Reflections upon This World and the Flesh

Mis-identification with dumb and valueless matter, over-valuation of the flesh that binds, and enchantment with this confusing and painful world -- these traps and errors model impressions of boundaries that do not exist, create boundaries that should not exist, and reinforce boundaries that are manipulated in order to keep us in bondage -- they also erode boundaries that are beneficial, obstruct the discernment of boundaries that actually exist, and prevent the maintenance or construction of boundaries that are spiritually desirable.

Important Connections and Important Boundaries

In an effort to gain real insight, connections are made. The wholesome connections between evidence, between higher principles, between spirits, should not be confused with the unwholesome connections that pertain only to this world of matter and psyche, connections of error, or entanglements with bondage.

In an effort to be wholesome, emphasis is placed upon insights. Such evaluation of insight should not be identified with the misplaced emphasis of those who are confused by worldly religion. Should we cease seeking wholesomeness, because of the unwholesome or the confused?

Psychic Confusion

Recognizing the realities of this world and having some insight into spiritual matters, we should seek to avoid either the bondage of useless guilt or the enchantments of licentious excuse, when we speak of matters of conscience in our lives in this world. We should also avoid the distortions of delusions and lack of insight that come from arrogance and ignorance.

Mistakes are made, and so it is wise to learn from such mistakes. But how can the essence of wisdom unite with and be shaped by that which is not spiritually desired-for?

Such are the issues raised by Gnostic reflections upon spirit and matter, relationships of power in this world, and questions of morality and religion.

Distinctions of Essence

When a distinction is made between a primordial source and that which comes from it, that which comes from it can be wholesomely stabilized or supported, provided that the source is wholesome and at rest, provided that what arises from such a source is due to the nature of that source alone.

When a distinction is made between experience in this world and a transcendent reality, a separation between that which is only experience in this world and that which is of a different essence, can potentially untangle some of the knots that trap souls.

Sadists may recklessly endorse vice or manipulate through appearance of goodness, abusive rulers may extol virtue or dominate through force without apology, moralists may control or restrict others for personal gain or for the sake of delusion, the apathetic standby as abuse happens, the worldly are distracted by enjoyment of their flesh and possessions, the addicted are enslaved by cravings, the deluded are confused.

Such is the character of this world. Distinguish yourself from it, identify something within as distinct from this world, rise above such things, as you are able.

Jesus said, "If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not have that within you, what you do not have within you [will] kill you."

Gospel of Thomas, saying #70

To Whom is this saying addressed, and to What does this saying refer? Who is the 'you' that is saved, who is the 'you' that is killed, and to what does that which is killed, truly belong?