Understanding Gnosis

by

Austin Perris

The Greek term "Gnosis" means "knowledge," a knowledge that is deeper than that which floats on the surface. This knowledge sparks from deep inside, accompanied by a feeling of knowing that leads to inspiration and spiritual growth. It is more like remembering than discovering. 

It makes itself known when reading sacred text; it radiates forth in certain experiences and can come to us in a dream, meditation, or a vision. However, when it reaches our consciousness, it will lift our thinking to new heights, allowing us the information we seek to activate our higher self.

We can absorb conventional knowledge through study, observation, and logical reasoning without really knowing it is true. Gnosis comes with a particular quality recognizable to the higher self and immediately accepted as true by our hearts. 

 Gnosis transforms our whole being, confirms our spiritual speculations, and strengthens our intuition. It sprouts from the spiritual essence of our being and settles in the depths of our soul. This newfound knowledge reflects a profound sense of awareness, clarity, and understanding of who and what we are and our relationship with the divine.

The concept of Gnosis is embedded within the beliefs of Gnosticism, a religious movement that emerged during the first and second centuries. Gnostics believe in personal spiritual experience over external teachings from institutions. They seek direct communication with God, believing that a higher sense of spirituality comes from self-knowledge and recognizing the divinity in one's self.

The core of gnostic beliefs is the idea that the material world is flawed and was created by the devil, and the spiritual world was created by The One True God. According to this point of view, human beings are divine spirits trapped in a material body, and the ultimate goal is to awaken to our true nature and reconnect with our divine source. 

The concept of Gnosis is not limited to Gnostic belief, Buddhism has Prajna (wisdom) insight gained through meditation, a realization of the truth. Sufi mystics have Ma'rifah, an inner knowledge of God. And Hinduism has Jnana (knowledge), a path to liberation. Many traditions believe in an inner sacred knowledge that can lead to the freedom of the spirit.

When we think of the characteristics of Gnosis, we must consider direct experience. This brings to mind the old saying that the only truth is the truth you have experienced yourself. This is also true of sacred knowledge. It happens to you when you are in a deep introspection, meditation, or having a profound spiritual experience.

With Gnosis comes a deep sense of awareness and interconnectedness of all things, revealing that separation is simply an illusion. This realization leads to profound feelings of love, compassion, and oneness.

Gnosis changes us fundamentally. Unlike ordinary knowledge, it reshapes how we perceive ourselves, those around us, and the universe, leading to a more genuine and enlightened approach to life.

Gnosis causes us to trust our inner wisdom and intuition rather than relying on external validation or approval. It shifts the focus of control inward, emphasizing personal responsibility for spiritual growth.

To access Gnosis, we must create the conditions for deeper awareness to emerge. Meditation helps to quiet the mind so valuable insights can surface, promoting deep reflection and inspiration. When sitting in stillness and watching our thoughts, we access our spiritual dimension as Gnosis quietly seeps into the conscious mind. 

Contemplating deeply on profound questions such as "Who am I?" or "What is the meaning of life?" can trigger moments of revelation. Exploring these questions can lead to a direct experience of truth. 

Self-analysis can also lead to truths about ourselves that expose deeper flaws, fears, desires, and attachments that require needed change. Some find journaling helpful, allowing one a record of thoughts and feelings to explore over time, which can be revealing. This practice can uncover aspects of ourselves that hinder our spiritual growth and understanding of the true reality.

Studying sacred texts from various traditions with an open heart and contemplative mind can evoke Gnostic insights. Texts such as the Gospel of Thomas in Gnostic Christianity, the Upanishads in Hinduism, or the Tao Te Ching in Taoism contain wisdom that points toward experiential truths. These truths can bypass the analytical mind and speak directly to the soul, awakening intuitive understanding and Gnosis.

When living mindfully and authentically, every moment becomes an opportunity for Gnosis to reveal itself. Authentic living, which aligns our actions with our deepest values and truths, creates a harmonious environment for spiritual growth.

Other spiritual practices such as dream work, chanting, or energy healing can facilitate access to deeper states of consciousness. Dreams often carry symbolic messages from the unconscious or higher realms. Again, keeping a dream journal and meditating on recurring themes can yield transformative insights and gnostic experiences.

When done selflessly, service to others can also lead to profound realizations of interconnectedness and divine presence. Opening our hearts to others, practicing forgiveness, and cultivating unconditional love dissolve barriers to the direct perception of unity. Love is often described as the ultimate key to Gnosis.

Many mystical traditions emphasize the importance of humility and faith in this process. Letting go of rigid control and trusting in the flow of life can invite grace and the unearned and spontaneous gift of insight or awakening. Gnosis often arises not through effort but through surrender.

While the ultimate realization may be profound, the process of seeking itself is invaluable as it deepens our relationship with life, ourselves, and the divine.

Ultimately, Gnosis is less about achieving a state and more about being fully alive and aware of the mysteries of existence. It is a remembering of who we truly are: a divine being of light, infinite and interconnected to all there is.

For the video "What is Gnosis" click here