Chicago Gnosis Podcast

This spiritual exercise is known in some gnostic circles as the prayer for the irradiation of love, a direct means for awakening, developing, and empowering bodhichitta. Such an exercise can be practiced any time to inflame and inspire the consciousness towards alleviating humanity's suffering. It is also a remedy for reducing one's own pain, because by focusing on others, we develop genuine virtue and strengthen our best qualities (because if we are blinded by our passions and desires, we are less effective in serving our communities). Learn how to develop concentration, imagination, and prayer in combination to produce a profound synthesis: the rare virtue of impactful, divine compassion in service of others' wellbeing. This exercise accompanies the lecture Cultivating Bodhichitta Through Intention and Practice from The Way of the Bodhisattva course. Resources and References: Awakening Compassion Through Concentration, Imagination, and Prayer

“People are weary of so many theories, now they want practical matters. They do not want more theories, or more intellectual vagueness, or more exploitation. So, let us come to practical facts. Let us come to the point.” —Samael Aun Weor, The Major Mysteries Enacting enlightened, compassionate, or conscious love is different from intending it. While intention and action are different, they are both needed to awaken and develop bodhichitta. See how through an exploration of Tibetan Buddhist psychology and Gnostic exercises. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/cultivating-bodhichitta-through-intention-and-practice

Learn a simple relaxation exercise combined with self-observation and sexual transmutation, whereby one stills the mind, heart, and body, separates from the ego, and transforms creative energy to awaken consciousness. This exercise of Ham-Sah Pranayama accompanies the lecture on Bodhichitta: Alchemical Medicine for the Soul. For further study: Ham-Sah Pranayama (Guided Practice)

While a Mahayana text, The Way of the Bodhisattva encodes tantric teachings about harnessing the creative sexual energy. Literally the seminal force in Tibetan Buddhist tantric texts, bodhichitta is the power of awakening enlightened compassion through selfless love, especially within a perfect matrimony. In other words, bodhichitta is the power of ennobled or chaste sexuality, whereby dense desires are transformed into unlikely and impactful virtues: generosity, altruism, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, meditative serenity, and wisdom, otherwise known as the paramitas or perfections of a genuine spiritual master. It is also the fuel by which real faith is generated—the direct spiritual experience of divine, ultimate reality—which inspires any initiate to serve and sacrifice for humanity. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/bodhichitta-alchemical-medicine-for-the-soul

Christ was a divine magician (from the Persian magoosh, magushan, or high “priest”), demonstrated by his self-mastery and command over the elements (transforming water into wine, walking on water, healing the sick, etc.). His transformative abilities were also symbolized by the principles of alchemy: the transformation of base metallic substances (negative psychological qualities) into superior gold (elevated spiritual consciousness). Such mutations constitute the central tenet of spiritual rebirth, for by perfecting the creative sexual energy, an average or degenerated person can be born again as an enlightened sage (John 3:3-5). For these reasons, the Nativity was and is celebrated by gnostic magi: true priest-kings who worship and strive to resurrect Christ within their being. See how through the writings of Samael Aun Weor and an explanation about the esoteric symbology of Christmas. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/alchemical-nativity-of-the-magician-christ

This guided practice accompanies How to Meditate on Melchizedek. Learn how to prepare the body, heart, and mind for meditation, for by entering the eight steps of Raja or Royal Yoga, meditators can receive divine help from the mysterious Master Melchizedek. To learn more, you can reference the following resources: Chicago Gnosis Article and Guided Practices: Spiritual Practice with Melchizedek Glorian Publishing: Melchizedec Practice    

On any Saturday the 13th, meditators can concentrate upon, visualize, and receive special spiritual help from Melchizedek: a mysterious Biblical figure representative of the earth’s divine intelligence. The guest instructor provides the necessary practical skills to perform this meditation, so as to perceive, understand, and apply wisdom gained from interacting with this figure. For extensive information on this topic, you can also reference the following resources: Chicago Gnosis Lecture Notes and References Chicago Gnosis Article and Guided Practices: Spiritual Practice with Melchizedek Glorian Publishing: Melchizedec Practice  

"There is no loftier mission than to approach the Godhead nearer than other mortals, and to disseminate the divine rays among mankind." —Beethoven to Archduke Randolf when composing the Missa Solemnis Learn about the rare and impactful nature of bodhichitta: the joyful attitude that selflessly loves, serves, and redeems humanity. See how through the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven, whose masterpiece embodies the compassionate spirit of enlightenment, the state of ultimate reality, and the happiness experienced by those freed from confusion and suffering. Resources and References https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/bodhichitta-liberation-through-enlightened-compassion 4th Movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (YouTube) with English Lyrics Lyrics to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

