GNOSTIC PHILOSOPHY

GNOSTIC PHILOSOPHY

 Title: Exploring the Depths of Gnostic Philosophy: A Journey into Esoteric Wisdom

Introduction:

Gnostic Philosophy, deriving from the Greek term "gnostikón," forms the cornerstone of a profound exploration into knowledge, particularly esoteric mystical knowledge. Functioning as an adjective, "gnostic" links the seeker to the depths of understanding, emphasizing a connection to hidden realms of wisdom. Rooted in the Love of Wisdom, or "philosophia" in Greek, this philosophy encompasses both the esoteric and exoteric, inviting individuals to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Gnostic: A Crucial Adjective:

At its essence, "gnostic" serves as an adjective, denoting a profound connection to knowledge, especially esoteric mystical knowledge. This term lays the foundation for the exploration of Gnostic Philosophy, providing insight into the philosophy's focus on a specialized and profound understanding of the mysteries of existence.

Philosophy: The Love of Wisdom Explored:

As a noun, "philosophy" embodies the Love of Wisdom, transcending the ordinary and inviting individuals to delve into the intricacies of knowledge, reality, and existence. As an academic discipline, it signifies the study of the fundamental nature of these concepts, forming the intellectual framework upon which Gnostic Philosophy unfolds.

Esoteric and Exoteric Dimensions:

Delving into the adjectives "esoteric" and "exoteric," the former signifies knowledge intended for a select few with specialized knowledge or interest. In contrast, "exoteric" in its formal sense denotes knowledge accessible to the general public. This dual nature encapsulates the inclusivity of Gnostic Philosophy, catering to both those immersed in esoteric pursuits and those seeking a broader understanding.

Mystic: A Transformative Noun:

Within Gnostic Philosophy, the term "mystic" emerges as a noun, representing a person who seeks unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute. Through contemplation and self-surrender, the mystic embarks on a journey that transcends mere intellectual understanding, seeking spiritual apprehension of truths beyond conventional comprehension.

Embracing Diversity in Knowledge:

Gnostic Philosophy encourages an open-minded approach to knowledge, emphasizing that wisdom transcends cultural, religious, and philosophical boundaries. The call to listen before judging underscores the importance of diverse sources in making informed decisions. This philosophy promotes a holistic understanding of the human experience, fostering unity amid the multitude of paths to enlightenment.

The Door to Gnosis and Personal Empowerment:

Central to Gnostic Philosophy is the concept that one can lead themselves to the door of gnosis, intuitive knowledge that brings enlightenment. This transformative journey toward self-discovery does not necessitate intermediaries like priests. Instead, Gnostic Philosophy advocates for direct communion with one's inner self, reinforcing the idea that to unlock the profound mysteries of existence, one must first know oneself.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Gnostic Philosophy unfolds as a rich tapestry, interweaving the adjectives and nouns that define its essence. "Gnostic" serves as the key to understanding, "philosophy" embodies the Love of Wisdom, "esoteric" and "exoteric" capture the dual nature of its teachings, and "mystic" represents the transformative seekers within its fold. The philosophy beckons each individual to step through the door to gnosis, empowering themselves to unravel the profound truths that lie within and fostering a deep connection to esoteric wisdom. In this journey, the call echoes loudly – know thyself, for therein lies the key to unlocking the mysteries of existence.

GNOSTIC
γνωστικών (greek)
[ˈnɒstɪk]

ADJECTIVE
"Relating to knowledge, especially esoteric mystical knowledge."

PHILOSOPHY
φιλοσοφία (greek)
or "philo"+"sophia" which is the Love of Wisdom
[fɪˈlɒsəfi]

NOUN
"the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline."

That is my definition of the name : "Gnostic Philosophy".

[The words below will follow these definitions so we all know what I am talking about : not the Urban Dictionary terms.]

ESOTERIC
[ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪkˌiːsəˈtɛrɪk]

ADJECTIVE
"intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest."

EXOTERIC
[ˌɛksə(ʊ)ˈtɛrɪk]

ADJECTIVE
formal
"intended for or likely to be understood by the general public."

MYSTIC
[ˈmɪstɪk]

NOUN
"a person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the intellect."

Knowledge can come from anyone and any faith so remember to listen first before we judge. 

We need more than one source to make an informed decision.

You can lead yourself to the door of gnosis but you must open it.

You do NOT need priests, you need to know yourself

A MYSTERY Revelation 10:7

A MYSTERY Revelation 10:7

... A MYSTERY is a concealed FACT that MAY be revealed. God reveals these things unto his children by his spirit. He conceals them from the wise (of the world) but reveals them unto babes:

Matthew 11:25 - “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”

The MYSTERY Centers Around Jesus Christ. Since “the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying,” “the mystery of God” must center around Christ. (Re 19:10; Col 2:2) All “the mystery” of God have to do with his Kingdom. (Mt 13:11) The apostle Paul writes to the believers: “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge,” and “it is in him that all the fullness of the divine attributes, and characteristic dwells bodily.”—Col 2:2, 3, 9.

