Knowledge – Noesis – Nous 

“Know yourself, and you will know the universe and its gods.” – The Oracle at Delphi

Embarking on a profound odyssey through the realms of human understanding, we find ourselves at the nexus where knowledge, consciousness, and symbolism intertwine, weaving a tapestry rich with meaning and depth. At the core of this journey lies the concept of knowledge, not merely as an accumulation of facts but as the cornerstone of our inner formation, shaping our journey through time. Knowledge, in its multifaceted glory, spans the spectrum from the implicit practical skills to the explicit theoretical understanding, encompassing both the exoteric and esoteric realms. This intricate dance of acquisition involves perception, communication, and reasoning, echoing Plato’s definition of knowledge as “justified true belief” and intertwining with Socrates’ philosophy of the immortal soul, which hints at an origin in a realm of complete, pre-physical knowledge.

As we delve deeper, we encounter the process of ‘re-membering’, an educational journey that transcends mere information acquisition. It’s a quest for synthesis, a striving for ‘noesis’ and ‘nous’ — states where the knower, the known, and the knowing converge into a singular, harmonious entity. Here, knowledge transcends its conventional boundaries, evolving into a potent force that shapes our spiritual and intellectual beings.

“Intuition is the clear conception of the whole at once.” – Johann Lavater

In this complex and interconnected world, the vision of Buckminster Fuller as a “comprehensivist” resonates deeply. His pursuit of a comprehensive understanding, synthesizing disparate elements into a unified whole, mirrors our own quest to grasp the ‘big picture’. This holistic approach enables us to see beyond the minutiae, guiding us towards informed decisions and actions that acknowledge the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. It is a journey away from the divisive mentalities that fracture society, towards a harmonious unity where synergistic cohesion fosters societal transformation.

The narrative then weaves through the enigmatic world of symbols, those profound emissaries bridging the tangible and intangible, the material and the spiritual. Symbols serve as the keys to unlocking universal truths, reminding us of our interconnectedness with each other and the cosmos. They are the silent teachers, echoing the wisdom of the ages from the mystical teachings of Horus to the enlightened paths of Buddha. In today’s fragmented world, the ancient Doctrine of Syn calls us back to these symbols, urging us to reflect on the profound questions of existence and to decipher the timeless wisdom embedded in geometric patterns, harmonics, and mathematics. This symbolic wisdom is not confined to esoteric circles but permeates our daily lives, echoing in art, architecture, and the systems of measure that define our existence.

Our journey then converges with the realms of contemporary science and ancient wisdom, where modern understanding meets the holistic perspectives of ancient Greeks and Egyptians. This convergence reveals a universe understood not just through empirical data but through the geometric structures of form and proportion, highlighting the interconnectedness of perception and reality. In this new paradigm, geometry and mathematics are not mere tools but gateways to deeper spiritual insights, transcending the limitations of physical evidence and opening new vistas of understanding.

In this renaissance of ancient wisdom, the caution against overspecialization by visionaries like Fuller takes on new meaning. As our world grows increasingly complex, a holistic perspective becomes imperative. Fuller’s call to build new models that render the old obsolete is a clarion call for our times, urging us to embrace an integrated approach to the challenges we face. This journey of rediscovery reminds us that our existence’s true essence is not found in isolation but in the harmonious integration of all life’s aspects.

In this extended narrative of knowledge, consciousness, and symbolism, we are called to action. The wisdom of the past, insights of the present, and visions of the future converge, guiding us towards a more enlightened, compassionate, and unified world. This journey is not just philosophical but practical, requiring each individual to contribute to our collective destiny, a destiny that honors the interconnectedness of all life and the profound depth of our shared human experience.

The Overview Effect

The concept of the “overview effect” embodies a profound transformation in perception, experienced by astronauts when they witness Earth from space. This vantage point reveals our planet as a fragile, isolated sphere amidst the vast, dark cosmos. Such a view fosters a cognitive shift, where Earth’s arbitrary divisions fade, highlighting the need for its stewardship. This shift resonates with the Eastern concept of “Samadhi,” a deep meditative state where individual consciousness merges with the universal, transcending ego and temporal concerns. Edgar Mitchell, an astronaut profoundly moved by this experience, founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences to explore consciousness and promote global unity.

The Hubble Space Telescope’s Ultra Deep Field image further amplifies this perspective. It’s a visual testament to the universe’s vastness, presenting a tapestry of galaxies, each a home to countless stars and potentially habitable planets. This grand panorama invites contemplation on the existence of other intelligent life forms and their possible technological advancements. While humanity has only recently achieved flight and space exploration, other civilizations might have had millennia for such developments. This thought experiment stretches the imagination, pondering our place in this cosmic tapestry and the potential interconnectedness of life beyond our solar system.

