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Gnostic Anthropology |
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While the contemporary esoteric system of Gnosis is available today to everyone, this was not always the case. Moreover, this knowledge has throughout human history been accessible to only a few. That is why in the midst of popular religious movements it has always been considered esoteric, mystical, unorthodox, occult, and even heretical. Pre-dating the rise of popular organized religion, however, the ancient civilizations and cultures of history did not perceive esotericism as exotic or foreign. From a Gnostic perspective the ancients and their contributions to art, science, philosophy, and religion have long been overlooked, and conveniently ignored by popular history, science and anthropology. Gnostic Anthropology, however, offers a new perspective on the ancients and the wisdom they have relegated to us through the symbolism of their art and architecture, the sophistication of their sciences, the depth of their philosophy, and the beauty of their religion and mysticism. Gnostic Anthropology rejects:
From a Gnostic Anthropological perspective, the history of man and civilization pre-dates anything official history or anthropology recognizes. "If theories disappear the day after tomorrow, if these men of profane science affirm that which they have never seen, even though they say that they believe only in that which they see; if they continue to lie in this manner, then we cannot and we must not give them credit. We must appeal to the wisdom of the ancients." - From Gnostic Anthropology by Samael Aun Weor |
Gnosis
We would like to preface this section by stating that Gnosis cannot be defined in such a way that could possibly encompass the full breadth and depth of what it truly is. Indeed, it could be said that the Gnostic is always rediscovering Gnosis on his/her journey. Therefore, the following is a description and not a definition of Gnosis. This description was prepared according to VM Samael Aun Weor's various works.
Gnosis has been described as "a very natural function of the Consciousness... a philosophia perennis et universalis."
In this sense Gnosis is both a state of consciousness and a teaching, philosophy, or esoteric system that is eternal, timeless, and universal, applicable and relevant to any one at any time.
Gnosis, as an esoteric system is a knowledge and a set of practices that must be understood and performed, respectively, to give one the experience of Gnosis.
Gnosis, as an experience or state, is mystical in nature. Mystical because it transcends (not necessarily always) both reason and the intellect, as well as common sensory experiences (sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste). It opens one up to spiritual knowledge and wisdom, as well as to the spiritual senses (clairvoyance, clairaudience, intuition, telepathy, etc).
The experience or state of Gnosis is known under different names in different cultures: epiphany, enlightenment, divine revelation, satori, samadhi, etc. All the great spiritual teachers of humanity, the Venerables: Krishna, Babaji, Moses, Lao Tzu, Sakyamuni Buddha, Jesus of Nazareth, Mohammed, Hermes Trimigestus, Paracelsus, etc. underwent both these transformative experiences and taught a spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Fundamentally, the Gnostic believes that the Soul's salvation (traditional Western term) or liberation (traditional Eastern term) can only be obtained through the correct study and practice of a particular esoteric system, and not through faith and good works, or faith alone, or the reverence and worship of certain deities. In other words salvation or liberation is the sole responsibility of the individual. And depends on his/her ethical behaviour and attainment of higher/esoteric knowledge through specific practices. And it is this "particular knowledge" that we call Gnosis or Gnosticism.
"Gnosis is certainly the knowledge of divine mysteries that enlightens... Gnosticism implies a set of clear, coherent and precise elements, which can be verified throughout the mystical, direct experience."
- From The Secret Doctrine of Anahuac by Samael Aun Weor