Paul spoke of himself as having a stewardship of “mystery of God.” (1Co 4:1) He speaks of the comprehension he has “in the mysteries of the Christ.” (Eph 3:1-4) He explains that this mystery is hidden wisdom foreordained by God before the ages. (1Co 2:7)

The declaration of the mystery, or “the mystery of God,” began with God’s own prophecy at Genesis 3:15. For centuries men of faith looked forward to the “seed” of promise to deliver mankind from sin and death, but it was not clearly understood just who the “seed” would be and just how this “seed” would come and bring deliverance.

It was not until Christ came and “shed light upon life and incorruption through the good news” that this was made clear. (2Ti 1:10) Then the knowledge of the mystery of the ‘seed of the woman’ began to be understood.

Includes the Congregation. There are many features in the knowledge of the mystery. The apostle gave further details when he explained that the mystery includes the Church, of which Christ is Head. (Eph 5:32; Col 1:18; Re 1:20) These are his joint heirs, with whom he shares the Kingdom. (Lu 22:29, 30) They are taken from among both Jews and Gentiles. (Ro 11:25; Eph 3:3-6; Col 1:26, 27) This feature of “the mystery” could not be made clearly known until Peter was directed to visit the Gentile Cornelius and saw this Gentile household receive the gifts of the holy spirit. (Ac 10:34, 44-48)

“You were . . . without Christ, . . . strangers to the covenants of the promise, and you had no hope and were without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have come to be near by the blood of the Christ.” (Eph 2:11-13) 

What is Mysticism? 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

What is Mysticism?

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:12-16)

The Nag Hammadi Library : The Gospel of Thomas : When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will understand that you are children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty."

What is mysticism?

--The practice of the presence of God; the life of prayer that results in intuitive knowledge and experience of God.

The Bible contains more high mysticism than any other book. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. It is necessary to call upon God's holy spirit or active force to help guide us into the deep mysticism of the Bible.

A mystic--a person who has intimate, firsthand acquaintance with God; a man of prayer. Jesus was the greatest mystic of all ages

"Mystics are the ones who hunger and thirst after righteousness, as the Bible puts it, the ones who yearn for continued or increased union with the other reality they themselves feel is the real reality — the reality which heals and makes all things new again. Their yearning is their most distinctive mark and has been called by some a 'deep and burning wound,' because it propels them toward the transcendent nature of life much as a lover is drawn toward the object of his love. 

The term is also descriptive of the slow and painful completion process of joining totally with, or being in, the transcendent state — a process which should not be confused with psychological development. The latter is a matter of self-understanding, self-acceptance and personal integration. The former involves itself with self-forgetting, the disappearance of the self into mysterious union with God, the Absolute, the Transcendent aspect of reality, the Pleroma. Thus the term self-transcendence (with its emphasis on the small 's' in the word self, as opposed to the Self, higher aspect of the personality) means letting go of egoistic interests and practical, worldly matters"

The mystic yearns for God-awareness, and God-awareness only! The "things" that are added unto as the result of seeking God are no longer of importance to the mystical mind. The path of the mystic can be experienced as painful because of the degree of selflessness that is required along the way. But, this path can also be the most glorious experience in the spiritual development of the soul if the disciple thoroughly understands the process of transformation that is taking place. Prayer is the foundation and daily bread upon which this stage of enlightenment depends. Without it, the process is indeed a difficult one.

Mysticism has always been part of the Christian tradition, Christian mystics achieved awareness of one's self through the teaching and rituals from the scriptures; they came to know God because the church told them to do so.

However the early Christian mystics known as Gnostics looked beyond reason and found intuition to be the reliable pathway to know one’s self. So mysticism, as practiced by Gnostics, is a direct perception of the reality of God, free of any church teaching or sacrament. Gnostic Christianity has a name for this direct perception of God — self knowledge and self gnosis— and that is why Christian mystics are known as Gnosticism.

Gnostic Christianity teaches that we also can have an awareness of our real self, just as did Jesus. In

Gnostic Christianity, Jesus is often referred to as the way-shower, he who shows the way. What is this way that Jesus taught?

Gnostic Christianity teaches that it is fundamentally an opening of the heart accompanied by a sense of oneness with God and all creation, a sense of gratitude and joy for all things that flow into one’s life and a willingness to manifest that which God wants to express through one’s life.

