find a lesser meaning. Different beings need different nourishment, and in this way the one who needs meat, will find meat, and the one who needs milk, will find milk. Milk is easy to ingest, yet meat provides the real nourishment.

The esoteric philosophy is the superior teachings of religion. Yet, these teachings give spiritual “indigestion” for those not ready for them: it is too much, too direct, too radical, too harsh, or too difficult. For these reasons Paul, the great Gnostic Hierophant stated the following:

I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able – 1 Corinthians 3:2

Now we can understand a bit clearer as to why Jesus spoke in parables, and why some were given the secrets and some not. Jesus is savior of this wretched Earth. He arrived during the Age of Pisces and thus we find the symbol of the fish related to Christ, and his first teaching was turning water into wine. This act of transmutation is authentic Alchemy, a pillar of Esoteric Christianity, and it represents a process that must transpire within both our mundane and “ultra” physiology.

Terribly, the purity of Christianity was vastly diluted, and the spirit of Christ’s hidden doctrine survived only on the fringe of civilization. Things began to change with the Renaissance, where enlightened men began to rediscover the ancient forgotten manuscripts which revived literature and philosophy. Likewise, art and music began to flourish. Esoteric societies slowly came out from total repose. Religious freedoms were becoming a reality, and eventually culminated in many religious groups populating the Americas.

Jesus did not found the Roman Catholic Church; Jesus founded the Gnostic Church. The Gnostic Church existed in the times of Saint Augustine. This is the Church which was known by Jeronimo, Empedocles, Saint Thomas, Marcion de Ponto, Clement of Alexandria, Tertulian, Saint Ambrosio, Harpocrates and all of the first Fathers of the Church. In that epoch, the Church was named the Catholic Gnostic Church. The Roman Catholic Church in its present form was not founded by Jesus. This Roman Church is a deviation or corruption, a fallen branch of the holy Gnosticism. The Roman Catholic Church is a cadaver...

In this present time, the Roman Catholic Church has totally lost the tradition. That is why we see that in this Roman Church the fire of the temple is lit by acolyte boys, an action that is not only an absurdity, but more over, a very grave sacrilege and an insult to life itself.

Dawn of a New Age

Authors such as Eliphas Levi wrote publicly about various esoteric topics as early as the 17th Century. Esoteric societies continued to spread. Historically we find portions of the esoteric philosophy within Alchemy, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, sects of Sufism, tantric Buddhism, the Kabbalah, Himalayan ashrams, etc. Each center was a small beacon of light that few people had the access or power to find. Yet, by the late 1800s, the vast majority of these esoteric schools were degenerated beyond repair, having lost or corrupting the authentic and immutable esoteric philosophy. It was at this time that a formal introduction to “The New Age Doctrine” was given to the world by H. P. Blavatsky, calling her movement Theosophy, which means “intuitive insight into the nature of God.”

Theosophy had its share of initiates, however, even before their deaths, politics and schisms degenerated the teachings. Many people studied the doctrine from a purely theoretical point of view. They believed, and many continue to believe to this day that through their theories they will perfect themselves.

Rudolf Steiner addressed this with books of practical esotericism in his school of Anthroposophy. G. I. Gurdjieff, also tired of so many theories, started a school of self development in which he taught The Doctrine of the Many “I’s” which he learned in Tibet. Before degenerating, the Order of the Golden Dawn produced many prolific writers such as Dion Fortune. Max Heindel delivered to us Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception; Mainly P. Hall wrote a library of wisdom, including the Secret Teachings of All Ages.

J. Krishnamurti, after dissolving the Order of the Star of the East, promulgated a doctrine that is absolutely practical and full of wisdom. Likewise, many Yogis of the orient began delivering their doctrine to the West. For example, it is good to study the practical yoga of Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, and Paramahansa Yogananda.

