Chicago Gnosis Podcast

"The ancients knew these powers so well, that, while concealing their true nature under various allegories, for the benefit (or to the detriment) of the uneducated rabble, they never departed from the multiple object in view, while inverting them. They contrived to throw a thick veil over the nucleus of truth concealed by the symbol, but they ever tried to preserve the latter as a record for future generations, sufficiently transparent to allow their wise men to discern that truth behind the fabulous form of the glyph or allegory. They are accused of superstition and credulity, those ancient sages; and this by those very nations, which, learned in all the modern arts and sciences, cultured and wise in their generation, accept to this day as their one living and infinite God, the anthropomorphic 'Jehovah' of the Jews." ―H.P. Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine, Volume I, iv. “The Four Elements Art is an expression of consciousness; therefore the level of being of an artist is expressed through his or her work.  The great artists of humanity have always been profound mystics and apostles who taught how to unite with divinity through their music, writings, and paintings.  Unlike modern art that is divorced from spiritual principles, ancient and classical forms of art embody the highest ideals attainable by mankind, and only those who awaken consciousness can recognize such divine principles within great literature, sculptures, etc.  The mystery schools of Universal Gnosticism disseminated their secret knowledge through the veils of allegory, symbolism, and artistic mediums, so as to evade persecution and provide their knowledge to other initiates without openly giving away their secrets. Learn how esoteric mysticism, science, and philosophy were taught within ancient art forms: sculpture, poetry, drama, theater, opera, classical music, and more. This lecture explains hidden teachings given by Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner, and other classical composers, as well as through the mystical dances of the Sufis, the architecture of the Egyptians and Mayans, and more. Resources and References: http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/fundamentals-of-gnostic-art

Learn the three factors that define true spirituality within any tradition and the foundations upon which our full human potential is actualized. As one of the four pillars of the Gnostic Tradition, genuine mysticism is defined as closing the mind's eye towards sensuality, hatred, ignorance, and egotism, thereby opening the doors to spiritual insight. To be a mystic, one who knows the hidden, divine mysteries, one must comprehend the secret causes of suffering within the psyche.  Through specific training, the soul can learn to investigate the hidden truths contained within all religions, practically and definitively, through transforming the mind's attachments, cravings, desires, and afflictions. By changing ourselves, we can change humanity. This is specifically accomplished through the application of three factors: the birth or genesis of the soul, death of psychological impurity, and selfless service for humanity. As taught in the writings of Luke, we learn to become true mystics by denying our egotistical impulses, bearing up the cross of alchemy, and sacrificing for others through following Christ's example. This lecture explores teachings from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, the famous second birth that Jesus taught to Nicodemus, psychological and allegorical verses of the Qur'an, the writings of Manly P. Hall, Samael Aun Weor, and more. Resources and References: http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/fundamentals-of-gnostic-mysticism

"…As the dawn of physical science broke into glaring daylight, the spiritual sciences merged deeper and deeper into night, and in their turn they were denied. So, now, these greatest masters in psychology are looked upon as “ignorant and superstitious ancestors”; as mountebanks and jugglers, because, forsooth, the sun of modern learning shines today so bright, it has become an axiom that the philosophers and men of science of the olden time knew nothing, and lived in a night of superstition. But their traducers forget that the sun of today will seem dark by comparison with the luminary of tomorrow, whether justly or not; and as the men of our century think their ancestors ignorant, so will perhaps their descendants count them for know-nothings." ―H. P. Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled: Chapter II, “Lost Arts” Modern science, focused upon the investigation of material phenomena, lacks effective methods for knowing the hidden, spiritual roots of existing things, precisely due to the fact that such mystical principles can only be apprehended by conscious perception beyond the limits of physical matter.  Whereas the methods of empirical investigation end at the limits of materiality, Gnostic science begins where physical science leaves off: through the awakening and development of consciousness.  It is by cultivating the ardent faculties of the soul that one can obtain the mystical apprehension of fundamental truths.  The direct cognizance of the intelligent blueprints of nature is therefore born from the scientific procedures beyond the reach of the five physical senses. Learn how the ancient schools of mysteries, whether from Rome, Chaldea, Persia, Tibet, India, etc., secretly cultivated a profound, hidden, and superior knowledge rejected and ignored by present day scientific dogma.  You will also learn how the modern Gnostic tradition is based upon the study and application of three esoteric sciences: Egyptian  الكيمياء‎ Alchemy, Hebraic קבלה Kabbalah, and Greek ψυχολογία Psychology or dialectics.  This lecture introduces these three sciences in accordance with the doctrines of Plato, Nietzsche, H.P. Blavatsky, Samael Aun Weor, and other philosophical and esoteric writers. Resources and References: http://chicagognosis.org/lectures/fundamentals-of-gnostic-science

Explore the essence of Gnosis through transformative knowledge in different religious scriptures. Learn the four pillars of Gnosticism: science, mysticism, art, and philosophy. Discover the interconnectedness of ancient knowledge and modern traditions, emphasizing self-reflection and spiritual growth. Delve into the symbolism of sacrifice, divine energies, and the journey towards inner unity in Gnostic teachings.