Gospel of Thomas Saying 77) Jesus said: I am the light that is above them all. I am the all; the all came forth from me, and the all attained to me. Split a piece of wood: I am there. Lift a stone, and you (plur.) will find me there."

What is "eternal life"? Romans 6:22-23

What is "eternal life"?

Aeon, the Greek word translated as 'eternal life', means an age. For enlighten believers, Aeon refers to life in the period of the glory of the Christ Consciousness, as well as eternal life in the sense of indefinitely lasting life in the coming system of things.

Eternal life, in the sense of the higher stages of consciousness, surfaces in Rm 6:22-23. "But now that you have been set free from sin, the return you get is sanctification [awakening into the Christ Consciousness] and its end, eternal life [participation in the glory of the Christ Consciousness]. For the wages of sin is death [living a barren life], but the free gift of God is eternal life [the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness].

Therefore, brethren, be more zealous to confirm your call [awakening of your conscience] and election [the renewing of your mind] for if you do this you will never fall [back slide into lower stages of Consciousness]: so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord [the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness]." (2 Pt 1:11)

In 3:17-18, Peter uses the term Aeon in reference to the Christ Consciousness "Beware least you be carried away with the error of lawless men [pre-rational consciousness or the consciousness of sin] and lose your stability. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord…to him be the glory both now [in the awakening of your Consciousness] and to the day of the age [the period of the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness]."

The mystical consciousness of the second coming John 14:23

The mystical consciousness of the second coming John 14:23

Mystic definition of "eternal life"

In allegory, "eternal life" refers to the experience of timeless rebirth, or the discovery of the fact of your true real self the Christ Consciousness. This is the true, main mystic or allegorical meaning of "eternal life".

the discovery of timeless rebirth in the Christ Consciousness, is shown and revealed and unveiled by the word of God during the uncovering or revelation of the hidden mystery.

awakening to the kingdom of Heaven while in this life is the most important thing in this life.

The mind that overcomes the world and takes a higher perspective consciously enters Heaven and the eternal life right now, in this life. That is as certain as anything could be.

What happens after bodily death?

What is the Condition of the dead

Adam was made to be a soul, not given one. Gen 2:7; 1Co 15:45



It is man, the soul, that dies. Ezekiel 18:4; Isa 53:12; Job 11:20
The Dead are unconscious, they know nothing. Ecc 9:5, 10; Psalm 146:3, 4
The dead not alive with God as spirits. Psalm 115:17; Isa 38:18
Dead asleep awaiting resurrection. John 11:11-14, 23-26; Ac 7:60

mystical afterlife

There are two conceptions of afterlife: Metaphor and literal. After spiritual ego death, one's mortal corruptible self has been sacrificed and has died, and one is by definition in the afterlife, in the kingdom of god, ascended, beyond the last judgement.


This type of death and immortal life after death is certain and is the ultimate experience for which we have evidence. What about literal bodily death and some literalist type of eternal life in heaven? There's little support for it in Biblical scripture. Scripture lends itself more to the mystical, "awakening to the kingdom of god" approach, with "death" and "immortal life" is interpreted first mystically than we consider that eternal life is achieved through the resurrection of the body at the time of the second coming. The very same bodies that once constituted persons shall rise again, in order to be judged for the reward of immortal or eternal life in the kingdom of God or the second death .

The "mystery" of the scriptures is set up through deliberate, playful conflation of literal with mystical death. there is much more about the kingdom of god, than a future kingdom upon the earth and nothing about the traditional heavenly afterlife in the scriptures.

Mystically or spiritually it is certain that we are to awake to the newness of timeless life in the kingdom of God. This kind of eternal life is certain. Literal eternal life in heaven is an illusion entirely unfounded in the bible

The Mystically Afterlife is timeless rebirth after ego death.

There is also another literal eternal life which is also clearly shown to be a biblical teaching is bodily existence in the kingdom of god after the second coming resurrection and judgement of the dead

The mystical consciousness of the second coming

The first coming is the receiving of Truth into the conscious mind, and the Second Coming is the transforming and the regeneration of the carnal mind into the Christ consciousness".

The stage of mystical consciousness development can correspond to the spiritual reference of the "second coming." It is symbolic of the transforming of the consciousness of sin or the carnal mind into the Christ consciousness.

The world no longer satisfies or holds interest for the disciple. The heart and soul yearns for awareness of the Christ consciousness and turns within to experience this Presence through the accurate knowledge of the higher principles of the Gospel of truth.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Prayer is the foundation and daily bread upon which this stage of enlightenment depends. Without it, the process is indeed a difficult one.

The Mystically Afterlife

The Mystically Afterlife

There are two conceptions of afterlife: Metaphor and literal. After spiritual ego death, one's mortal corruptible self has been sacrificed and has died, and one is by definition in the afterlife, in the kingdom of god, ascended, beyond the last judgement.

