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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 awakening of consciousness, of virtues, of the latent powers and
faculties of our Inner Being. Since it deals with awakening and creation, the First Factor
is called Birth.
Second 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 Second Factor is called Death.
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