If this inner doctrine were always concealed from the masses, for whom a simpler code had been devised, is it not highly probable that the exponents of every aspect of modern civilization – philosophic, ethical, religious, and scientific – are ignorant of the true meaning of the very theories and tenets on which their beliefs are founded? Do the arts and sciences that the race has inherited from older nations conceal beneath their fair exterior a mystery so great that only the most illumined intellect can grasp its import? Such is undoubtedly the case. (Manly Palmer Hall)

In Christianity, too, especially as far as its central point, the Mystery of Golgotha, is concerned, we must make a distinction between exoteric conceptions and esoteric knowledge. An exoteric contemplation of Christianity, accessible to all the world, is contained in the Gospels. Side by side with this exoteric contemplation, there has always been an esoteric Christianity for those who were willing - as I have said before - to prepare their hearts and minds in an adequate way for the reception of an esoteric Christianity. (Rudolf Steiner)

All of these authors and movements worked in their own way to divulge parts of the esoteric philosophy to the public as part of a larger plan to eventually reemerge the totality of Gnosticism to the public and reestablish the Initiatic Colleges for all of humanity.

Therefore, these individuals kept away from the highest secrets of the esoteric philosophy for they were only preparations for the teacher that Blavatsky, Stiener and Moria speak of in their works. The one they were referring to is Samael Aun Weor, as he is responsible for unveiling the full mysteries of the esoteric philosophy to the public. Consequently this book is based off his teachings.

Since Gnostic studies have progressed extraordinarily in recent times, no educated person would fall today as in the past, into the simplistic error of associating the flow of Gnosis with some exclusive spiritual latitude. Although it is true that in any Gnostic system we must take into account its Eastern Hellenistic elements, including Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, India, Palestine, Egypt, etc, we must never ignore the Gnostic principles visible in the sublime religious cults of the Indo-American Nahuas, Toltecs, Aztecs, Zapotecs, Mayas, Chibchas, Incas, Quechuas, etc.

Speaking quite frankly and straightforward, we will state: Gnosis is a very natural function of the Consciousness, a Perennis et Universalis Philosophy. Unquestionably, Gnosis is the enlightened knowledge of the Divine Mysteries, which are reserved for a certain elite. The word ‘Gnosticism’ encloses within its grammatical structure the idea of systems or methods dedicated to the study of Gnosis.

‘Gnosticism’ implies a coherent, clear and precise series of fundamental elements that can be verified through direct mystical experience:

Damnation, from a scientific and philosophic point of view. The Adam and Eve of the Hebraic Genesis. The Original Sin and the fall from Paradise. The Mystery of Nahua Lucifer. The Death of the Myself. The Creative Powers. The essence of the Salvator Salvandus. The Sexual Mysteries. The Intimate Christ. The Igneous Serpent of our magical powers. The Descent into Hell. The Return to Eden. The Gift of Mephistopheles

Only the Gnostic doctrines that entail the abovementioned Ontological, Theological and Anthropological bases are part of genuine Gnosticism.

Within the final sentancing of this presentation, let us see what H.P.Blavatsky`s Take is, on The Secret Doctrine. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw an acceleration of the process of bringing all the streams of wisdom together once more. In her remarkable Secret Doctrine (1888), H.P.Blavatsky stated explicitly:

These truths are in no sense put forward as a revelation; nor does the author claim the position of a revealer of mystic lore, now made public for the first time in the world's history. For what is contained in this work is to be found scattered throughout thousands of volumes embodying the scriptures of the great Asiatic and early European religions, hidden under glyph and symbol, and hitherto left unnoticed because of this veil. What is now attempted is to gather the oldest tenets together and to make of them one harmonious and unbroken whole. The sole advantage which the writer has over her predecessors, is that she need not resort to personal speculations and theories. For this work is a partial statement of what she herself has been taught by more advanced students, supplemented, in a few details only, by the results of her own study and observation. The publication of many of the facts herein stated has been rendered necessary by the wild and fanciful speculations in which many Theosophists and students of mysticism have indulged, during the last few years, in their endeavour to, as they imagined, work out a complete system of thought from the few facts previously communicated to them.

It is needless to explain that this book is not the Secret Doctrine in its entirety, but a select number of fragments of its fundamental tenets, special attention being paid to some facts which have been seized upon by various writers, and distorted out of all resemblance to the truth.