For as long as space endures And for as long as living beings remain Until then may I too abide To dispel the misery of the world. ―Shantideva Compassion and generosity are the hallmarks of the most elevated souls, fully manifested within beings like Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Moses, and all the prophets. The amazing fact is that such beings were once like us: filled with greed, envy, resentment, and all of the psychological contaminations and defects that make us suffer. What is also empowering is that we have the potential to become like these enlightened masters, whom in the east are known as bodhisattvas: "the essence or incarnation of wisdom," the latter word indicating Prajna in Sanskrit, or "vis-dom: the power of vision / perception." The equivalent Hebrew term is Chokmah חָכמָה, signifying Christ in the mystical Kabbalah. The essence of genuine spirituality is kindness, selfless service, and comprehension of the root nature of all existence: the unsurpassed wisdom of emptiness, Prajna, Śūnyatā, or uncreated light of the Kabbalists, denominated in Gnostic terms as Khristos, Christ. Christ is not a human person, but the intense, primordial root energy of boundless compassion for suffering beings trapped within cyclic or manifested existence. This divine force, the emptiness of enlightened cognizance, sustains all of the universe and sacrifices itself by entering within those practitioners who are properly cultivated and prepared through the great perfections or paramitas, the trainings, principles, or qualities of awakened consciousness within Tibetan Buddhism. Learn about the path of enlightenment through a gnostic exegesis of Shantideva's seminal Mahayana text, The Way of the Bodhisattva, and how the enlightened mind / heart of wisdom, bodhichitta, can be developed within the practitioner of any denomination, religion, or tradition. This lecture introduces Shantideva's text, the purpose and contexts of its composition, and its practical application within the art and science of meditation. The lecturer also explains how the mystical kabbalah and the gnostic tradition of Samael Aun Weor can elucidate the esoteric nature of this scripture. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/introduction-to-the-way-of-the-bodhisattva

The Age of Pisces was defined by a conservative adherence to lineage and tradition, since the deepest spiritual knowledge was never written down, but secretly transmitted from master to disciple. Only initiated candidates could receive tutelage under the auspices of a qualified adept, whereby the mysteries of esoteric religion were discreetly communicated from mouth to ear. While an effective model in the previous era, such guru yoga is obsolete today, given the prevalence and intensity of problems associated with degenerated traditions and misguided leaders. It is more safe and reliable to engage in the Aquarian dispensation: freely distributed knowledge, the development of spiritual autonomy, and self-reliance on the teaching, not blind obedience to a teacher or group. The Aquarian influence encourages both community and independence, supported through personal verification of any teaching. This is also without disregarding the value of qualified initiates and the sacrifices they have made for the spiritual evolution of humanity. See how through an exploration of an esoteric holiday (October 27th, 1954) known to gnostics as the Advent of Samael, as well as some direct warnings Samael Aun Weor made about the dangers of following terrestrial and “spiritual” personalities. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/guru-yoga-in-the-aquarian-era Initiation and Levels of Spiritual Development (FAQ) The Major Mysteries (Book) Seeking the Master: Teachers and Students (Lecture) Who Is a Master? (Article)

Celebrate both the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur: Oct. 2nd) and an upcoming Gnostic holiday (Saturday, December 13th) in relation to the spiritual Master Melchizedek. Discover how to atone for one’s defects and receive divine blessings from this enigmatic initiate on any day, but especially every Saturday the 13th at the 13th hour (12 - 1 pm). To learn more about this event, you can reference the following resources: Spiritual Practice with Melchizedek (Article) Gnostic Meditation (Course) https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/working-with-the-master-melchizedek  

After tragically failing Margherita, Faust longs for the perfection and beauty of Ancient Greece (Arcadia, the prelapsarian world of Eden) where Mefistofele transports him to administer a more subtle, daring, and intense temptation: that of remaining in the lower heavens of the gods (initiates of the superior worlds). There in the bliss of Nirvana, one easily forgets the sorrows of humanity and the hopes for final liberation (in the Ain Soph). While demons provide temptation in the inferno or Klipoth of kabbalah, Lucifer—the trainer of spiritual initiates—also tempts masters on the path to perfection by offering solace and comfort within the higher dimensions, so as to deter them from ultimate advancement to more elevated esoteric degrees. Even attachment to the sacred feminine (Helen of Troy, the spiritual soul and beloved of Tiphereth) can impede one from supreme self-realization, whereas renunciation of heaven (virtues and mystical powers) is the requisite for transcending all obstacles on the initiatic path. In the denouement of this opera, the significance of temptation, redemption, and transcendence is clarified: for only by giving up what Faust loves most is he able to achieve something higher. See how through his triumph over Mefistofele (desire, ego, Shaitan) and his induction into the conscious circle of self-realized and perfected masters (within the Solar Absolute). Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-sacred-feminine-redemption-and-temptation-of-the-gods-in-mefistofele-act-iv-and-epilogue

