51]. His disciples said to him: "On what day shall rest come to those who are dead, and on what day shall the new world come?" He said to them: "This <rest> that you wait for has (already) come, and you have not recognised it.
Introduction:
After conducting a comprehensive study that explores the nature of the soul in the Gospel of Thomas, it is important to address the assertions made by some individuals on social media suggesting that this text endorses the concept of reincarnation.
In response to comments on Facebook, it is essential to emphasize that the focus of the Gospel of Thomas is not explicitly on reincarnation. Instead, the sayings predominantly revolve around spiritual wisdom, self-discovery, and the nature of the divine. Any references that may be interpreted as alluding to reincarnation can be reevaluated within the broader context of the Gospel, taking into account alternative explanations that align with the overall themes of the text.
This analysis seeks to clarify that the primary teachings of the Gospel focus on spiritual enlightenment and self-realization rather than endorsing the concept of reincarnation
Saying 51:
Saying 51 challenges the disciples' anticipation of a future event related to the dead and the new world. Jesus responds by asserting that what they are looking forward to has already come, but they are unaware of it. This saying does not align with the continuous nature of reincarnation, where an individual's soul is believed to undergo multiple births and deaths. Instead, it implies a transformative event that has occurred, emphasizing a singular occurrence rather than a continuous cycle.
Saying 2 (Greek Fragment):
The additional verse in the Greek fragment of Saying 2, 'and having reigned, one will rest,' does not inherently support the idea of reincarnation. The concept of reigning followed by rest could be understood metaphorically as achieving a state of fulfillment or completion, rather than undergoing repeated cycles of birth and death. This interpretation is in harmony with the transformative nature emphasized in Saying 51.
Saying 3:
In response to comments on Facebook, it is essential to emphasize that the focus of the Gospel of Thomas is not explicitly on reincarnation. Instead, the sayings predominantly revolve around spiritual wisdom, self-discovery, and the nature of the divine. Any references that may be interpreted as alluding to reincarnation can be reevaluated within the broader context of the Gospel, taking into account alternative explanations that align with the overall themes of the text.
This analysis seeks to clarify that the primary teachings of the Gospel focus on spiritual enlightenment and self-realization rather than endorsing the concept of reincarnation
Saying 51:
Saying 51 challenges the disciples' anticipation of a future event related to the dead and the new world. Jesus responds by asserting that what they are looking forward to has already come, but they are unaware of it. This saying does not align with the continuous nature of reincarnation, where an individual's soul is believed to undergo multiple births and deaths. Instead, it implies a transformative event that has occurred, emphasizing a singular occurrence rather than a continuous cycle.
Saying 2 (Greek Fragment):
The additional verse in the Greek fragment of Saying 2, 'and having reigned, one will rest,' does not inherently support the idea of reincarnation. The concept of reigning followed by rest could be understood metaphorically as achieving a state of fulfillment or completion, rather than undergoing repeated cycles of birth and death. This interpretation is in harmony with the transformative nature emphasized in Saying 51.
Saying 3:
Saying 3 challenges conventional notions of the kingdom by asserting that it exists both within and outside individuals rather than being confined to a specific external location like Heaven. While this saying emphasizes an internalized understanding of the kingdom, it does not advocate for reincarnation. The primary focus is on recognizing the divine presence within oneself, aligning with a spiritual interpretation rather than one centered on reincarnation.
Saying 82:
Saying 82 emphasizes that those who are near to Jesus are close to the Father, suggesting a spiritual proximity rather than a continuation through successive lives. This saying highlights a relational aspect rather than a cycle of rebirth, reinforcing the absence of reincarnation in the teachings of the Gospel of Thomas.
Saying 113:
In Saying 113, the disciples inquire about the timing of the kingdom's arrival. Jesus responds by stating that it will not come by watching for it, and it is already spread out upon the earth. This saying emphasizes the present reality of the kingdom, challenging the idea of a future existence through multiple lives. The absence of reincarnation is evident in the emphasis on the current, unrecognized presence of the kingdom.
Conclusion:
In examining the relevant sayings from the Gospel of Thomas, we find a consistent theme that diverges from the concept of reincarnation. Saying 51 challenges the disciples' expectations of a future event by highlighting a transformative occurrence that has already taken place. The additional verse in the Greek fragment of Saying 2 does not explicitly endorse reincarnation but rather suggests a state of rest after reigning. Sayings 3, 82, and 113 emphasize the present reality of the kingdom and the indwelling of the Son of Man, further refuting the idea of reincarnation.
The Gospel of Thomas, through its unique sayings, encourages a reevaluation of eschatological expectations and emphasizes a transformative understanding of spiritual truths rather than supporting the concept of reincarnation. The teachings in these sayings invite contemplation on the nature of existence, spiritual awareness, and the recognition of divine realities in the present moment.
