“The pupil must regain the child-state he has lost ere the first sound can fall upon his ear. The light from the ONE Master, the one unfading golden light of Spirit, shoots its effulgent beams on the disciple from the very first. It’s rays thread through the thick dark clouds of matter. Now here, now there, these rays illumine it, like sun-sparks light the earth through the thick foliage of the jungle growth. But, O Disciple, unless the flesh is passive, head cool, the soul as firm and pure as flaming diamond, the radiance will not reach the chamber, its sunlight will not warm the heart, nor will the mystic sounds of the Akasic heights reach the ear, however eager, at the initial stage.” —The Voice of the Silence

This sacred scripture provides a didactic teaching on the essence of spiritual practice: dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (comprehension, ecstasy), which was practiced within the most ancient schools of mysteries and presently within gnostic institutions founded by Samael Aun Weor. Learn how to initiate, sustain, and perfect the stages of meditation, so as to experience the highest reality and end the psychological causes of suffering.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-stages-of-meditation

A brief, guided relaxation practice to open the doors of imagination (perception of non-physical imagery) and psychological introspection (the internal analysis of oneself). By combining deep breathing with the study of the mind, practitioners can access a state of meditation (the in-depth understanding of any perceived phenomenon).

Resources and References:

Chicago Gnosis Guided Practice

All living beings from the inferior kingdoms have an elemental soul, including plants. Elementals of the plant kingdom are innocent, chaste, and powerful, since they have not left their paradisiacal state and retain their ability to consciously influence nature. The elemental of the aloe is exceptional for spiritual healing, protection, past life recall, and meditation. By learning to ethically command the elemental of the aloe, the initiate receives divine aid, the empowerment of a superior level of being, and the moral edification of others.

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A brief meditation on the nature of spiritual perception and personal reflection. Through visualizing light and deep breathing, we relax the mind, heart, and body. By raising creative energy up to our midbrow then down to the heart, the consciousness stills negative emotions and awakens the higher faculties of the soul: sublime compassion, serenity, wisdom, and understanding.

Resources and References:

Chicago Gnosis Guided Practice

In the final stages of the path, the spiritual master is purged of all impurity through intense ordeals. To reach perfection, such bodhisattvas are always tested because they must pay all their debts before the divine law. They must suffer for having betrayed the heavenly kingdom, since every resurrection is preceded by death. Likewise, Attila faces poison and the sword (symbolizing a terminal, karmic sickness) before he can reach the heights of self-realization. Divinity conspires against the bodhisattva’s ego through Uldino (the voice of conscience), Ezio (the Tree of Knowledge), Foresto (the elemental forces of the Being) and Odabella (the sword of Kundalini). Discover how every master completes the spiritual work through the last two acts of this powerful opera!

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Upon taking the direct path to liberation, the warrior bodhisattva Attila must face conspiracy, plots, and intrigue. The elemental forces of the Being (Foresto) and the Kundalini sword of divine justice (Odabella) plot his (psychological) death. Karma besets the initiate at every step, for the barbarian king must confront his weaknesses and conquer his ego. However, due to pride, Attila will not bow to divine intercession until his path to Rome (amore, love) is barred by Pope Leo (the Lion of Judah, the Intimate Christ, the terror of love and law). Discover how Attila (Tiphereth, the human soul) receives oneiric premonitions and must learn to fulfill divine will (Kether, the supremacy of God).

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Giuseppe Verdi was a Freemason who encoded the spiritual path of kabbalah, alchemy, and initiation in his operas. In this seminal work, Attila—the warrior of the spirit—must conquer the kingdom of Rome (amore, love) within himself for the redemption of the psyche. However, his pride, anger, and ego are very alive. All defects must die for the spiritual master Attila (Thelema, divine will) to become perfect. Discover what happens to a warrior bodhisattva, an incarnation of the Martian Christ, upon taking the direct path to the Absolute, the contexts, requisites, obstacles, and dramas symbolized in Attila's choice to conquer Rome.

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Kabbalah, the esoteric or mystical dimension of Jewish thought, embodies universal principles reflected within the heart of all great religions, particularly Judaism and Christianity. While expressed through Hebrew scripture, narrative, folklore, law, and prayer, Kabbalah conveys spiritual truths applicable to all of humanity, simultaneously elucidating conventional Jewish traditions and the path of personal, divine experience.

Many Westerners lack a fundamental understanding of their social, religious, and philosophical roots. Likewise, many Jews and Christians have distanced themselves from the mystical origins of their traditions. This is why Kabbalah is sometimes referenced as the Yoga of the West, for it offers a form of practical spirituality best suited for our modern dispensation. Discover how through the writings of Dion Fortune and Samael Aun Weor.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/kabbalah-the-yoga-of-the-west

The Divine Mother is referenced in every great world religion and mystical tradition. She is not some external, foreign figure, but a representation of our innermost divinity. The Egyptians venerated and invoked Her by many names, particularly Isis and Nut. This guided practice will lead you in a simple, beautiful, and profound prayer to your internal divine feminine, finalized with the sacred Egyptian mantra: O AO KAKOF NA KHONSA. Through prayer, vocalization, and meditation, we commune with and deeply realize Her compassionate presence in our lives.

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The creation and perfection of the soul is a lifelong work of art. However, to attain such spiritual realizations, the individual must learn to awaken, develop, and master their complete potential through specific means. Through fulfilling the requisites of meditation, the consciousness begins to perceive its true nature and understand the reality of divinity. See how through the four pillars or foundations of Gnosticism: science, mysticism, art, and philosophy. Many thanks to our guest lecturer who made this event possible!

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-work-of-the-artist