Finally, the juxtaposition of the immense universe against the smallness of a penny on Lincoln’s eyeball is a powerful metaphor. It humbles the ego yet uplifts the spirit, underscoring our minuscule presence in the grand scheme. This perspective fosters two profound realizations: our probable coexistence with other life forms in the universe, and a sense of eternal continuity within the cosmic fabric. Such reflections encourage a deep introspection, suggesting that true empowerment and purpose stem from diligently cultivating our inner world, aligning with a broader, more interconnected view of existence.

“You develop an instant global consciousness, a people orientation, an intense dissatisfaction with the state of the world and a compulsion to do something about it. From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter of  a million miles out and say, “look at that, you son of a bitch'” – Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14 astronaut.

The Grand Unified Theory

In a world where the pursuit of knowledge has often been confined within the rigid boundaries of reductionism and materialism, there emerges a profound inquiry into the true nature of existence. The quest for a Theory of Everything (ToE), or the ‘Big Toe’ as some whimsically call it, represents the scientific endeavor to find an all-encompassing framework that explains all physical aspects of the universe. Yet, as the late 19th century’s materialist worldview dominates, this pursuit often overlooks the deeper truths of human experience — our behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and thoughts, the realms where the real essence of truth lies.

The modern scientific model, increasingly treated as a secular religion by many, posits a conflict at the heart of science. On one hand, it stands as a methodical process of examination based on reason, evidence, and hypothesis. On the other, it becomes a rigid belief system, constraining the very essence of free inquiry. This dichotomy is exemplified in the works of thinkers like Rupert Sheldrake and Graham Hancock, whose ideas, though sometimes controversial, challenge the dogmatic boundaries of traditional scientific paradigms. Sheldrake’s “The Science Delusion” critiques the fundamental dogmas of this worldview, questioning the mechanical nature of the universe, the constancy of natural laws, the unconscious nature of matter, the lack of purpose in nature, and the localization of the mind within the physical brain. This cartesian materialism, as it’s termed, neglects the possibility of phenomena like telepathy and the influence of consciousness beyond the physical.

The question then arises: if our brains are akin to receivers, what is the true nature of the signal or the software — the soul or consciousness? David Chalmers, in his book “The Conscious Mind,” argues that a true theory of everything must encompass not only the physical but also the phenomenal or protophenomenal properties, exploring the relationship between physical processes and conscious experience. This notion suggests that the key to understanding the universe lies not only in the reduction of matter to its fundamental elements but in the exploration of consciousness, an aspect seemingly detached from the physical yet intricately connected to the entirety of existence.

Our journey of understanding then extends beyond the empirical and enters the realm of the psychophysical, where methods like yoga, meditation, the arts, entheogens, and harmonics serve as gateways to a deeper understanding of our existence. These practices hint at a fundamental assumption of traditional philosophies: that human cognitive powers are intended to accelerate our evolution beyond the confines of biological determinism. This pursuit is not just about understanding the world around us but about transcending our physical limitations and exploring the deeper questions of existence — the nature of reality, the laws governing it, our purpose, and our ultimate destiny.

As we ponder these profound questions, we begin to uncover layers of spiritual understanding, gradually realizing that the universe is not just a mechanical system to be dissected but a living, breathing entity to be experienced. In this narrative, science and spirituality do not stand as adversaries but as complementary paths leading to a more holistic understanding of our place in the cosmos. This synthesis of knowledge, both scientific and spiritual, opens new horizons in our quest for truth, urging us to look beyond the visible and the measurable, into the realms where the essence of our being and the mysteries of the universe intertwine.

Theo-Philo-Anthropo-sophy

The convergence of Theosophy, Philosophy, and Anthroposophy—what we might call Theo-Philo-Anthropo-sophy—represents a comprehensive intellectual and spiritual framework for exploring the vast tapestry of existence. This confluence draws from the rich traditions of esoteric and exoteric wisdom, uniting them into a holistic approach that seeks to illuminate the deepest truths of the cosmos, the soul, and the unfolding human journey.

Theosophy, rooted in the Greek words ‘theos’ (divine) and ‘sophia’ (wisdom), is an exploration of the ‘Wisdom of the Gods.’ It posits that beneath the surface of world religions and mythologies lies a core of universal truths that govern the cosmos. Theosophists argue that this ancient wisdom is not the exclusive property of any one culture or religion but a treasure trove of knowledge accessible to anyone who seeks it with an open heart and mind. This school of thought encourages a spirit of inquiry and unity, envisioning a world in which all beings are linked in a grand, symbiotic web of life, where each discovery brings one closer to the divine and furthers the collective evolution of humanity.

