books to read??Subscribe |
|
Thu, 05/03/2007 - 22:12
|
|
Roy S
Join Date: 2005-09-06 Forum Posts: 100 |
Hello everybody.I like to sit in my comfortable chair and read a book. But since I?m doing the work I?ve noticed that some books also stir up egos. So I want to read books that motivate me or help me get a greater understanding of gnosis. I know experience is gained by practising, but I also like to read. So now I?m looking for some good books about gnosticism and the teachings of Jesus. I?ve already read the book ?the flight of the feathered serpent? and the other books recommended by this site. Now I don?t know with which book I should continue. I saw a book about the Nag Hammidi library which caught my attention. Is this a good book to read. Also how is it with the translations. I?m from the Netherlands, so should I take a Dutch version or is English better. Any suggestions are welcome :)NickLeSS |
|
|
Join Date: 2004-02-17
Forum Posts: 347
What book you are talking about?
I think the most realiable source to read Nag Hammadi texts would be the one edited by James M. Robinson's. It is translated by several contributors and without much subjective opinions from those who translated it.
Nag Hammadi is a vast compilation of texts - and they can be very puzzling for a beginner. I would recommend you to start with some of the texts that are available at Gnostic Judas site and see if they interest you.
http://www.gnosticjudas.com/naghammadi.php
best wishes,
Manpreet
Join Date: 2005-09-06
Forum Posts: 100
The books I?ve already read are a course in Astral Travel and Dreams, Secret Knowledge hidden Wisdom and the Flight of the feathered serpent. I?ve done the three courses on this site and the open course.
Now I want to know more about the life of Jesus and so spent my reading time efficiently. I don?t know where to start since there are so many different bibles and I don?t know which one I should buy. Also it is a bit unclear in which perspective I should see the gospels of other disciples then the four ones in the bible.
I?ve read some gospels from the link you gave me. I love to read them and there is so much wisdom in those texts and yet I understand only a little bit. The only thing is I like holding a book instead of reading the gospels on my computer screen. Are these gospels also included in the Nag Hammadi book which is edited by James M. Robinson's? Maybe I?ll buy this book, or is it better to begin with the bible?
NickLeSS
Join Date: 2003-11-03
Forum Posts: 565
Yes, all the manuscripts found at Hang Hammadi, including the once at Gnostic Judas, are in The Nag Hammadi Library by J.M Robinson. I have this book and I read in it from time to time.
You may also have seen the discussion on books by Thomas Kempis in another thread of the forum. His book The Imitation of Christ is really good. There is also a book with the gospel of Judas that I own and like, as you say, much better to read a book then to read on the screen. I also enjoy reading the gospels in the Bible.
Mattias
Join Date: 2005-09-06
Forum Posts: 100
Yesterday I?ve ordered the Nag Hammadi book from the internet so it will be in next week. I?ve also seen the thread about the book by Thomas Kempis. I might also take a look at this book. I only have to be aware of my curiosity! When I read new things I get curios and want to read as much as I can. But I?ve noticed that isn?t the way to get knowledge about these matters. Kill the ego of curiosity, only read a few pages and know what you?ve just read. This helps me in getting a better intellectual understanding which then can be used for inner change so that experience is acquired.
Thanks and good luck on the path.
NickLeSS
Join Date: 2004-02-17
Forum Posts: 347
That is right, there is a lot of wisdom in these texts. Both the Gospels contained in Bible(I think Revised Standard Edition would be okay), and those by other disciples(from Nag Hammadi) have very deep esoteric teachings by Jesus. The Nag Hammadi Library by J.M. Robinson is a good book to keep. The introductory messages before each text shed light on the background of these texts, and they have interesting information about the history of Gnosis.
Don't feel discouraged if you understand a little at this time, this is just how it is with me as well. I suppose these are not meant to be understood all at once. The approach I take is to read a bit from these texts as you suggest, then come back to teachings of master Belzebuub and master Samael, and then I find it amazing how things make better sense.
The texts don't make profound sense when taken intellectually and when we lack the experience of related teachings. One can write volumes on the teachings such as - "I am the path...", "We forgive others their tresspass...", but when shown related teachings in dreams - a new understanding comes over, something that is beyond mind. So, it important to work to gain direct experiences as well.
all the best,
Manpreet
Join Date: 2007-05-30
Forum Posts: 23
Moderator Message:
Please note - while you are welcome to use these forums for discussion, as has already been pointed out to you, advertising is against the forum rules and the terms of use of the site. Thank you for your cooperation in posting within the terms of use and forum rules for the site.
Gnosticweb Moderators
Join Date: 2004-05-28
Forum Posts: 913
also i recommend the Kempis book you mention.
also occasionally, and i do mean OCCASIONALLY, you might want to take a passage from "The Pistis Sophia Unveiled" by Samael Aun Weor. it doesn't make sense usually if you just read straight through. at least for me it has taken a long time to even start to understand this book.
best wishes,
Jim
Join Date: 2007-05-30
Forum Posts: 23
{removed}
Moderator Message:
Please note - while you are welcome to use these forums for discussion, as has already been pointed out to you, advertising is against the forum rules and the terms of use of the site. Thank you for your cooperation in posting within the terms of use and forum rules for the site.
Gnosticweb Moderators
[/quote]
I am very sorry for this error. But it seems rather strange to me that I can recommend any other book but my own - which, in all modesty, I would say, describes the true Gnosis far better than any other book which I have read.
However, I would also recommend any book by G.R.S. Mead - a great 'scholar' of Gnosis.
Site Administrator
Join Date: 2004-03-25
Forum Posts: 277
Sorry, it seems there has been a misunderstanding with the moderating of your posting. We apologise for any confusion that has been caused as a result.
Kind regards,
Jordan
Gnosticweb Moderator
Join Date: 2007-05-30
Forum Posts: 23
Hello RANDERSON,
Sorry, it seems there has been a misunderstanding with the moderating of your posting. We apologise for any confusion that has been caused as a result.
Kind regards,
Jordan
Gnosticweb Moderator
[/quote]
Hi Jordan
Do you mean that I can now re-submit my original post recommending my book?
Bob