This type of death and immortal life after death is certain and is the ultimate experience for which we have evidence. What about literal bodily death and some literalist type of eternal life in heaven? There's little support for it in Biblical scripture. Scripture lends itself more to the mystical, "awakening to the kingdom of god" approach, with "death" and "immortal life" is interpreted first mystically than we consider that eternal life is achieved through the resurrection of the body at the time of the second coming. The very same bodies that once constituted persons shall rise again, in order to be judged for the reward of immortal or eternal life in the kingdom of God or the second death .

The "mystery" of the scriptures is set up through deliberate, playful conflation of literal with mystical death. there is much more about the kingdom of god, than a future kingdom upon the earth and nothing about the traditional heavenly afterlife in the scriptures.

Mystically or spiritually it is certain that we are to awake to the newness of timeless life in the kingdom of God. This kind of eternal life is certain. Literal eternal life in heaven is an illusion entirely unfounded in the bible

The Mystically Afterlife is timeless rebirth after ego death.

There is also another literal eternal life which is also clearly shown to be a biblical teaching is bodily existence in the kingdom of god after the second coming resurrection and judgement of the dead

Psychedelics and Eternal Life

Look, when you get down to it, even mental states are actually only physical states, are they not? I mean, the brain is just a-a chemical supercomputer Rodney Mckay Stargate 

The brain creates chemicals which produce feelings and emotions

Like it or not, emotions share some very real biochemical links with your nervous system, immune system and digestive system.

Consciousness is a property of the brain, and the brain is a biochemical engine or its just a chemical super-computer.

So what is the difference between the 'brain' and the 'mind'?

It may seem, on the surface, that distinguishing between the brain and the mind is not important but to understand the Scriptures properly we must recognize the difference in the brain versus that which the brain produces.

The dictionary says, Brain: "That part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull". In other words it is the physical member of the body that controls the biological functions of the body in addition to producing thoughts, attitudes &c.

Mind: the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought

Thus the Mind is thinking produced by the brain.

If you talk to anyone who’s used DMT or psilocin/psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms) at one time or another they’ll tell you they experienced some very vivid hallucinations — and an almost completely altered perception of reality. This clearly implies that brain biochemistry is consciousness. If consciousness resided in some kind of soul or spirit as the ancients believed, then taking chemicals would have no effect on your consciousness. If you can alter your consciousness by taking a chemical to interfere with or mimics neurotransmitters, on the other hand, then consciousness must be biochemical in nature.

Psychedelic drugs like Magic mushrooms demonstrate that consciousness is a property of the brain, and the brain is a biochemical engine in the same way that the engine in your car is a mechanical one.

When your car’s engine dies, does another car nearby immediately start up as the “spirit of the car” transfers from one automobile to another? Of course not. You intuitively know that makes no sense. So if consciousness is a property of the brain (which is a biochemical engine), why would it transfer from one vehicle to another when the brain dies? that doesn’t make any sense.

In allegory, "eternal life" refers to the experience of timeless rebirth, or the discovery of the fact of your true real self the Christ Consciousness. This is the true, main mystic or allegorical meaning of "eternal life".

the discovery of timeless rebirth in the Christ Consciousness, is shown and revealed and unveiled by the word of God during the uncovering or revelation of the hidden mystery.

awakening to the kingdom of Heaven while in this life is the most important thing in this life.

The mind that overcomes the world and takes a higher perspective consciously enters Heaven and the eternal life right now, in this life. That is as certain as anything could be.
Aeon, the Greek word translated as 'eternal life', means an age. For enlighten believers, Aeon refers to life in the period of the glory of the Christ Consciousness, as well as eternal life in the sense of indefinitely lasting life in the coming system of things.

Eternal life, in the sense of the higher stages of consciousness, surfaces in Rm 6:22-23. "But now that you have been set free from sin, the return you get is sanctification [awakening into the Christ Consciousness] and its end, eternal life [participation in the glory of the Christ Consciousness]. For the wages of sin is death [living a barren life], but the free gift of God is eternal life [the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness].

Therefore, brethren, be more zealous to confirm your call [awakening of your conscience] and election [the renewing of your mind] for if you do this you will never fall [back slide into lower stages of Consciousness]: so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord [the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness]." (2 Pt 1:11)

In 3:17-18, Peter uses the term Aeon in reference to the Christ Consciousness "Beware least you be carried away with the error of lawless men [pre-rational consciousness or the consciousness of sin] and lose your stability. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord…to him be the glory both now [in the awakening of your Consciousness] and to the day of the age [the period of the full manifestation of the Christ Consciousness]."