In this basic and practical introduction to the fundamental basis of Gnosis, Samael Aun Weor offers a breadth of exercises for the reader to establish stability and understanding in their daily life. The sincere person who implements the guidance given in this profound book will discover a wealth of insight from their efforts. Gnosis is, after all, "knowledge" (Greek), and each seeker is enjoined to "Know Thyself." This volume, although simple in its expression and thin in size, exudes the perfume of many centuries of profound Initiatic Wisdom. "Life is an absurd succession of fleeting and vain desires. When we profoundly comprehend that all the desires in life are fleeting and vain, when we understand that the physical body is engendered in sin and that its destiny is to rot in the grave, then true peace of the mind is born from that profound comprehension. Contradiction and conflict disappears. Only the mind that is in peace can solve problems. Peace rests in the silence of the mind."
Introduction to Gnosis
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Thelema Press is a non-profit incorporation delivering to humanity the Gnostic Works of Samael Aun Weor.
From the Inside Flap
First Degree of Introduction to Gnosis This is the introductory degree to the Gnostic philosophical studies or External degrees of Gnosis. It is natural that all students will begin with this degree and eventually continue with the first, second, third degrees, etc. One should keep in mind that these are not the esoteric Gnostic degrees. The esoteric Gnostic degrees, which are the authentic ones, cannot be revealed by anyone who has received them; this is forbidden. Whoever says: "I have so many degrees, so many Initiations," is being dishonest. If a person wants to become an engineer, lawyer, doctor, etc. he has to prepare himself for it. That person will go to school and study a great deal. After he has a good theoretical basis in the field he studied, he will begin to practice what he has learned. Practice brings about perfection. The great sages, professionals, scientists, etc. have not merely had a theoretical knowledge of their respective fields of study, but have also put this knowledge to practice. Theory by itself cannot bring about anything except an intellectual enjoyment on the part of those who understand it. Study these lessons and study them with true incentive, with the desire to learn, with the desire of understanding the superior knowledge. But remember that you need to put into practice what you learn if you want to achieve the perfection of the work.
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The name Samael Aun Weor is Hebrew (סםאל און ואור) and is pronounced "sam-ayel on vay-ohr." Samael Aun Weor wrote over sixty books, gave thousands of lectures, and formed the worldwide Gnostic Movement, whose members number in the millions. Though these accomplishments are certainly impressive by any standard, they are merely the pale terrestrial reflection of the work he accomplished internally, spiritually. And yet, in spite of his wisdom and generosity towards mankind, he said:
"Do not follow me. I am just a signpost. Reach your own Self-realization."
His lifelong mission was to deliver to humanity the complete path toward the realization of the inner Being, or in other words, the total and exact science required by anyone of any religion, race, culture or creed who wishes to fully and completely develop the human soul. The path he taught is the Path of the Bodhisattva, that mysterious and ancient wisdom long hidden in the bosom of every great religion.
"For as long as space endures
and for as long as the world lasts,
may I live dispelling the miseries
of the world."
- From The Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Santideva
Samael Aun WeorThe Bodhisattva Path, also known as the Straight Path, is taken by very few. While many aspire to the Light, the vast majority take the easier Spiral Path, which is accomplished over a much longer period. The walker of the Straight Path is rare because that road is bitter, painful and filled with terrors. Embodied in the life story of Jesus of Nazareth, the Path of the Bodhisattva is a path of crucifixion and suffering on behalf of others.
"The straight path, the upright course of action, the eightfold path, conducts us from the darkness to the light. Thus, this is what Christ meant when he said to us: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - John 14:6
"Those who renounce the happiness of Nirvana because of their love for mankind, those who have the body or vehicle of solar transformation, the Nirmanakaya, are the authentic Bodhisattvas, who indeed walk along the straight path; they know the word of the Lord.
