Chicago Gnosis Podcast

Gnostic Psychology | Conscious Judgment

Consciousness is not only the capacity to perceive physical phenomena, but psychological and spiritual realities as well. An essential function of awakened perception is discrimination: comprehension of what is real from what is illusory. Likewise, many spiritual schools refer to this faculty as intuition, a form of knowing without the need for intellectual deliberation or reasoning―to understand the truth of something without the need to think. Intuition can also be referred to as the voice of conscience: a hunch, sense, or whisper in the heart that identifies how certain behaviors or actions are positive or negative, real or false.

Our inner states determine our existence. Therefore, knowing our defects in meditation is fundamental for genuine change. Conscience or conscious judgment is the ability to distinguish between beneficial and harmful psychological states, so as to arrive at understanding and elimination of the internal causes of suffering.  By following the voice of intuition, inner judgment or conscience, the meditator strengthens their connection with divinity, performs upright action, and learns to destroy mistaken conditions of mind: the ego, the myself, the "I." The result is genuine serenity, insight, and freedom in practical life.

Resources and References:

http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/conscious-judgment

Gnostic Psychology | The Dialectic of the Consciousness

The term dialectic signifies "​the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions." To perceive reality as it is, one must go beyond mere subjective rationalism, theories, or ideas by awakening consciousness from its state of distraction. In order to gain genuine self-knowledge, the meditator must discard mistaken concepts and beliefs in order to directly observe, within him or herself, the psychological conditions that produce suffering.

Discover the foundation for every true inner revolution: the dialectic of the consciousness, or the means of investigating any phenomena of nature. Through serenity and insight, the meditator gains comprehension of the internal causes of suffering, thereby arriving at their elimination. This lecture discusses the nature of comprehension in relation to the Greek mysteries, Sufism, and the writings of Samael Aun Weor, specifically the precise methodology for understanding and annihilating the ego, thereby arriving at true liberation of the soul.

Resources and References:

http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-dialectic-of-the-consciousness

Gnostic Psychology | The Light of the Consciousness

Consciousness is the ability to perceive, yet few comprehend how consciousness has the capacity to expand, grow, and develop beyond its present limitations. The natural state of consciousness (or soul) is liberation, happiness, contentment, peace, compassion, joy, etc.  Yet due to our mistaken actions, we have conditioned the consciousness in egotistical elements of greed, pride, laziness, lust, envy, hatred, gluttony, and all our defects that create suffering for ourselves and others. 

To realize the bliss, light, and freedom of the awakened soul, all conditioning and limitations must be observed, comprehended, and eliminated. By observing oneself and energizing the consciousness, one learns to comprehend negative psychological states, their origin, and their cessation. Learn how directed attention, self-observation, and inner remembrance of the divine aid the meditator in developing the pristine light of spiritual cognizance. You will also learn about a map of consciousness, the Hebraic Kabbalah or Tree of Life, which diagrams every level of matter, energy, and perception within oneself and the universe. Through self-observation, conservation of energy, comprehension of faults, and the elimination of egoism, the practitioner awakens from psychological slumber and experiences true serenity, insight, and illumination.

Resources and References:

http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-light-of-the-consciousness

Gnostic Psychology | Introduction to Awareness

A concise introduction to the nature and purpose of meditation through Padmasambhava's Tibetan Book of the Dead: “The Introduction to Awareness" or “Natural Liberation through Naked Perception.” 

Meditation is an exercise to develop consciousness to its full potential.  Awareness and directed attention are the basis of meditation, especially as described by the originators of every genuine religion. This lecture outlines the three vehicles of any spiritual school, their methodologies and meditative disciplines, while comparing esoteric Buddhism to the Hebraic Kabbalah: the Tree of Life.  You will also learn the profound dynamics and interdependent relations of spirit, consciousness, will, mind, emotion, energy, and matter.

Resources and References:

http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/introduction-to-awareness

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | How Do We Perceive?

Perception has many levels, factors, domains, and dimensions. By identifying, verifying, and clarifying different types of experience, spiritual aspirants can access their true nature, unfiltered, unconditioned, and unafflicted by suffering. Learn how to differentiate the spiritually real from the illusory self through a deep study of gnostic psychology: the relationship between the soul (psyche) and divinity (logos).

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/how-do-we-perceive

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | What is Gnosis?

Gnosis is the conscious experience of fundamental truths​ without reliance upon concept, theory, or belief. By expanding the potential range of our perception, the Gnostic student verifies the essential principles within every religion and spiritual tradition. Discover the practical purpose of Gnosticism: the application of effective techniques for transforming suffering and acquiring personal knowledge of the divine.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/what-is-gnosis

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | Sacred Sexuality and Transmutation

Many of us sense that nowadays religions are missing something critical, and the surprising truth is that this is due to traditions having rejected sexuality instead of comprehending its true purpose. When humanity either represses or indulges in sexual desire, the outcome is suffering, because this volatile force, the true source of our creative expression, must always act. How we use sexuality determines our life. Discover the divine purpose of sexuality, how to transform the most potent energies we possess for the empowerment of our spirituality. Rather than becoming a source of shame or blind passion, sex can serve towards the redemption and liberation of the soul.

Resources and Reference:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/sacred-sexuality-and-transmutation

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | Karma and Ethics

Comprehension of karma is the critical foundation for our spiritual development. As we understand the law of action and consequence in our own life, we open the door to comprehending this law throughout the rest of nature. Discover the practical steps you can take today to maximize the positive effects of each moment of your existence.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/karma-and-ethics

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | Psychological Death

Life and death are two sides of the same thing. For our soul to live, our egotism must die. Learn about the importance of psychological death for spiritual life as well as practical ways to achieve it.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/psychological-death

Introduction to Gnostic Studies | The Spiritual Seed

The individual is a seed, an embryo with the potential to develop into a fully enlightened being. This can only be accomplished, however, through actualizing the proper conditions and precise methods for its development. Discover the three essential spiritual sciences that lead towards the perfection of the human being: Hebraic kabbalah, medieval alchemy, and spiritual psychology. See how through an explanation of well-known myths and stories, including the Bible and Pinocchio by Carlos Collodi, whose meanings have eluded scholars, but are comprehensible to the practical meditator and awakened consciousness.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-spiritual-seed