Gnosis and Gnosticism: General Information and Clarifications

With a lot of my current writings talking about Gnosticism, it is important to talk about its root word. Its root word is called "Gnosis," which is the key to salvation. It is the most important key to transcendence and enlightenment. I am writing this to you to answer some important questions about Gnosis. I am also writing this article to make a clarification in my previous writing called "The Christian Gnostic Manifesto," in which various practicing Gnostic's or knowledgeable people of Gnosticism have told me that my definition in my Manifesto section called "The Value of Gnosis" was incorrect and poorly stated. I will now further elaborate on "The Value of Gnosis." As showing my thanks to the people who delved deeper into my article pulling out the various misconceptions I have written I have put a link for the Palm Tree Garden Forum as the place where I had my article constructively criticized.

a.
Clarification of Writing

When I wrote previously about the value of Gnosis I stated that "...this knowledge is not so much intellectual knowledge as it is the knowledge contained in wisdom and the experience of the divine which is all around us. As we are part of the divine light that is the One True God..." a reply from a more knowledgeable Gnostic should me that even though this is part of the Gnostic belief it is not the full belief. Brother Spark goes on to say: "The 'Gnosis' of Gnosticism is the experiential/mystical result of the body of mysticism and doctrines in the Gnostic tradition."

My idea of Gnosis allow though incomplete is not wrong rather it's missing a few crucial points. Theodor goes on to say that: "But I tend to think that gnosis is in some way related to the internet. It's available to anyone and everyone, resists authoritarian control, it's a great leveler, gives everyone direct access to information and a voice." From this one can infer that Gnosis is an individual experience and Gnosticism is an organized religion.

b.
Value of Gnosis

"How Do I Receive It?"

Gnosis is not received from God. It is already in you it is an intuitive knowing of God. It is very personal and effects the *achiever* very deeply on many levels of one's being. You achieve Gnosis through stillness; non judgment and openness one achieves Gnosis. It does not need to be called or "evoked". Gnosis is often equated to The Divine Spark of Sophia that is within your true self. However, the experience of Gnosis is not limited to that which is described above you can study Kabbalah and learn how that his connected to the experience of Gnosis. In fact, the invisible Sephira "Daath" is connected to Gnosis intimately.

"What is its Purpose?"

Gnosis is a method to develop discipline and psychological stability. It is a means to arrive at genuine inner tranquility. Gnosis is the awakening of the individual. And the great beauty of Gnosis is that it presents a method which uses tools that we already have within. So that when we experience Gnosis we do not need to rely on anything or anyone other than ourselves, with the exception of The Grace of God. Our happiness and wellbeing is up to us, and when we discover how to develop 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. Carl Jung a famous psychologist reveals the connections in his pivotal theory of individuation, i.e. the journey to wholeness, and the powerful, visionary myths told by the pioneers of the psyche, the Gnostics relate hand in hand with what Carl Jung talks about with Gnosis.

"Where Does It Come from?"

Gnosis comes from within. It is a divine light within that you already know yet are ignorant of because, of the powers that be and the unenlightened conditions of society. These powers are either working against you directly or are have there own intention and may or may not be willing to help you. According to the "Dialogue of The Savior", when Jesus and his disciples discuss the Place of Life, Matthew asks Jesus if he can see the Place of Life and Jesus said that you cannot see it (directly) as long as you are in the flesh. Than Matthew than ask Jesus if he might understand The Place of Life. Jesus tells them that "Everyone who knows oneself has seen oneself. Everything that person is given to do that person does. So such a person has come to resemble that place in his goodness." Clearly, when you know yourself through Gnosis than everything you do will be emanations of the Place of Life. For those who have not received Gnosis this phrase can be used in practical terms as to stay true to yourself and prove nothing to know one if you do not want to.

"Why Do I Need It?"

Gnosis is equivalent to the Eastern sense of attaining Nirvana and enlightenment. It is through achieving Gnosis that everything that was once imperfect becomes perfect and allows you to transcend your current transient situations and problems. However, the best description of the value of Gnosis can be found in The Gnostic Gospel of Truth "He who thus is going to have knowledge (Gnosis) knows whence he came and whither he is going. He knows it as a person who, having become intoxicated, has turned from his drunkenness and having come to himself, has restored what is his own."

Gnosis restores everything in and around you to a godly state of being. When you know yourself your true objectives than you know what your must do in this life and onwards and what you have been doing. You know what you must do and when you do; do it; it will be harmonious and in line with The Will of God. In the Gnostic tradition it is an important goal to experience Gnosis in order to return to God and escape the sufferings of the world. Through Gnosis you are living quite essentially in two worlds at once. The Kingdom of God on Earth and Living in God in Heaven, at once in life.