THE GNOSTIC WAY
The word "gnosis" is derived from the Greek language,
and means "knowledge of an intuitive nature; the intuitive comprehension
of spiritual truths." Gnosis is a knowledge that cannot be arrived
at through books or lectures, but rather through one's own direct experience
of reality. Gnosis is often referred to as knowledge of the heart, in contrast
to knowledge that is obtained through the use of the intellect.
THE PRACTICALITY OF GNOSIS: The Gnostic teachings contain
systems and exercises through which every aspect of the teachings can be
personally verified by each individual. Gnosis is not just theoretical,
but one hundred percent practical. Through direct experience we surpass
the boundaries of belief and disbelief, since both lead to ignorance. Rather
than believing or disbelieving, accepting or rejecting, the Gnostic personally
verifies in a direct manner the validity of the concepts he or she is studying.
This personal verification leads to true knowledge and comprehension, not
merely an intellectual or theoretical understanding of the teachings. Through
Gnosis one personally learns to experience reality directly, quell the battle
between doubt and belief, and comes to KNOW the inner TRUTH.
SUBJECTS COVERED: The Gnostic teachings consist of a wide
variety of esoteric disciplines, all of which are presented in a very practical
manner. Exercises are given for the student to verify what he or she is
learning, so that this knowledge is experienced directly. The ultimate goal
of this doctrine is for the student to reach complete self-realization through
the awakening of consciousness. The following list includes just a few of
the many subjects that are taught and practiced as part of the Gnostic Doctrine:
THE DOCTRINE OF THE SYNTHESIS: Gnosis is called the 'Doctrine
of the Synthesis', since it synthesizes the most important aspects of all
major religions and esoteric systems of past and present in one doctrine.
Yet Gnosis is not a derivative of any one of these systems. Gnosis predates
all religions and systems, and is not the property of any individual or
group. Rather, it is a timeless and perennial knowledge.
THE CURRENT OF GNOSIS: Gnosis is the modern form of an ancient
system of learning which has existed throughout the history of man's presence
on Earth. This wisdom was not made available to the public, but revealed
only to those who had the privilege to be initiated into the mysteries.
Gnosis was taught in the mystery schools of ancient India, China, Egypt,
Greece, Rome, among the ancient Gnostics, the Incas, the Mayans, etc. Intense
persecution from religious authorities at various stages throughout history
caused the initiates of these mystery schools to disappear from the public
eye. During these times the Gnostic doctrine was not lost, but rather was
taught and practiced in secrecy. Later, when the persecutions subsided,
Gnosis reemerged once again.
MASTER SAMAEL AUN WEOR: At critical times in the history of
man, such as the times we live in today, great spiritual masters or avatars
appear on the earth to bring humanity key teachings to assist those searching
for inner enlightenment or liberation. Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Krishna,
Moses, and Quetzalcoatl are well known examples of such avatars. The Gnostic
doctrine, as taught in Gnostic centers throughout the world today, comes
from the teachings, practices, and writings of a modern day avatar , Samael Aun Weor
who synthesized the precepts of philosophers, mystics, and adepts from all
times into an integrated and comprehensive system of knowledge and instruction.
Gnosis, as unveiled by Samael Aun Weor, contains the synthesis of all major
esoteric systems throughout the world, both past and present. This doctrine
provides a complete and cohesive process whereby any person can awaken consciousness
and achieve complete self-realization in one lifetime.
THE FOUR PILLARS: A thorough study of Gnosis includes the
research and study of the four fundamental branches, or "pillars",
of knowledge that have been present in the building of all civilizations,
united in one doctrine:
SELF-REALIZATION: The main objective of the Gnostic esoteric
work is the attainment of Self-Realization. Gnosis offers the complete system
by which any individual may attain Self-Realization in one lifetime. The
term 'self-realization' has often been misunderstood, and has been defined
differently by various esoteric systems. In Gnosis Self-Realization is something
extraordinary - it is defined as "the complete and harmonious
development of all the infinite possibilities within man".
The importance of Self-Realization, of "realizing your own Self",
is summarized in the ancient saying, "In you is hidden the treasure
of treasures. Oh, man, know thyself and you will know the Universe and the
Gods."
THE THREE FACTORS: Gnosis teaches that self-realization can be accomplished
only through the practice of the three factors for the revolution of consciousness.
First Factor: The discovery and elimination of those psychological
elements within each of us, those elements that hinder spiritual progress
and keep us from living our life to the fullest. Since it deals with psychological
change through the elimination of such inharmonious elements, the First
Factor is called Death.
Second Factor : The awakening of consciousness, of virtues, of the
latent powers and faculties of our Inner Being. Since it deals with awakening
and creation, the Second Factor is called Birth.
Third Factor : Making the knowledge of how to reach self-realization
available to all those who are searching and yearning for such knowledge.
Since this process entails voluntary sacrifice for humanity, the Third Factor
is called Sacrifice.
The founders of all great religions, and all initiates who attained self-realization
by practicing the systems of these Masters, successfully worked with the
Three Factors for the Revolution of Consciousness. The Three Factors form
the cornerstone, the foundation on which the entire Gnostic Doctrine is
built.
V.M.Samael Aun Weor
was born in 1916 in Columbia, South America. He devoted his life to
practicing, experiencing, and teaching the Gnostic Doctrine, and wrote over
70 books on all aspects of Gnosis (meditation, psychology, alchemy, kabbalah,
astral travel, healing with plants, etc.). He developed the Gnostic Institution
in Mexico, and it has since spread throughout the world. Gnosis is not a
philosophy compiled by a philosopher after years of research. Rather, it
is a way of life.
V. M. Samael Aun Weor is a philosopher, anthropologist, psychologist, and
occultist, and stands along with other great initiates, who throughout time
were the ones assigned to light the path of Self-Knowledge (such as Pythagoras,
Paracelsus, Cagliostro, Count St. Germain, etc.) The name of Samael Aun
Weor is inscribed beside those Avatars who have been constituted as sublime
depositories of Universal Knowledge, as is the case of Krishna, Buddha,
Jesus of Nazareth, Quetzalcoatl, Hermes Trismegistus...
© Gnostic Center
