GNOSIS

Gnosis--awakening from a state of sleep, unity6 with the Immeasurable All, the truth that existed before ignorance--but what does gnosis feel like? Read what Gnostic scripture says about gnosis in "'Gnosis' According to the Gnostics".

THE FOUR POINT PLANE

The four point plane of Gnosticism (sometimes abbreviated as the "4pp") is an effective tool for teaching those unfamiliar with Gnostic thought and scripture. The pace of Gnostic scholarship has risen steadily since the discovery of the Nag Hammadi Library in 1945 and the continuing discovery and public release of ancient Gnostic writings can seem confusing to people interested in knowing what Gnosticism is and what it is not. While scholars often politely disagree on the interpretation of Gnostic teachings and writings, most of those at the Palm Tree Garden agree that the 4pp is useful for introducing Gnostic thought to an audience of interested if uninformed listeners. The four "points" of the "plane" are:

1. Emanations cosmology (Becoming is an extension of Being)
2 Immanent Pneumatology (Spirit is "veiled" in matter and can be "unveiled")
3. Gnostic soteriology (The experience of gnosis is what saves one from the realms of imperfection)
4. Sacramental Praxis (Gnosis is achieved by a variety of practices which seek to make the imperfect realms "holy" or sacred-- the eucharist, contemplative practice, etc.)
If you are unfamiliar with Gnosticism and wish to have a basic understanding of Gnostic thought, or if you are a Gnostic in need of a simple way of explaining Gnosticism to others, visit The 4pp "in action".

SETHIAN/VALENTINIAN/THOMASINE TRADITIONS


Among the ancient Gnostics were many groups, or sects, the Hermetics, the Sethians, the Valentinians, the Thomasines, and others. The Sethian and Valentinian traditions have sometimes been confused by us in the twenty-first century as to the differences of their thoughts and practices. In our "Sethian/Valentinian/Thomasine" forum thread, today's Gnostic scholars examine such questions as to what extent Christianty and Christ or the soteriological figure informed these traditions. Where these traditions lived and thrived and what influenced them and what they, in turn, influenced is examined with reference to texts both old and new.


Article Source : Palm Tree Garden