Modern Esotericism and Spiritual Ascension

[alexd]

Today many perspectives about Enlightenment exist. I have noticed that many people have posted here and on other discussion boards alluding to modern esoteric and Gnostic teachings. I would like to summarize what I have learnt from these teachings regarding Enlightenment. I know that many people here are probably experienced with Enlightenment and spiritual progress, and I would like your opinions on this. I am trying to form a synthesis about Enlightenment but I haven't found much solid and substantial information on the web. Obviously I can only provide a brief summary and outline of the information I have learnt, but you are welcome to research the teachings yourself and then comment on them.

The Gnostic movement essentially calls for one path to Spiritual Enlightenment which is only walked upon with the concurrent and consistent practice of the three keys, namely:

1. The Death
2. The Birth
3. The Sacrifice

The Death is practiced with external and internal awareness. Present moment awareness must be practiced throughout the day. With this awareness we begin to distinguish "lower" parts of ourselves. When these parts are noticed a prayer is said to eliminate the part of ourselves. Once the part is eliminated it becomes consciousness, and so our level of awareness is increased. The aim is to transform the subconscious parts of ourselves into consciousness and eliminate our lower selves to allow our higher self to manifest. The ultimate goal is to become 100% conscious with no subconscious elements.

The Birth is the practice of sexual magic. It is said that the consciousness manifests in the body and expresses itself through the chakras. During the practice of The Birth the energies are transmuted and are used to convert our lunar physical, astral and mental bodies into solar bodies. Later along The Path these bodies are transmuted into golden physical, astral, mental and causal bodies. The practice of the sexual magic also raises the Kundalini up along the spine and permanently activates the chakras. Kundalini must be raised in each of the bodies.

To the best of my understanding The Sacrifice consists simply of being selfless in every day life.

With the practice of all 3 keys we are given initiations and tests in the Astral. The Path continues until it has been completed fully and the initiate reaches absolute spiritual enlightenment. Unless a person eliminates at least roughly 47% of their subconsciousness they fall into the Abyss after death, which is depicted as Hell.

This is the basic outline of the modern Gnostic teaching. It may not appear clear because it can take months of reading to learn about the subject fully. However I am interested in your opinions about the accuracy of this information based on your own experience in terms of spiritual enlightenment, whether you have studied Gnosis before or not. Please share your opinions.

Further readings:

http://www.gnosis-usa.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

http://www.gnosis-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=5&id=71&Itemid=43

http://www.gnosis-usa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=43
(This explains consciousness and subconsciousness more clearly)

http://www.mysticweb.org/


Alex

[Ben987]

Yes, I am familiar with the gnostic teachings. However, the whole point of gnosticism is to find out for yourself. It arms you with all the tools you need to truly find the answers. So, while for me this information is pretty accurate, please don't take my word for it, and go find out for yourself. What I will say is this: as someone who has studied these things and tried to walk "the path", it has been simultaneously the most challenging and the most rewarding thing I have ever tried to do in my life. If you are looking for an 'easy' path to enlightenment, then this is NOT for you. This is the most direct way as far as I can tell. If you truly want to revolutionize your conscienceness and your whole psyche, then this is for you. Once again don't take my word for it, but something most people don't realize is that the 'average' human being only consists of 3% consciousness, the other 97% of their psyche is the unconscience. So, while this may sound ludicrous, it is something that can (relatively) easily be verified yourself with rigorous self-observation/awareness, and the 'death of the egos technique'.
But I don't want to preach to you, so if you really want to learn more about spiritual ascencion, esotericism etc. then go to one of the websites. I would personnally recommend www.mysticweb.org, as it explains things the most clearly in my opinion.
-Ben

[alexd]

The main problem I have with these teachings is that they do not allow for any alternative ideas and insist that their information is the only accurate information.

I have learnt a lot about the teachings but a lot of the information often conflicts with things discussed here.

I haven't truly tried to walk the path myself for the simple reason that it is so easy to fail that I do not even know where to begin. You said you have tried to walk the path? Are you on it at the moment? Robert Bruce also has allusions to it in one of the poems on his website; perhaps he is aware of it too.


Alex

[Tombo]

I don't know if my reply fits here.........

I always thought that the term "enlightement" was introduced by the Buddha. I think, I understand (as far as it is possible in a rational way) what is meant by Enlightement in the buddhist Teachings. It is a very fundamental and beautiful concept that basically means "end of suffering"
Now, I don't know if this is what you asked or not

Tom

[Ben987]

The gnostic teachings don't insist that they are right. What they do is provide you with a set of  tools to find  out  what is right.
    You're right that it is very easy to fail. But it isn't that hard to know where to begin, as I said, go to www.mysticweb.org and click on online courses if you're interested in learning more about this stuff (its free    ).
     Yes,  I am  trying to stay on  the path. I do not think that robert bruce  is talking about the same path as  the one  I am  mentioning however.
     And yes tombo,  that would be an excellent way of  describing enlightenment, it is basically what were talking  about.

[Tombo]

I forgot to add what suffering means:

Suffering = every unhappy state of mind
Suffering is generated when ever you want something you do not get, or get something you do not want.
Which happens quite often in my Life.............

[Wells]

With regards to "3. The Sacrifice" - I believe this refers specifically to helping others advance spiritually.  It's a sacrifice of time and effort to help others.