All of the principles outlined in this course point towards a specific goal: divine realization upon the inner path of spiritual initiation. By mastering our psychology, sexuality, and sufferings in daily life, we become radically distinct individuals characterized by the highest ideals, embodied by humanity's greatest luminaries and prophets. This final lecture reviews three principles for entering, walking upon, and mastering the spiritual path, whereby a common person becomes an enlightened individual: the birth of virtue, the death of desire, and selfless service for humanity.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/master-your-true-self

Guest lecturer!

Amidst the complexities and difficulties of life is a simple truth: every action produces related consequences. While true in physics, this dynamic is even more profound in relation to our behaviors, mindset, social interactions, and psychology. See how to affect genuine spiritual change through an introduction to five mystical principles, described in the East as karma and in the West as the divine law. Learn also of common pitfalls, antidotes, and anecdotes for lasting personal transformation, as well as how inspired action can produce the longed for changes we seek in our daily lives.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/karma-the-eternal-law-of-action-and-consequence

After working with energy, the consciousness becomes inflamed and awakened. However, this type of birth is only one side of a spiritual equation. The rest of the work necessitates the comprehension and death of psychological contaminants like anger, lust, and pride. By directing energy towards the purification of the mind, it becomes possible to be fully rid of repetitious and harmful internal states, thereby enacting lasting, profound, and radical change. See how through a practice known as retrospection meditation.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/liberate-your-true-self

We perceive with more senses that mere sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Rather than exclusively depend upon empirical data, it is possible to explore, with psychological senses, the roots and origins of numerous internal states. While openly denigrated by modern society, the faculty of imagination is actually the means by which to investigate non-physical or metaphysical phenomena such as thoughts, feelings, and desires. Through understanding five forms of imagination, it becomes possible to distinguish reality from illusion, the truth of cosmic being from the clever machinations our own mind. Learn also practical techniques to develop positive forms of imagination for the awakening and liberation of self.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/imagine-your-true-self

Ever wonder why New Year's resolutions don't work? While we might will something, it may not come to fruition because we lack energy, enthusiasm, and consistency for accomplishing it. Likewise, without proper spiritual force, we will not have the inspiration, comprehension, and zeal for overcoming resistance. Learn how to conserve and harness energy for the awakening of your spirituality, specifically through exercises of pranayama, chakra work, and sacred sexuality.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/empower-your-true-self

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." ―Matthew 6:24

Examine your life. Whom do you serve most from moment to moment? Is it your unconditioned consciousness, or desires? By understanding our psychological states, it becomes possible to intuitively choose what superior actions to embody and follow. In this way, we willingly engage in selfless behaviors  for the well-being of our communities.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/serve-your-true-self

All religions and mystical traditions speak about divine reality. But how do we experience it? Likewise, how do we cultivate it daily, from moment to moment? Discover the basis for remembering divinity, what it entails, and how to cultivate such a relationship through practical techniques.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/remember-your-true-self

By comprehending and eliminating our defects, we produce the awakening of the consciousness within dreams. This is the sacred return of the soul to divinity within this very life, without needing to physically die. We can competently navigate the higher worlds, the internal dimensions, and receive direct guidance from the Being through profound meditation and spiritual practice: (see Dream Yoga and Astral Travel).

On every Saturday the 13th, we can perform the Spiritual Practice with Melchizedek, supplicating to the genie of the Earth to guide us in the path of mystical death. Such a process radically awakens the disciple during the normal hours of sleep, so that the soul can personally converse and commune with divinity with joy, inspiration, and spiritual healing.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/scriptures/ibn-arabi-the-meccan-revelations-voluntary-death

Critiques and explanations regarding divine sexuality. See the following references to Glorian Publishing and Chicago Gnosis:

Article Text: Why is Sexual Magic Controversial?

The basis of understanding reality is direct perception. While contemporary science accepts sensory and conceptual means of apprehending truth, the ancient mystical traditions taught that the awakened consciousness possesses superior faculties beyond the limitations of individual subjectivity and personal bias. Rather than imprison oneself within a sensual or believing mind, it is possible to awaken a third type: the inner that knows how to perceive and comprehend states of being beyond subjective materiality. By developing the inner mind, we come to experience and witness our true nature.

Resources and References:

https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/experience-your-true-self