But it is perhaps desirable to state unequivocally that the teachings, however fragmentary and incomplete, contained in these volumes, belong neither to the Hindu, the Zoroastrian, the Chaldean, nor the Egyptian religion, neither to Buddhism, Islam, Judaism nor Christianity exclusively. The Secret Doctrine is the essence of all these. Sprung from it in their origins, the various religious schemes are now made to merge back into their original element, out of which every mystery and dogma has grown, developed, and become materialised. - H.P.Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine (1888)

Yet, she herself stated that the full revelation of the Mysteries of Gnosis would come at a later date:

In Century the Twentieth some disciple more informed, and far better fitted, may be sent by the Masters of Wisdom to give final and irrefutable proofs that there exists a Science called Gupta-Vidya; and that, like the once- mysterious sources of the Nile, the source of all religions and philosophies now known to the world has been for many ages forgotten and lost to men, but is at last found. - H.P.Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine (1888)

The Gnostic student seeks to acquire their own direct experience of the Truth by means of awakening the consciousness and eliminating obscurations to perception, otherwise called "egos" or "aggregates." The method to accomplish this task has been called Gnosis, the Way, the Dharma, Jnana, Daath, and many other names. By comparing them all, we can see that all religious forms have in their heart a science of Gnosticism: a method to arrive at personal knowledge of the Truth.

While many in these times associate the word Gnosis with a collection of texts found in the deserts of the Middle East (such as the Nag Hammdhi texts or Dead Sea Scrolls), or with long-lost groups of spiritual seekers (like the Essenes), the truth is that those writings and groups were but one fraction of a much older, more widespread movement, but one that cannot be tracked by physical evidence alone: it can only be truly known through awakened, conscious experience - not only here in the physical world, but also in the Internal Worlds, by means of techniques such as meditation, dream yoga, and more.

The evidence of this core religion can be found by any study of comparitive religion, in which the same themes and symbols are found to be ubiquitous. While some have argued that this is mere happenstance or unconscious symbolism, the truth is far more powerful: there is ubiquitous symbolism in religion because there is one ubiquitous religion, but whose true form and meaning is only hazily perceived by the sleeping consciousness of mankind. Due to this, messengers arrive from time to time to clarify the One True Religion: messengers such as Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Quetzalcoatl, Krishna, Moses, Fu Ji, and many more: all of them taught Gnosis, but according to the needs of the time and place.

We are not against any religion, school, sect, order or lodge because we know that all religious forms are manifestations of the great Cosmic Universal Infinite Religion latent in every atom of the Cosmos. We teach the synthesis of all religions, schools, orders, lodges and beliefs. This doctrine is the Doctrine of the Synthesis.

With that said, it is now understood, that the light of spiritual wisdom has expressed itself in many forms, according to the needs of any particular time and place. Those forms have been called "religions" but all spring from that one light: the one true religion. This essential knowledge awakens the consciousness and eliminates suffering, and must be known through our own direct experience. The Greek word Gnosis refers to the knowedge acquired through the experience of the awakened consciousness, as opposed to knowledge that we are told or might believe. Genuine Gnosis is the knowledge universal to all humanity that frees the consciousness from suffering. Gnosis - by whatever name in history or culture - is conscious, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual or conceptual knowledge, belief or theory.

All religions have the same principles. Under the sun, every religion is born, grows, develops, multiplies into many sects and dies. This is how it has always been and will always be. Religious principles never die. The religious forms can die, but the religious principles, in other words, the eternal values, can never die. They continue; they are re-dressed with new forms.

Every religious doctrine contains two fundamental levels as stated before in this book. Firstly, the external, base, or exoteric teaching that instructs the public. Secondly, the esoteric or hidden teaching which is historically taught to only to a select group of individuals who were deemed worthy. The esoteric doctrine, gnosis, is today being publically delivered, yet the majority of people are not interested. The vehicles (different schools, sects, and teachings) of the esoteric doctrine have waxed and waned throughout the centuries. The pontiffs of strictly exoteric vehicles have regularly persecuted the esoteric vehicles. Nevertheless, a body without a heart is not a living body. The heart of all doctrines is referred to as gnosis.

The purpose of a soul being born into the body of an intellectual animal (incorrectly referred to as “human being”) is to transform instinctive, group-will, into intelligent and true individual will. This humanity is a failure at achieving this goal, and, instead, has developed a powerful current towards the crystallization of animalistic desire. Desire is the outcome of acting under ignorance, and ignorance is the inevitable outcome of enacting intellect without awakened consciousness.

