What is Gnosis?

Gnosis or ‘Gnostic’ is not to be confused with ‘Agnostic’. An ‘Agnostic’ is someone who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God, and to whom the ultimate reality of things is unknown.

A ‘Gnostic’ on the other hand, is someone who possesses esoteric knowledge of spiritual matters through direct experience. Gnosis is the Greek word for “knowledge”, specifically referring to experiential knowledge, rather than intellectual or conceptual knowledge.

Gnostic teachings are not intended to be an intellectual affair; true understanding is acquired though direct experience. As such the cornerstone of Gnosis is the practical application of the teachings. The gnostic student must verify the teachings for themselves as opposed to believing or disbelieving them. This personal verification leads to true knowledge.

It is knowledge gained through awareness and observation. Awareness of the present moment is achieved by observing the world around us through the physical senses, and at the same time observing inwardly our thoughts and emotions. It is through this observation that we can gain an understanding of our psyche; an understanding which leads to change.

That is the whole point of Gnosis, to acquire self-knowledge so as to change; to eliminate negative unconscious drives and impulses such as anger, hatred, greed, lust etc and to increase our consciousness, leading to liberation and enlightenment.

“My advice to you, whoever you may be.
Oh! You who desire to explore the mysteries of nature.
If you do not discover within yourself what you seek,
neither will you find it without.
If you ignore the excellencies of your own house,
how can you aspire to find excellencies elsewhere?
Within you is hidden the treasure of treasures.
Oh! Man, know thyself and you will know the Universe and the Gods.”
(Inscription at the entrance of the Temple of Delphi in Greece)

Learn more about what Gnosis is here…