The Tao of Christ

The twenty-second saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas is the clearest example of Christian nonduality that we have in any gospel. Some of these metaphors in this passage are familiar to us from other sayings in the Gospel of Thomas, as well as similar sayings in the canonical gospels. Others we have not come across before. Jesus saw some babies nursing. He said to his disciples, "These nursing babies are like those who enter the kingdom." They said to him, "Then shall we enter the kingdom as babies?" Jesus said to them, "When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter the kingdom."View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

This episode is on the 21st saying in the Gospel of Thomas. I will read it for you: Mary said to Jesus, "Whom are your disciples like?" He said, "They are like children who have settled in a field which is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, 'Let us have back our field.' They (will) undress in their presence in order to let them have back their field and to give it back to them. Therefore I say, if the owner of a house knows that the thief is coming, he will begin his vigil before he comes and will not let him dig through into his house of his domain to carry away his goods. You, then, be on your guard against the world. Arm yourselves with great strength lest the robbers find a way to come to you, for the difficulty which you expect will (surely) materialize. Let there be among you a man of understanding. When the grain ripened, he came quickly with his sickle in his hand and reaped it. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."  View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

The twentieth saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas is one that is familiar to Christians who have read the canonical gospels. It is known as the parable of the Mustard Seed. Thomas’ version goes like this:The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what the kingdom of Heaven is like." He said to them, "It's like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, but when it falls on prepared soil, it produces a large plant and becomes a shelter for birds of heaven."At first hearing it may sound identical to the New Testament parable. But listen again. Here is the version found in the Gospel of Luke. Pay attention to the differences.Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”They sound similar, but the small differences make a big difference. Let’s look at the differences and what they teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven, which is Jesus’ term for Divine Awareness.View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

 Today I am looking at the nineteenth saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who came into being before he came into being. If you become my disciples and listen to my words, these stones will minister to you. For there are five trees in paradise for you. Summer or winter they do not change and their leaves do not fall. Whoever knows them will not taste death." This saying naturally breaks down into the segments. First is a beatitude. Then there is the statement about the stones. And third is the enigmatic saying about the Trees of Paradise. All three have echoes in the canonical gospels. Once again the Gospel of Thomas gives us new insights into the New Testament sayings. View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

Dive into the profound teachings of the 18th saying from the Gospel of Thomas, where Jesus prompts disciples to focus on beginnings instead of endings. Explore the cyclical nature of existence and the idea that life and death are illusions, illustrated by the Ouroboros symbol. The discussion reveals how embracing spiritual awakening can lead to a deeper understanding of eternal life, encouraging connection with one’s true essence beyond physical limitations. Discover how this journey enriches the soul and liberates the spirit.

This discussion dives into Easter from the unique perspective of Thomas in the Gospel of Thomas. It challenges the traditional portrayal of Thomas as merely a 'Doubting Thomas.' Instead, it reveals his insights on resurrection as a spiritual experience, transcending physical realities. The conversation contrasts early Christian views with later interpretations. The take on spiritual wisdom, inspired by Paul's writings, suggests Easter as a profound mystery, inviting listeners to explore deeper spiritual themes.

Explore the challenging theme of standing for truth and unity in a divided world. Discover the profound interpretation of Jesus' 16th saying in the Gospel of Thomas, which reveals a striking contrast between perceived peace and the reality of conflict. Dive into the nuances of spiritual awakening and solitude, uncovering the deeper meanings of faith, resurrection, and the quest for true peace. Highlighting historical examples, the discussion inspires listeners to embrace oneness despite societal struggles.

Today we look at the fifteenth saying in the Gospel of Thomas. It is a short, but important saying. Jesus says, "When you see one who was not born of woman, fall on your faces and worship. That one is your Father."  I look at both the “not born of woman” part, and the use of the word Father. Father is one of Jesus’ favorite words for Nondual Reality.  View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU

Explore the intricate nature of spiritual practices in the Gospel of Thomas. Discover how fasting, praying, and giving can become traps for the ego. Unravel the surprising risks that accompany these religious disciplines, emphasizing that instead of fostering altruism, they can lead to self-interest. Delve into the idea that genuine spiritual growth requires a focus on ego dissolution rather than mere adherence to ritual. It's a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional views on spirituality.

Today we look at the thirteenth saying in the Gospel of Thomas. “Jesus said to his disciples, "Compare me to someone and tell me whom I am like." Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a righteous angel." Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise philosopher." Thomas said to him, "Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom you are like." Jesus said, "I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring which I have measured out." And he took him and withdrew and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, "What did Jesus say to you?" Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the things which he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me; a fire will come out of the stones and burn you up." This saying in the Gospel of Thomas stands in clear contrast with the famous passage in the canonical gospels where Peter gives his famous confession of faith.  The Gospel of Mark says: “Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.”In Matthew’s gospel Peter gives a longer and more famous answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”The difference between the canonical and noncanonical accounts is the difference between traditional Christianity and Christian nonduality. View Marshall's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marshall-Davis/author/B001K8Y0RU