What is Gnosis?

The word “Gnosis” is derived from the Greek language and means “knowledge gained through insight; the intuitive apprehension of spiritual truths.” Genuine Gnosis is an eternal, unchanging and universal knowledge that frees the soul from suffering, and cannot be arrived at through books or lectures, but rather through one’s own direct experience. This knowledge or wisdom, therefore, is not found outside of us, but rather, within, and has been expressed throughout the course of history by all the world’s great saints and enlightened souls.

Where can Gnosis be found?

In view of the fact that Gnostic Studies have progressed extraordinarily in recent years, no knowledgeable person of today will fall into the simplistic error, as in the past, of maintaining that Gnostic currents arise from some exclusive spiritual latitude, available only to the few.

Universal Gnosis
There is Gnosis in the Buddhist Doctrine, 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 the Christian Gospels, we will see within them the Pythagorean mathematics, the Chaldean and Babylonian parables and the formidable Buddhist ethics.


Attending classes

If you decide you do not want to continue with the classes at any point, you are free to do so with no further obligations. If we do not hear from you, you will not hear from us. This is done to respect your privacy.

In view of the fact that Gnostic Studies have progressed extraordinarily in recent years, no knowledgeable person of today will fall into the simplistic error, as in the past, of maintaining that Gnostic currents arise from some exclusive spiritual latitude, available only to the few.

AGA is a non-for profit organization. Gnosis is not a business, and no person involved in the running of such a centre is making money for his or her services. The public classes are offered freely. For those who continue on with the  weekly course, donations (sugg. $15/week/per person) are greatly appreciated to cover the costs of running the gnostic centre: rent, utilities, printouts, etc.

The Gnostic goal is the happiness of all human beings without distinction. The aim of all centers is to share Gnosis with anyone who is interested, regardless of race, sex, religious background, 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 practicing the teachings, the greater will be the fruits of one’s efforts. The students who persist and persevere are the ones who see the real value in the knowledge.

Format of the classes

Classes are being offered most days of the week from 7:00 to approx 8:45 pm. Each class consists of a talk and a guided meditation practice. Practices range from introductory techniques for relaxation, breathing & meditation, to keys that can be applied in daily life. No previous experience is needed.

A weekly course of 33 lessons will follow the public talks continuing on the same night of the week, and will serve as a foundation for the further development of the study of esotericism and the science and ethics of meditation in a more in-depth manner.

In regards to attendance to the public classes, anyone is welcome to attend one, several or all of the classes being offered in the public talk series. For those who are interested, weekly classes will continue and go deeper into the topics that have been introduced. As the classes and practices build on each other, consistent weekly attendance is expected for those who decide to continue on with the classes.

Origin of the Gnostic teachings

Gnosis today is the modern form of an ancient system of learning which has existed through the history of man’s presence on Earth. This wisdom was not available to the public, but was revealed only to those who had been initiated into the mysteries.

The Gnostic teachings, as taught in Gnostic centres throughout the world today, comes from the writings and practices of a modern day teacher, Samael Aun Weor, who synthesized the precepts of the philosophers, mystics, and adepts of all times into an integrated and comprehensive system of knowledge and instruction. Gnosis, as unveiled by Samael Aun Weor, contains a synthesis of all the ancient mystery schools.

The contemporary Gnostic Movement has spread rapidly since it began in the 1950’s in Columbia. Gnostic centres can be found in many countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

Gnosis in general

The Gnostic teachings consist of a wide variety of esoteric disciplines, all of which are presented in a very practical manner. Gnosis is not just theoretical. Practices are given so that what is being learned can be verified, surpassing the boundaries of believing or disbelieving, since both lead to ignorance.

Doctrine of the synthesis
Gnosis is called the ‘Doctrine of the Synthesis,’ since it synthesizes the most essential aspects of all of the ancient mystery schools, religions, and esoteric systems of the past and present into one doctrine. Yet Gnosis is not a derivative of any one of these systems. Gnosis predates all religions and systems, and is not the property of any individual or group.