The word Gnosis is derived from the Greek language and means “knowledge of spiritual truths”. Gnosis is a knowledge that cannot be arrived at through books or lectures, but rather through one’s own direct experience of reality. Gnosis is often referred to as knowledge of the heart, in contrast to knowledge that is obtained through the use of the intellect. Gnosis is not just theoretical, but one hundred percent practical. Through direct experience we surpass the boundaries of belief and disbelief, since both lead to ignorance. Through Gnosis one personally learns to experience reality directly, rather than believing or disbelieving, accepting or rejecting, and comes to know the inner truth.

Depending on the context, Gnosis can be seen to have several different meanings. In a general context, Gnosis has the meaning of that which has already been mentioned, which is knowledge through direct experience. In a more specific context, Gnosis is the knowledge that provides the keys for an individual to awaken consciousness and liberate him/herself from the terrible cycles of suffering. Finally, in a very physical and human context, Gnosis is a school that provides the knowledge, practices and support for students to advance in their path towards the awakening of consciousness and liberation.

Gnosis is an esoteric knowledge that, when sincerely applied, creates self-knowledge. These revelations and insights provide us with the ability to modify our internal and external life.

Gnosis, in summary, is the fruit of direct experience. It provides the knowledge needed to free the soul from so much ignorance and suffering.

If you are someone who has searched and searched and has become tired of so many theories, then as they say “you have come to the right place”. Gnosis is for those who are tired of theories and only want real, practical, tangible and perceivable results.

It is said in the Gnostic teachings that Gnosis lives in deeds and withers in abstractions. There are two doctrines, one is the 'doctrine of the eye’ and the other is the ‘doctrine of the heart’. The doctrine of the eye is the intellectual study of esotericism or spirituality whose end result is only a head filled with information that at best comes from the experiences of others. The doctrine of the heart is different in that it is the practical study of esotericism. It is to experience for oneself and therefore to know and be impacted directly by the experience.

Furthermore, the Gnostic knowledge is one that delves deeply into the matter of things, it is a knowledge that goes to the cause, it does not deal solely with effects. The experiences that can be had through the application of the Gnostic knowledge can be very profound and intimate, answering some or many of the mysteries about our self and nature. In light of this, it is correct to say that the Gnostic teachings and practices satisfy the sincere spiritual seeker.

The aim of Gnosis has always been to provide humanity with the knowledge, keys and techniques required for the full development of human and spiritual potential. The signpost of Gnosis points inwards, the goal of Gnosis is to direct the human being to the divine spark that lies within. From there, the work of inner transformation begins, so as to once again unite with the divine inner spark.

Gnosis as it is taught is something that can be verified, it is not something that requires you to believe. One axiom of Gnosis is ‘to know is better than to believe’.

Gnosis is very practical and is something that lives in deeds and withers in abstractions. Mind you, not all of the knowledge present in Gnosis is immediately verifiable, but given the right degree of the development of the consciousness, it is. In the beginning though, there is much that can be immediately verified so as to reveal the authenticity and transformative power of the knowledge.

There is Gnosis in the Tantric Buddhism of Tibet, in the Zen Buddhism of Japan, in the Chan Buddhism of China, in the Sufi tradition, in the Dancing Dervishes, in the Egyptian, Chaldean, Pythagorean, Greek, Aztec, Mayan, Incan, Toltec Wisdom, etc. If we carefully study what is contained in the Christian Gospels, we will find the mathematics of Pythagoras, the Chaldean and Babylonian parables and the formidable Buddhist ethics.

Gnostic centres throughout the world are non-profit organisations, relying on voluntary student donations. Gnosis is not a business and no person involved in the running of a centre is making money for his or her services.

The Gnostic goal is the happiness of all human beings without distinction. The aim of all centres is to share Gnosis with anyone who is interested, regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, social status, occupation, etc. Having no monetary price set on them, the Gnostic teachings can thus be considered to be “free.”

This does not imply, however, that the teachings are superficial, or not of value. The fruits of Gnosis are acquired through the efforts of each student. The more one puts into studying, understanding, and practising the teachings, the greater the fruits of one’s efforts. The students who persist and persevere are the ones who see the real value in the knowledge.