What is Gnosis?

The word Gnosis means 'knowledge'. Not the type of theoretical knowledge that we acquire through the intellect, but a deep and profound spiritual knowledge that is gained from direct experience. This type of spiritual knowledge has been sought after throughout the ages, so although the word originates from ancient Greek, it could easily be applied to the mystical practices and teachings of a multitude of esoteric schools, religions and civilizations. The teachings of gnosis could be found contained within Greek mythology, the ancient civilizations of the Egyptians, Aztecs and Incas and within schools such as Buddhism, Judaism and Taoism among others. It is however the group of early Christian occultists called the Gnostics with which the term is most commonly associated.

The Gnostics were a group of spiritual practitioners who were around shortly after Jesus. The school emerged from those who were close to Jesus and had grasped the real esoteric side of his teachings. The majority of people at this time only grasped the external aspect of Jesus' teachings, missing their true esoteric or hidden meaning. The Gnostics however, kept the heart of his teachings alive, using the keys left by Jesus to transform themselves spiritually, passing on the secret knowledge to those who could understand. The texts of the Gnostics, which were written in symbolic form, include many gospels not included in the Bible and also the Nag Hammadi Library, which was only recently discovered. These texts contain great insight into the true teachings of Jesus, in which gaining gnosis or knowledge of oneself is of paramount importance. As Jesus says to Thomas in the "Gospel of Thomas the Contender":

"Now since it has been said that you are my twin and true companion, examine yourself that you may understand who you are, in what way you exist, and how you will come to be. Since you are called my brother, it is not fitting that you be ignorant of yourself… For he who has not known himself has known nothing, but he who has known himself has at the same time already achieved knowledge about the depth of the All."

The limited understanding of Jesus' teachings held by the masses led to the development of orthodox Christianity where people based their spirituality mainly upon blind belief of God and worship of Jesus. The approach of the Gnostics went much deeper as they understood that action not beliefs would liberate and unite them with God. That through mystical practice, spiritual dimensions could be accessed and explored and divine beings could be contacted directly. The Gnostics used these hidden teachings as a practical guide to achieve their own innate divinity, achieving amazing results of real and tangible gnosis by consciously investigating and transforming their psychology, reuniting with the divine within themselves. At the heart of gnosis lie mystical and revolutionary practices allowing the practitioners to rid themselves of negativity within and rejuvenate and transform themselves through the practice of Tantrism or Alchemy.

These hidden keys and practices were not exclusive to Jesus' teachings, or the Gnostics, but have existed within many esoteric schools and religions in one form or another. They have often been hidden in symbols or parables, only allowing those who understood their intimate meaning to walk the path to enlightenment and achieve unimaginable gnosis or knowledge in the process. Throughout history, there has always existed a school in which the true esoteric teachings of gnosis have been known and practiced, allowing those true seekers to understand and fulfill the spiritual potential that each person has. In more recent times gnosis has manifested through such vehicles as the tradition of Alchemy of the Middle Ages.

The mystical and magical attainment of gnosis, or knowledge, is not something far off, but is something each one of us can access and attain in the here and now. In very recent times the core of these universal teachings of gnosis have been made openly public, in a form readily understandable to our modern society. It was Samael Aun Weor who through his own practical investigations and knowledge began the modern day Gnostic Movement, bringing to light the common threads in all religious traditions and laying out the map of the spiritual path for all to use as a guide. Today Gnosticweb carries on the tradition of revealing these most sacred of teachings and presenting them in a straightforward manner under the direction of Belzebuub, the current living Master of modern gnosis. Now any sincere person can understand and actively pursue the attainment of gnosis within their daily lives and walk along the path to enlightenment.

To learn more about Gnosis visit www.gnosticweb.com, where you can take the free 9-week courses Gnosticweb offers both online and in study centers around the world.

www.gnosticweb.com

www.gnosticjudas.com

Gnosticweb is the site for Modern Gnosis, where the ancient Gnostic teachings are given in modern form, through free online courses. Interact with other students from around the world in public forums – joining others in their quest for knowledge. Learn about Gnosis, and how you can use it to change and obtain peace.

The untold story of Judas. Discover the real Judas Iscariot, along with incredible information on the Gospel of Judas, Gnosis, Gnosticism, the Gnostics, the life of Jesus and the disciples, and includes the real image of Jesus and more.