Anthroposophy complements Theosophy by advocating for the development of a spiritual science that allows for the methodical exploration of the spirit realm. It suggests that beyond the material world experienced through the senses lies an intricate, spiritually active world that is intimately connected to human evolution. Through inner development and heightened consciousness, individuals can tap into this spiritual reality, gaining insights that are both personal and universal. The practical applications of Anthroposophy in education, agriculture, and the arts demonstrate its commitment to integrating spiritual insights into everyday life, thereby nurturing the soul and transforming society.

Philosophy, with its boundless reach into all areas of human thought, acts as the intellectual spine of this triad. It encompasses a broad spectrum of inquiry: Metaphysics seeks to understand the nature and origin of reality; Epistemology examines the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge; Ethics explores the moral implications of human actions; Politics delves into the governance of societies and the interplay of power; while Aesthetics reflects on the nature of beauty and artistic expression. Through rigorous debate, logical analysis, and a relentless pursuit of truth, philosophy equips individuals with the tools to question, to analyze, and to synthesize disparate pieces of knowledge into a coherent whole.

When viewed through the Anthropocosmos perspective of Schwaller de Lubicz, as detailed in “The Temple of Man,” these philosophical discourses take on a cosmic dimension. De Lubicz’s work suggests that the ancient Egyptians possessed a profound understanding of the cosmos, which they encoded in their temple architecture—temples were not just structures but sacred texts in stone. Their precise alignment and proportions mirrored the human form, reflecting a belief in the human body as a microcosm of the universe. This idea, emblematic of the Hermetic principle “as above, so below,” indicates a sophisticated cosmology where the macrocosm and microcosm reflect and inform each other, a theme resonant with the ideals of Theo-Philo-Anthropo-sophy. It is in this holistic understanding—where spiritual intuition, intellectual rigor, and aesthetic appreciation converge—that one can find a more complete picture of human potentiality and our place within the cosmos.

Gnosis

Gnosis, at its core, refers to a form of knowledge that is empirical, direct, and profoundly internal, transcending the theoretical and approaching the mystical. It is a form of knowledge that one cannot simply read about or be told about but must experience firsthand. In the Gnostic tradition, this experiential knowledge is seen as the path to enlightenment and liberation, a means to directly perceive the fundamental nature of reality. Gnosticism posits that beyond the material and observable universe lies a vast, intricate, and often hidden dimension of existence. To truly understand the complexities of life, one must grasp the entirety of this hidden knowledge, seeing beyond the surface to the interconnected synthesis that unites all. This search for knowledge is not just a philosophical or spiritual exercise but is considered essential for a deep understanding of existence, taking on dimensions that are simultaneously scientific, spiritual, religious, mystical, and psychological.

The neo-Gnostic movement, spearheaded by figures like Samael Aun Weor, has sought to revive and reinterpret these ancient Gnostic principles for the modern era. Weor’s teachings are expansive, covering topics from cosmology and anthropology to psychology and esotericism, aiming to provide a comprehensive system for personal and collective spiritual awakening. Central to his teachings is the concept of the “psychological death,” the idea that true spiritual progress can only be made through the eradication of the ego and the false selves that trap us in cycles of suffering and ignorance. Weor’s Gnosticism is practical and actionable, providing techniques for meditation, astral travel, and the transmutation of sexual energy, all aimed at achieving spiritual regeneration and eventually, enlightenment.

Glorian Publishing, dedicated to disseminating Weor’s teachings, plays a vital role in the neo-Gnostic movement. By making these teachings accessible through books, courses, and other media, Glorian Publishing endeavors to provide seekers with the tools to embark on the path of Gnostic self-discovery. The publisher’s efforts ensure that Weor’s comprehensive system—encompassing his reinterpretation of ancient wisdom traditions, Christian mysticism, Buddhist teachings, and more—is available to those who wish to pursue the Gnostic path. This movement sees itself not as a new religion but as a revival of the perennial philosophy that underlies all religious and spiritual traditions, a universal wisdom that transcends dogma and creed.

The appeal of neo-Gnosticism, and particularly the teachings of Samael Aun Weor, lies in its practical approach to spiritual growth. It is not content with mere belief or intellectual understanding; instead, it demands direct experience and personal transformation. Followers are encouraged to verify the principles through their own experiences, to engage in self-reflection, and to practice the disciplines taught. The movement is marked by a call to personal responsibility, an ethos of self-determination, and a deep respect for the free exploration of consciousness. It stands as both a challenge and an invitation: a challenge to the unexamined life and an invitation to embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and cosmic exploration.