Saying 82:
Saying 82 emphasizes that those who are near to Jesus are close to the Father, suggesting a spiritual proximity rather than a continuation through successive lives. This saying highlights a relational aspect rather than a cycle of rebirth, reinforcing the absence of reincarnation in the teachings of the Gospel of Thomas.
Saying 113:
In Saying 113, the disciples inquire about the timing of the kingdom's arrival. Jesus responds by stating that it will not come by watching for it, and it is already spread out upon the earth. This saying emphasizes the present reality of the kingdom, challenging the idea of a future existence through multiple lives. The absence of reincarnation is evident in the emphasis on the current, unrecognized presence of the kingdom.
Conclusion:
In examining the relevant sayings from the Gospel of Thomas, we find a consistent theme that diverges from the concept of reincarnation. Saying 51 challenges the disciples' expectations of a future event by highlighting a transformative occurrence that has already taken place. The additional verse in the Greek fragment of Saying 2 does not explicitly endorse reincarnation but rather suggests a state of rest after reigning. Sayings 3, 82, and 113 emphasize the present reality of the kingdom and the indwelling of the Son of Man, further refuting the idea of reincarnation.
The Gospel of Thomas, through its unique sayings, encourages a reevaluation of eschatological expectations and emphasizes a transformative understanding of spiritual truths rather than supporting the concept of reincarnation. The teachings in these sayings invite contemplation on the nature of existence, spiritual awareness, and the recognition of divine realities in the present moment.
Hello sir.
ReplyDeleteSir I really want to know what is your understanding of river Euphrates mentioned in book of revelation?
If that book has to be taken metaphorically then what Euphrates river is symbolizing there?
I have watched your video of Armageddon being an inter battle of psychy. So what is Euphrates river has to do with it?
The drying up of the River Euphrates in Revelation 16:12 is a symbolic event within the context of the internal battle, or Armageddon, described as the final struggle between good and evil within the human psyche. In this perspective, the Euphrates represents a significant aspect of the spiritual journey, and its drying up signifies a transformative process in the individual's consciousness.
DeleteThe River Euphrates, historically one of the great rivers in the Bible, has symbolic importance. In ancient times, it was associated with fertility and prosperity, providing sustenance to the region. However, its drying up in Revelation signifies a shift or transformation in the spiritual landscape. In the context of the inner battle, the drying up of the Euphrates suggests a cessation or restriction of the influences that sustain the egoic, worldly aspects of human nature.
The Euphrates can be understood as a representation of worldly desires, attachments, and the mundane aspects of life that often distract individuals from their spiritual path. As it dries up, it signifies a drying or diminishing of these worldly influences. The spiritual seeker, in the pursuit of truth and enlightenment, undergoes a process of detachment from material desires and a transcendence of the ego.
This drying up of the Euphrates aligns with the biblical injunction in 1 Peter 2:11, urging believers to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. The drying of the river signifies a conscious effort to overcome these desires, allowing for a clearer path for the kings from the East. The kings from the East symbolize higher spiritual truths and divine wisdom, which can only manifest when the distractions of the egoic mind are diminished.
The frogs mentioned in Revelation 16:13, representing impure spirits and error thoughts, are associated with the drying up of the Euphrates. These error thoughts, born of worldly influences, hinder the flow of spiritual understanding. The drying up of the Euphrates, therefore, involves a purification process where these impure thoughts lose their influence, making way for a deeper connection with divine wisdom.
The battle of Armageddon, as an inner struggle between truth and error in consciousness, intensifies as the river dries up. The gathering of demonic spirits signifies the culmination of negative thoughts and false beliefs that have been perpetuated by external influences, including man-made religions and media. These error thoughts come together to challenge the truer and higher thoughts within the individual.
The struggle within the human psyche is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily battle. The reference to the great day of God Almighty underscores the ongoing nature of this internal conflict. The battleground is the present moment, and victory in favor of truth thinking is the goal. The intermittent periods of apparent calm in the battle may mislead, but the ultimate victory occurs with the New Birth experience, a realization of oneness with God.
As the river Euphrates dries up, the individual progresses towards a state of spiritual enlightenment. The call to remain vigilant and avoid being dulled by worldly distractions emphasizes the need for continuous self-awareness. The drying up of the river signifies a conscious effort to break free from the chains of earthly desires, leading to a transformative shift where one functions fully in the spirit.
In conclusion, the drying up of the River Euphrates in the context of the internal battle of Armageddon symbolizes a profound spiritual transformation. It represents the cessation or restriction of worldly influences, the purification of the mind from impure thoughts, and a conscious effort to overcome desires that hinder the path to enlightenment. This symbolic event highlights the ongoing nature of the inner struggle and the ultimate victory of truth over error in the pursuit of spiritual growth and connection with the divine.
Sir I will eagerly wait for your reply.
ReplyDelete