The origins of Gnosis
Gnosis is a natural function of the human consciousness and forms the wisdom and understanding of mankind and its place in creation. It has existed as long as humanity because it is human in nature. It is man that makes the distinctions amongst the many traditions that have existed throughout our history. Gnosis is their unity. But man often confuses the means with the ends; in reality, it is through Gnosis that the wisdom arises that enabled these traditions to blossom. The diverse forms of spiritual practice from different times and cultures, expressed through different languages, all originate from the very human yearning for the divine and the need to understand oneself.
It has been written that all religions are precious pearls strung on the golden thread of divinity. Therefore, we find gnosis in the ancient Egyptian tradition, the Hebraic Kabbalah, the Persian mystery cults, the Sufism of Islam, within Christianity... It is found in the many traditions of the east: Zen, Chan & Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism... We find it in many so-called primitive and indigenous cultures of the Americas, Australia and others. Throughout time, man has sought the divine through human means. We are one humanity yearning to perceive and comprehend the truth.
In the past, this wisdom was not openly or readily available to the public, but was revealed only to those who had been initiated into the mysteries of the various schools, sects, traditions and lodges. There are many reasons for this and time and culture have played their part as has the needs of humanity and its circumstances.
Man and his concept of himself and the divine are intricately linked with the life, time and culture in which he lives; we see this clearly reflected through art, science, philosophy, education, medicine, politics and religious practice. If we consider the vast changes that man has undergone in all aspects of life in the past 400 years, in particular the reformation, enlightenment and industrial revolution, we find his concept of and expression and participation with religion and spirituality greatly transformed by the early part of the twentieth century.
Modern gnosis, as taught today, comes from the writings and practices of Samael Aun Weor, who was born in 1917 in Colombia and so came at a time of significant change in all aspects of life. Encompassing this transitional time, he synthesized the precepts of the philosophers, mystics and adepts of ancient traditions into an integrated and comprehensive system of knowledge and instruction. This system provides a means for personal Gnosis, a complete and comprehensive process whereby any person can awaken consciousness and achieve complete self-realisation, liberation, awakening or reunion with divinity.
Gnosis points the way to the truth beyond sectarian belief and philosophical and religious theory and dogma; it is beyond personality for it is the intimate and direct experiential knowledge of the human and the divine. It is available to all, yet requires willing participation and a deep understanding of oneself, life, creation and the divine. It is a life’s work.
It has been written that all religions are precious pearls strung on the golden thread of divinity. Therefore, we find gnosis in the ancient Egyptian tradition, the Hebraic Kabbalah, the Persian mystery cults, the Sufism of Islam, within Christianity... It is found in the many traditions of the east: Zen, Chan & Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism... We find it in many so-called primitive and indigenous cultures of the Americas, Australia and others. Throughout time, man has sought the divine through human means. We are one humanity yearning to perceive and comprehend the truth.
In the past, this wisdom was not openly or readily available to the public, but was revealed only to those who had been initiated into the mysteries of the various schools, sects, traditions and lodges. There are many reasons for this and time and culture have played their part as has the needs of humanity and its circumstances.
Man and his concept of himself and the divine are intricately linked with the life, time and culture in which he lives; we see this clearly reflected through art, science, philosophy, education, medicine, politics and religious practice. If we consider the vast changes that man has undergone in all aspects of life in the past 400 years, in particular the reformation, enlightenment and industrial revolution, we find his concept of and expression and participation with religion and spirituality greatly transformed by the early part of the twentieth century.
Modern gnosis, as taught today, comes from the writings and practices of Samael Aun Weor, who was born in 1917 in Colombia and so came at a time of significant change in all aspects of life. Encompassing this transitional time, he synthesized the precepts of the philosophers, mystics and adepts of ancient traditions into an integrated and comprehensive system of knowledge and instruction. This system provides a means for personal Gnosis, a complete and comprehensive process whereby any person can awaken consciousness and achieve complete self-realisation, liberation, awakening or reunion with divinity.
Gnosis points the way to the truth beyond sectarian belief and philosophical and religious theory and dogma; it is beyond personality for it is the intimate and direct experiential knowledge of the human and the divine. It is available to all, yet requires willing participation and a deep understanding of oneself, life, creation and the divine. It is a life’s work.