"Regarding myself, concerning me, I am a walker of the straight path; thus, I teach the doctrine related with the straight path for those who want to go on the straight path. As to those who do not want to go on the straight path, well, I'm sorry, but the moment at which they have to define themselves will come: then, to those who choose the Spiral Nirvanic Path, we, the ones who follow the Straight Path, have to say "good-bye," because we go towards the Absolute!" - Samael Aun Weor
Clearly, the Path taught by Samael Aun Weor is a radical departure from the teachings of the Spiral Path, and is even more sharply opposed to the far more common teachings of the Baalim, or Lunar Path. Thus, the student, when encountering Gnosis for the first time, is often shocked, outraged, or offended, because these teachings contradict much of what we believe or hold dear. Upon closer study, it will be discovered that Gnosis is indeed the Doctrine of the Synthesis, the expression of the Universal Wisdom in the heart of every religion. What is in conflict with Gnosis are the ideas and interpretations of mankind. Truth is One; it is the mind we have within which degenerates that Truth into opinions, dogmas, politics and wars.
As a vibrant embodiment of the Bodhisattva ideal, which renounces all self-interest and seeks instead to benefit others, Samael Aun Weor rejected any notion of personality worship or the attachments of followers. Throughout his life, many thousands of students projected onto him their ideals and their needs, and this continues to this day. While many worship him and make Gnosis into just another system of belief, his own message is very clear: the only Master we should follow is our own inner Divinity. To reach that inner Divinity, we must remove from our mind mere belief: we must instead study the path as taught by all the great teachers of humanity, and put those teachings into daily practice.
Perhaps most remarkably, what he wrote and taught was not mere theory: unlike most authors (especially those who write about religion and spirituality), he taught from personal experience.
"There are authors who write marvels, but when one looks at them, one realizes that they have not lived what they have written; they did not experience it in themselves, and that is why they are mistaken. I understand that one must write what one has directly experienced by oneself. I have proceeded in this way on my part." - The Initiatic Path in the Arcana of Tarot and Kabbalah (1978)
"Do not follow me. I am just a signpost. Reach your own Self-realization."
His lifelong mission was to deliver to humanity the complete path toward the realization of the inner Being, or in other words, the total and exact science required by anyone of any religion, race, culture or creed who wishes to fully and completely develop the human soul. The path he taught is the Path of the Bodhisattva, that mysterious and ancient wisdom long hidden in the bosom of every great religion.
"For as long as space endures
and for as long as the world lasts,
may I live dispelling the miseries
of the world."
- From The Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Santideva
Samael Aun WeorThe Bodhisattva Path, also known as the Straight Path, is taken by very few. While many aspire to the Light, the vast majority take the easier Spiral Path, which is accomplished over a much longer period. The walker of the Straight Path is rare because that road is bitter, painful and filled with terrors. Embodied in the life story of Jesus of Nazareth, the Path of the Bodhisattva is a path of crucifixion and suffering on behalf of others.
"The straight path, the upright course of action, the eightfold path, conducts us from the darkness to the light. Thus, this is what Christ meant when he said to us: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - John 14:6
"Those who renounce the happiness of Nirvana because of their love for mankind, those who have the body or vehicle of solar transformation, the Nirmanakaya, are the authentic Bodhisattvas, who indeed walk along the straight path; they know the word of the Lord.
"Regarding myself, concerning me, I am a walker of the straight path; thus, I teach the doctrine related with the straight path for those who want to go on the straight path. As to those who do not want to go on the straight path, well, I'm sorry, but the moment at which they have to define themselves will come: then, to those who choose the Spiral Nirvanic Path, we, the ones who follow the Straight Path, have to say "good-bye," because we go towards the Absolute!" - Samael Aun Weor
Clearly, the Path taught by Samael Aun Weor is a radical departure from the teachings of the Spiral Path, and is even more sharply opposed to the far more common teachings of the Baalim, or Lunar Path. Thus, the student, when encountering Gnosis for the first time, is often shocked, outraged, or offended, because these teachings contradict much of what we believe or hold dear. Upon closer study, it will be discovered that Gnosis is indeed the Doctrine of the Synthesis, the expression of the Universal Wisdom in the heart of every religion. What is in conflict with Gnosis are the ideas and interpretations of mankind. Truth is One; it is the mind we have within which degenerates that Truth into opinions, dogmas, politics and wars.