Margherita (the trapped and conditioned feminine consciousness), has lost her reason due to Faust’s abandonment and the death of her (divine) mother, since the sleeping potion had deleterious effects. Driven to insanity, the distressed Margherita, having born Faust’s child, drowns it in a pond to spite her absent lover. Faust is driven by remorse to seek her in the bowels of a prison with the help of Mefistofele, who provides the key to the initiatic mysteries and the means to unlock wisdom from the well of the world, the bottomless pit or abyss where knowledge must be found, discerned, and consciously integrated. Such a descent into the lower worlds is a common trope within mythological narratives, whereby the warrior (human) soul (Tiphereth) must face the terrors of hell and redeem the fallen consciousness (Sophia) from perdition. Such allegories reflect what Samael Aun Weor called the Ninth Sphere, the transformed and divinely-inspired sexuality between husband and wife who conquer desire and practice alchemy, chastity, or sexual transmutation. However, such a path is fraught with pain and hardship, since lust is difficult to extirpate, and “Bitterness”—(which defines many marriages)—“lies in the (alchemical) cup of even the best love: thus it arouses longing for the Superman; thus it arouses your thirst, creator (alchemist)” (Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra). Learn how to transmute the pain of the Ninth Sphere through a study of the 21st Arcanum of the Tarot, known as the Fool in conventional decks, whereby Margherita, the Essence trapped in our defects or ego, can be liberated towards the higher worlds of the initiatic path. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/the-fool-lust-insanity-and-pain-of-the-ninth-sphere-in-mefistofele-act-iii https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/arcanum-9-the-hermit https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/arcanum-21-transmutation Boito - Mefistofele: Arena, Ramey, Benackova, San Francisco Opera House

Through the gifts of his newfound diabolic companion, Faust recuperates his vitality and youth, capitalizing on his new abilities in the effort to seduce Margherita, a beautiful but naive young woman from town. To assist in the magician’s sensual escapades and dangerous liaison, Mefistofele provides him with a sleeping potion to drug Margherita’s mother and therefore avoid detection during the lovers’ tryst. The couple declares their love despite the rocky foundations of their infatuous and hastened affair. Afterward, the devil transports Faust to the top of a dark (and bald) mountain (sparsely populated by trees) to partake in a Witches’ Sabbath: a Satanic ritual characterized by discordance, chaos, violence, lust, and power. Such dramatizations reflect the tremendous reality of and relationship between seduction and black magic: how the passionate fulfillment of lust and desire are the gateway to spiritual destruction and the development of egotistical powers. While modern people laugh and mock such metaphysical phenomena as the consequence and cause of blind fear, superstition, and ignorance, the truth is that such symbols demonstrate how anyone who cultivates lust with mystical devotion ends up as a demon, a being divorced from the eternal but awakened with powers in, of, and for evil. Such powers are driven by selfishness and produce terror and pain, emotions that are so masterfully depicted in Boito’s terrifying music and choruses in this act. Learn how to conquer lust and to comprehend the essential nature of witchcraft, sorcery, and the machinations of the Black Lodge (the congregations of infernal entities) so as to enact spiritual self-defense and the protection of our spirituality from dark forces. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/seduction-black-magic-and-witches-sabbaths-in-mefistofele-act-ii Boito - Mefistofele: Arena, Ramey, Benackova, San Francisco Opera House The Eternal Tarot, Arcanum 18: Twilight

