Knowledge and Action:  Here is a Gnostic scripture that covers the entire Gnostic myth from beginnings in the Pleroma, through the vicissitudes of Sophia, the demiurgic formation of the Universe and the existential struggle of humanity, to the promise of a glorious liberation!  In the first 5 lectures in this set Dr. Hoeller reviews and comments upon The Secret Book (or “Apocryphon”) of John, and introduces a fine new translation, The Secret Book Of John: The Gnostic Gospel by Prof. Stevan Davies.

Lectures 6 – 10 are dedicated to Gnostic Spiritual Practices.  Within the context of this Gnostic world view it is essential that there should be spiritual practices assisting souls in their quest for Gnosis.  The Gnostic Gospel of Philip states:  “The Lord did everything in a mystery:  A Baptism and a Chrism, and a Eucharist and a Redemption and a Bride-Chamber”.  Dr. Hoeller discusses these five initiatory mysteries as well as other Gnostic practices and the context of Gnostic mysteries in the past and present.

Here are the individual titles:

• In the Beginning: The Roots of Consciousness and of Being. Where we came from? 86:26 #100601, a complimentary title.
• The Structures of Divine Consciousness. The threefold structures of Divine Mind, from whence all knowledge proceeds, from the Secret Book of John. 70:49 #100602
• The Story of Sophia and how the Demiurge fashioned Creation. 81:32 #100603
• How Humanity Began: . The mysterious origins of human nature, its esoteric psychology and philosophy. 79:52 #100604
• The Nature of the Soul and its Liberation. The mysteries of the process of Gnosis. 78:39 #100605
Baptism: Entering the Stream of Gnosis. The Baptismal mystery and its psycho-spiritual nature. This is the sacrament gravely misunderstood today, but observed in its true meaning by Mandaeans and other Gnostics. 75:04 #100606
Anointed by Gnosis: The Mystery of Chrism. “Christ” means the Anointed. What is the mystery of Chrism that prepares one to liberate one’s soul? 78:02 #100607
The Eucharist: Eating the Divine Light. “Eucharist” translates as Thanksgiving. It is the transformation of the earthly into the Divine. How might this be experienced today? 71:50 #100608
Redemption: The Mystery that Frees. Redemption (Apollytrosis) is the Gnostic mystery lost to later religious practice in the West. It loosens the bonds of matter and opens the gate of the spirit. 74:56 #100609
The mystery of the Bride-Chamber: To Make the Two One. The lost supreme mystery of union that may be spiritually recovered today. 79:47 #100610