As a vibrant embodiment of the Bodhisattva ideal, which renounces all self-interest and seeks instead to benefit others, Samael Aun Weor rejected any notion of personality worship or the attachments of followers. Throughout his life, many thousands of students projected onto him their ideals and their needs, and this continues to this day. While many worship him and make Gnosis into just another system of belief, his own message is very clear: the only Master we should follow is our own inner Divinity. To reach that inner Divinity, we must remove from our mind mere belief: we must instead study the path as taught by all the great teachers of humanity, and put those teachings into daily practice.
Perhaps most remarkably, what he wrote and taught was not mere theory: unlike most authors (especially those who write about religion and spirituality), he taught from personal experience.
"There are authors who write marvels, but when one looks at them, one realizes that they have not lived what they have written; they did not experience it in themselves, and that is why they are mistaken. I understand that one must write what one has directly experienced by oneself. I have proceeded in this way on my part." - The Initiatic Path in the Arcana of Tarot and Kabbalah (1978)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for anyone.,
By Pupil (Malkuth) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Introduction to Gnosis (Paperback)
Gnosis is a Greek word for 'direct, experiential knowledge'. This is a loving and very powerful introduction to the study and practise of Gnosis.The book is divided into nine short lessons, each of which includes an invigorating daily practise as a conclusion. Some of the lessons include "The Power of Thought", "The Law of Karma", "Money", "Mental Action", "Meditation and Intoxication", and "Death'. These lessons are clear and moving; they are about modern life here and now, without any ambiguous spiritual chatter at all. To share, here is the opening paragraph from Lesson One: "It is necessary to be successful in life. If you want to be successful, you should begin by being sincere with yourself: recognize your own errors. When we recognize our errors we are on the path to correcting them. Everyone who corrects his own errors is inevitably successful. The businessman who daily blames others for his own failures and never recognizes his own errors will not be successful. Remember that the greatest criminals consider themselves to be saints. If we visit a penitentiary we will prove to ourselves that none of the criminals consider themselves guilty. Almost all of them say to themselves, "I am innocent." Don't make the same mistake. Have the courage to recognize your own errors. Thus will you escape greater evils." This chapter (which is a few paragraphs longer), ends with a simple exericse called "An exercise to control your anger". I hope you enjoy this book.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than an introduction!,
This review is from: Introduction to Gnosis (Paperback)
In this book Samael takes the reader through nine lessons on diverse psychological and philosophical teachings.It is mainly a book for people who wish achieve success in their life. He talks to you on a one-on-one level. LESSONS INCLUDE: -An Exercise to Control Anger, The Power of Thought, Mental Force, Concentration of the Mind, The Law of Karma, Favorable Circumstances, The Descent of Cosmic Vibration, Prana, The Names of the Tattwas, Tattwic Timetable, Properties of the Tattwas, Money, Clairvoyance, Alcoholism, Initiation, Intoxication, Death, Psychology of the Drunkard, The Home, Alcoholic Larvae, Osmotherapy, Treatment, Mental Relaxation, Concentration, Meditation, Contemplation, The Universal Mind, Imagination and Will, Mental Action, Mental Epidemics, Mental Hygene, Origins of the Universal Mind...and an Appendix and Epilogue entitled Vegetarian Diet and How to Make the Light Within Ourselves.- A great book to give as a gift and essential for anyone wanting to learn to live a better and happier life. A perfect manual for living!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical advice,
This review is from: Introduction to Gnosis (Paperback)
This book is a preview of the teachings of Samael Aun Weor. It quickly gives information that is pertinent to our lives and can be implemented by anyone. After reading it, you will find yourself wanting to know more.
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