Like Beethoven, Arrigo Boito composed only one opera (Mefistofele), yet whose mystical allegory, musical power, and masterful lyricism continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. This clever yet profound opera also inspires, alarms, and, quite frequently, amuses. Based on medieval legends and Goethe’s play Faust, this work depicts the famous and jaded scholar who makes a bet with the devil: to acquire occult knowledge and faculties at the cost of his soul, or to conquer temptation in the service of the sacred. If Faust can overcome passion, power, and desire, he can enter the divine mysteries and spiritual hierarchies where true peace, realization, and understanding is to be found. Surprisingly, all of this occurs under the auspices of the Transcendent, for without divinely-sanctioned temptation and adversity, there is no development, mastery, or faith, like Jehovah approving of Satan’s afflictions upon Job to prove his candidacy to sainthood (Job 1:12). Or as described by Samael Aun Weor throughout his writings, “Temptation is fire. Triumph over temptation is light.” Discover how an initiate enters the secret path to liberation by facing the necessary forces of opposition and resistance—the mysterious and instructive tests of Lucifer (“the light-maker”)—so as to acquire profound self-knowledge and the wielding of esoteric powers with ethics, purity, and wisdom. If you have not already, we recommend you listen to or study the following lecture, since it provides much background knowledge that will deepen your understanding of this opera: The Eternal Tarot: Arcanum 15 See also the following resources and references: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/divine-tests-temptation-and-holy-negation-in-mefistofele-prologue-and-act-i Boito - Mefistofele: Arena, Ramey, Benackova, San Francisco Opera House

The Greek brother-deities Hypnos (sleep) and Thanatos (death) symbolize the deep significance of these phenomena in relationship to spiritual awakening. By learning about the ways humanity is unenlightened or unconscious, it becomes possible to develop our complete potential and awaken to the realities of the spirit beyond death. See how through an exploration of four states of consciousness as well as many practices for understanding our internal mechanisms of distraction, delusion, and spiritual sleep. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/spiritual-sleep-and-mystical-death-why-we-are-unconscious-and-how-to-positively-awaken

To enter spiritual initiation, one must have inner balance, fortitude, and wisdom from practical experience, because the ordeals for proving one’s candidacy in the mysteries are arduous. Without psychological equilibrium, any adversity, accidental or ordained, will throw a person into chaos and disarray. This is why Gnostic students are always taught how to maintain serenity and balance their three brains: intellect, emotions, and actions, for even without the challenges of initiation, life presents difficulties that quickly disorient, disturb, and disable. See how to take advantage of difficult circumstances by harmonizing body, heart, and mind, acquiring deep insights into the psychological causes of affliction, thereby procuring personal knowledge for the alleviation of humanity’s suffering. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/psychological-equilibrium

"Dying is an art, like everything else. I do it exceptionally well." —Sylvia Plath, “Lady Lazarus” Little do people acknowledge that before physical death, we first die in thirds (in bodily capacity, emotions, and mind—one at a time, or two to three if we’re reckless and daring). This depends on how often, quickly, and intensely we exhaust our resources through the abuses of everyday life, the latter which have produced an epidemic of physical and mental illness. However, healthy living is also an art, and a more preferable one with verifiable guiding principles, practices, and results. See how through an exploration of diet; religious observances around meat and vegetarianism; the five tattvas of esoteric Hinduism (or the energetic, spiritual elements in food); the three gunas of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras; the three brains and their proper and improper functioning within Gnostic psychology; the symptomologies and spiritual causes of physical, emotional, and mental illness; the imbalances of body, heart, and mind in ultramodern living; meditative exercises for conscious management and optimal self-maintenance; the nature of and need for true inner equilibrium to attain high initiation; relevant practices for developing greater personal and social harmony, and much more. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/how-to-properly-nourish-body-heart-and-mind-or-else-die-in-thirds

Genuine spiritual healers are rare. Likewise, the process for finding and vetting them is also arduous, uncertain, and time-consuming, usually without positive results given the prevalence of charlatans and “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15) who are eager to provide their services for a good buck. This is why it is more practical and beneficial to become one’s own healer, doctor, and master, since it is not only difficult to find uncorrupted traditions and practitioners with proven track records, but that real divine healers are not to be found primarily in the physical world, but in the internal worlds. Likewise, by awakening consciousness in the inner dimensions we inhabit during the normal hours of sleep, we also have more direct means of accessing and knowing the source of legitimate healing, which does not come at any price except a life of virtue and sacrifice for humanity. Discover and apply verifiable, reliable, and effective techniques from the Gnostic tradition of Samael Aun Weor to treat the spiritual causes of illness, thereby transforming oneself into a true Gnostic priest, magician, shaman, or healer. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/spiritual-healing-through-divine-medicinal-masters

The Mayans were not only advanced in astronomy, astrology, and mathematics, but also spiritual psychology. Explore the nature of our internal universe and the way to awaken consciousness through Mayan symbolism, mythos, and principles, beautifully demonstrated within The Flight of the Feathered Serpent, a revolutionary book of Mayan esotericism. Resources and References: https://chicagognosis.org/lectures/mayan-principles-of-being