Introduction to Gnosis: Gnostic Methods for Today's World

by Samael Aun Weor

In ancient times, the Gnostics sought for salvation through personal, experiential knowledge of the Divine. Their methods of self-reliance and their sublime knowledge profoundly impacted society, such that the dominant powers felt threatened and the tradition was forced to disappear from public view. Now, after centuries of obscurity, the Gnostics have re-emerged, still carrying their profound message of Gnosis: knowledge of self and the Divine. In a simple and elegant way, Samael Aun Weor explains the basic methodology for people in today's world to begin to approach the greater mysteries of the Gnostics. In this basic and practical guide, Samael Aun Weor offers a breadth of exercises guiding the reader to discover within themselves a wealth of insight and understanding. Gnosis, after all, is Greek for knowledge, and the seeker is told, "Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and its Gods." "A great author deduced that the human being needs eight important things in life: health and the conservation of life, nourishment, sleep, money and the things money can buy, life in the beyond, sexual satisfaction, the well-being of his children, and a sense of proper importance. We synthesize these eight things into three: 1. Health 2. Money 3. Love "If you really want to acquire these three things, you should study and practice everything that this course teaches you. We will show you the path of success." - Samael Aun Weor Includes the lecture "How to Make Light Within" and the pamphlet "Marriage, Divorce, and Tantra." Topics include: An Exercise to Control Your 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 Tattvas; Properties of the Tattvas; Money; Clairvoyance; Alcoholism; Meditation and Intoxication; Osmotherapy; Mental Relaxation; Concentration; Meditation; Contemplation; The Universal Mind; Imagination and Will; Mental Action; Mental Epidemics; Mental Hygiene; Vegetarian Diet; Self-observation; Chatter; “I’s" in the Five Centers; Matrimony, Divorce, and Tantra; and more.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality, Gnosticism, Occult

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Samael Aun Weor (which is a Hebrew name) 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 Shantideva

Reviews

[Kaberoi Rua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction to Gnosis. The book not only introduces readers to Gnosis but teaches Gnostic methods for use in today's world with various exercises at the end of each lesson (chapter). The book is broken down into twelve lessons and as stated above, each lesson ends with an exercise. For example, lesson two covers the power of thought. The exercise associated with this lesson is as followed: hang a silk thread from the ceiling of your room. A needle should be at the end of the thread. Concentrate on that needle and try to move it with your mind. When developed, mental waves can move this needle. Work ten minutes daily on this exercise. In the beginning, the needle will not move. With time, you will see that the needle oscillates and moves vigorously. This exercise is to develop mental power. 

Experience provides a special kind of knowledge that is alive and profound. It does not depend upon books or outside authority of any kind. When one's has experienced, one knows. The Greek word for Gnosis refers to this, experiential knowledge, especially in regards to the fundamental truths of existence. Real Gnosis comes from the conscious experience of the Truth of life, death, and all the mysteries that surround us. By "conscious experience" is meant a form of active, awakened perception that penetrates far more what is physical. The conscious - when awakened - can perceive other dimensions. It is here that real Gnosis begins to bloom in the mind and heart, revealing the truth to the soul. - Samael Aun Weor 

[Jason Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good start for those who are unfamiliar with Gnosis. It is a small an easy to read introduction to Samael Aun Weor's work with Gnosticism. Definitely a great gift for anyone who isn't well versed in esoteric knowledge.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to Gnosis: Something i never knew about but I was actually practicing and discovering some of the information along my own journey. But this is enlightening, and inspiring. My book is filled with highlights and page markers and underlines. It is actually very profound.

[Emil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to Gnosticism and Samael Aun Weor's work. Although Gnosticism is a broad school of wisdom, Samael Aun Weor gives a good description of some of the core elements of Gnosticism in this book. The book is provided with exercises after every lesson that may help the student to further tune into himself and outside of his or her mind.

Samael Aun Weor combines teachings from different esoteric traditions, both eastern and western and by that connecting valuable points in a synthesized way.

[Gábor L. Hajba · Rating 2 out of 5]

In "Introduction to Gnosis", Samael Aun Weor attempts to provide readers with a gateway into the profound, esoteric world of Gnosticism. However, the book falls short of delivering a concrete or illuminating introduction, leaving the reader more bewildered than enlightened. It reflects the author's early foray into Gnostic teachings, and this can be felt in the lack of depth and structure in presenting these complex ideas.

The book tends to be overly abstract and lacks concrete examples or practical instructions that could help novices understand the path of Gnosticism. Weor's writing style, while filled with grand spiritual assertions, falls short on accessibility and coherence for those unfamiliar with his philosophy. For someone seeking an introduction to these teachings, this vague and at times enigmatic exposition can be more perplexing than informative.

Moreover, Weor's discourse can seem unorganized and haphazard, making it difficult to discern a clear path of thought or logical progression. This, coupled with occasional dips into complex esoteric language and symbolism without sufficient context or explanation, serves to obfuscate the reader's understanding rather than clarify it.

While the book undoubtedly harbors glimpses of the profound knowledge that Weor aimed to disseminate, its impenetrability and lack of user-friendly approach make it a challenging and potentially discouraging read for those newly embarking on a Gnostic journey.

In conclusion, "Introduction to Gnosis" seems better suited to those already somewhat versed in Gnostic or esoteric teachings, who can navigate its vague and elusive presentation. Beginners might find it less approachable and may be better off starting their Gnostic exploration with other, more accessible works.

