INTRODUCTION TO GNOSTIC MEDITATION

The Steps of Meditation Ethics (Yama & Niyama) Posture (Asana) Breath (Pranayama) Silence (Pratyahara) Concentration (Dharana) Meditation (Dhyana) Ecstasy (Samadhi)

The most common ethics are summarized in the most basic of Buddhist vows: To abstain from killing any creature. To abstain from stealing. To abstain from sexual misconduct. To abstain from false speech. (lying, gossip, sarcasm, criticism, etc) To abstain from intoxicants. (alcohol, drugs, etc)

Craving and Aversion When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad. Being and non-being create each other. Difficult and easy support each other. Long and short define each other. High and low depend on each other. Before and after follow each other. Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn’t possess, acts but doesn’t expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever. -Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

States of consciousness Ekasia– Animalistic desires Pistis – Opinions, Beliefs Dianoia – Self remembering, self observation Nous – Awakened consciousness

Nous

Center of Gravity

Obstacles Laziness: as activity Laziness: as procrastination Laziness: as despondency

The Antidotes Pliancy – Experience of the consciousness Enthusiasm Aspiration Faith

Faults Forgetfulness – Need mindfulness Excitement and Stupor – various techniques Excitement: Impatience – contemplate pride