It is necessary to awaken the consciousness in order to acquire gnosis, which is knowledge of one’s self. Through the development of gnosis The Doctrine of Many “I’s” is experienced, and, as a consequence, provides the realization of the imperative nature to destroy all psychological aggregates, because this is the only way to engender true, individual, human will. Without comprehension, psychological death is impossible. Meditation is the tool to acquire comprehension. The purpose of meditation is to discover one’s self. Forms of meditation are found in every religion.

The heart of religious pursuit is sexual in nature. The exoteric forms of religion require total sexual abstinence. The esoteric forms of religion teach how to transmute the sexual energy. Religious forms that undervalue sex, abuse sex, or repress sex, are dead or dying doctrines. Nothing occurs due to belief. Faith is not belief. Faith is direct experience, a testimony of reality. Nothing occurs without a cause, and every cause has a measured effect. Without the Wedding Garments of the Soul, the soul cannot be received in Heaven. The Wedding Garments are fabricated using the “loop of thread” (tantrism).

The Being knows itself through his image, which is deposited in the sexual energy of the human soul. By transmuting the sexual energy, the image of God shines within the human soul. Sex has the power to create and destroy not only physically, but psychically and spiritually. Sex is the power of the soul. The Christ Principle finds itself in every school, religion, and tradition. It is only the name of the Principle that changes. The Christ is the Father of all Gods, the Verb, the Word, the Logos, the Light, the Life, the Way, and the Truth. The Being is the Being, and the reason for the Being is to be the Being itself. Nevertheless, without cognizance, the happiness of the Being remains incomplete.

After contemplating all of this, the time has come to retire from the theoretical world and enter into the field of action. I think it is true that this humanity has grown weary from so many theories; today everyone wants to see for themselves. With the right effort, we can all begin to awaken and with that, enter in the higher modes of life. What is more important than to know how to live without conflict? What is nobler than attempting to achieve the highest possibilities of a human? What is better than acquiring happiness?

Correctly practiced, the ancient teachings presented within are a pedagogy of the soul, a prescription for the alleviation of suffering, but, just as reading a doctor’s prescription will do nothing to cure illness, neither will a theoretical reading of this book remedy the sorrows of life. In the end, it does not matter what one thinks, or does not think. It does not matter what one believes, or does not believe. What matters is that we become conscious, intelligent, creative, and responsible human beings. Everything else in life is of little value.

Gnosis is for those that truly seek divine liberation from the Quasi-Autonomous-Govern-Mental impressions that torments us at so many levels in so many ways. However there is hope for the ignorant masses, for the resurfacing of the true Gnosis has come once again, as the Heraldic period moves towards Aquarius mankind is heading towards a new period of both hope and destruction. The Kali Yuga is also accelerating towards its conclusion in blood and annihilation, Ragnarok is certainly on the way. At the same time, as the ages change, the Treasury of Light is working overtime to awaken man. During this century the Dead Sea Scrolls, Nag Hammadi Library and other finds have offered an unprecedented opportunity for us to be re-aquainted with the Gnosis. Gnosticism has become the talk of the town and yet that is all it is for most
- talk. Traditional Christianity has reached its most degenerative and barbaric form and is blinding the masses from appreciating their true position. Science continues to spew forth its nihilistic materialism, but offers little vision. The pleroma is demanding mans transformation - he must either develop or cease to be. The Path of Transfiguration is calling those who realize that their only hope is to go beyond the human condition, to reject the values of the earth, to fight against the cycles of eternal re-occurrence and return home to the Treasury of Light. The Equinox of the Gods is a final call to mankind, it is the last opportunity before the age ends and the
Judgement of Maat begins.

In conclusion

As of what was quoted from The Secret Doctrine, the Occulted Gnosis which has been hidden for many ages forgotten and lost to men, is at last found. Indeed, for with the unveiling of its mysteries, we now see the truth, that all things, all circumstance that occur outside ourselves, on the stage of this world (let alone the numerous worlds beyond our own), are exclusively the reflection of what we carry within. With good reason then, we can solemnly declare that the ‘exterior is the reflection of the interior.’ When someone changes internally and if that change is radical, within accordance and exact to the timeless teachings of the secret doctrines of Gnosis, then circumstances, life and the external also change.

... I say unto you seeker ...

You do not have to believe me; In fact do not believe me: Find out the truth of these things for yourself.

For then and only then, will you see God face to face !

- The End -