[Kim S Strickland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where did this morality lesson hide itself in or cloak ielf using the word Gnosis. He starts right off saying this book has nothing to do with the Esoteric Gnosis. That started me rifling through the book. Know Gnosis in this book. Did like the use of lessons as chapter titles. Seek Gnosis in yourself

Why this morality hidden behind the word Gnosis.? They use phrases like experiential knowledge but lecture on new age law of attraction and mind over matter. Liked the use of the word lesson as chapters titles and some good quote but when he started by saying this had nothing to do with Esoteric Gnosis I knew it was just the same o same o

[Vlad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a peace of mind can solve problems

Gnostism comes from a greek word.

Recoginse you’re own errors are keys to succes.

The person who critises other one is a weakling its an ego thing critise only yourself dont critise any one

Stress can make neuro stenia as you need to pleasure yourself.
To get rid of stress breath 123456 in hale and exhale

Do not talk about yourself too much, use we and never talk about you’re bussines

The pineal gland is atrofied in idiots.. the pineal goand is related to sexual organs.. the man or woman who abuses sexual energy foolishly

To rest after alcohol, try to expand you’re body in a stat position and let all the muscles relax.

[Julio R. Ra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important information on New Age, Metaphysics and Theosophy, all from the perspective of the Christian paradigm, Gnostic monotheism and/or religions from the desert. Unfortunately, this information is not 100% infallible, some of the claims may apply to lower vibrational spheres/groups but not to the more evolved human beings. It is, however, a good starting point specially if coming from a Christian and Catholic background. Yet, there is more, a lot more, knowledge on these subjects than this book can share.

[Justin Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is as it claims an introduction. I found some of the info in it new and interesting while parts of it felt familiar and more so review. There is an exercise at the end of most lessons and I was grateful for the author adding those to give things to try. I would like to exercise these for a bit of time to see how they feel to me. Overall this book was a nice read and nothing too crazy to fathom. The tantric/ matrimony part at the end threw me off for its placement but made sense as I am reading about kundalini elsewhere.

[Ken Hannaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to life and true awakening - it comes through Gnosis (knowledge). Turning within and doing the "inner work" is what leads people towards happiness, success, and less attachment & suffering here in the physical world. This book is enlightening in many accounts, but for the life long learning and truth seeker that is continually working to better their on consciousness and awareness in life - you must give it a read.

[Russell Eric Dobda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off as a decent self help /motivational work including exercises for inner work, and devolves into a Christian rant against sex and marriage before trying to briefly explain how true love must connect in 7 levels to work and mentioning orgasm-less sex as a practice.

[Shaheda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Foundation of his teachings for beginners.

[Nima Sotoadeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep stuff. Just getting into learning about Gnosis. I don't fully comprehend it still, but I'm interested to learn more.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be mandatory reading material next to AS.

[ScottyBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gnosis is Greek for knowledge [γνῶσις, gnosis]. This knowledge is very old, for it is the Truth that lies behind every religion. The tenor of the message has always changed with the time and place of any new inception in order for it to be more easily understood. Every new religion would bring a few souls to the Light before it was eventually corrupted and overrun by the forces of darkness.

In these dark times society is very much in need of a light to show the way. The author shares his knowledge and experience to help us understand Gnosis. The upshot of Gnosis is to know our inner world and how it relates to the outer world. As it turns out, Gnosis tells us that our microcosmos (inner world) is a blueprint of the macrocosmos (outer world). As above, so below.

Gnosis is a large body of knowledge comprising Art, Science, Religion and Philosophy. This book presents the knowledge and methods we need to start this exploration of our inner world. We can start with the question: ‘Why are we here?’ From there we can move on to ‘How to Solve a Problem.’ We may then ask, ‘Why do we Suffer?’

The author encourages us to validate everything he says with our own experiences. He is not looking for followers or believers. He does not expound on theories and dogma or engage in philosophical argument. His message is based on his knowledge and experience, which is considerable. If we compare him to our modern-day TV evangelists we see a contrast of opposites. A true master does not preach as a money-making venture, nor does he speak beyond that which he knows from his own experiences.

There is an exercise for managing our anger, which can often be our undoing. There is a method for visualizing success in a business venture, which is a surprising topic for a master or guru to expound on. But it is important for us to succeed in this world with a certain amount of comfort and happiness or else how can we address our inner world and have time to explore it?

We are given advice on mental hygiene. This addresses the mental pollution in our society and the mental epidemics which are so prevalent. It is surprising how much we focus on the physical aspects of hygiene and never give much thought to our mental health.

Certainly there is much to explore in such a small book. Invention, imagination, intuition. These faculties are largely unused and latent in us because our habits and behaviors thwart us. Certainly we need a new approach to break out of the rut of our ignorant behavior. In order to fix ourselves we need to know ourselves first, fundamentally and in depth.

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav · Rating 4 out of 5]

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LOTS OF GOOD HOLISTIC PRACTICES FOR MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF LIFE <3
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[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite book by Samael Aun Weor, but I had read many of his other books first and thus many of the concepts were already familiar to me. This one just seemed a little on the materialistic side. Which would probably appeal to those just getting started on the path to self realization. The genuine methods taught in the book should produce results.

[Dan Desmarques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!