Tag Archives: The Gospel of Thomas

Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, India, Inspiration, Manichaeans, Mystical, Spiritual

The Hymn of the Pearl (Hidden Meaning) from the Acts of Thomas

Leave a comment
The Pearl of Great Price

The Hymn of the Pearl (also called the Hymn of the Soul) is a Gnostic allegory found within the Acts of Thomas, a 3rd-century text. It tells the story of a prince (symbolizing the soul) who is sent from his heavenly home to retrieve a pearl guarded by a serpent, but he falls into forgetfulness and becomes trapped in a foreign land. Eventually, a letter from his divine homeland awakens him, and he reclaims the pearl before returning to his true home.

Gnostic Interpretations of the Serpent and the Pearl

Different Gnostic groups, including the Manichaeans, interpreted these symbols through their dualistic worldview, where spirit (Light) is trapped in the material world (Darkness) and must be liberated through knowledge (gnosis).

1. The Pearl – The Divine Spark (Light)

  • The pearl represents the soul’s divine essence—the spark of Light trapped in the material world.
  • It is hidden in a foreign land (symbolizing the fallen world), and retrieving it signifies spiritual awakening and redemption.
  • This parallels the Manichaean belief that divine Light is scattered and imprisoned in matter, and the purpose of spiritual life is to recollect and return it to the Kingdom of Light.
The Prophet Mani

2. The Serpent – The Ruler of the Material World

Gnostics and Manichaeans often interpreted the serpent in the story as an Archon—a demonic ruler of the material realm, possibly linked to the Demiurge (the false god who created the physical world).

  • The serpent is the guardian of the material world, preventing souls from reclaiming their divine inheritance.
  • It symbolizes ignorance, illusion, and the forces that keep souls asleep in material existence.
  • The prince must overcome the serpent, much like Gnostics believe the soul must overcome the deception of the material world to return to its divine origin.

3. The Forgetfulness – The Fall of the Soul

  • In the story, the prince forgets his mission upon arriving in the foreign land, symbolizing how the soul forgets its divine origin when trapped in the body.
  • This mirrors the Manichaean and Gnostic belief that souls, when incarnated, are veiled in ignorance and need to be awakened by divine revelation.

4. The Letter from Home – Divine Knowledge (Gnosis)

  • The letter that awakens the prince represents gnosis, the hidden knowledge sent from the divine realm to help the soul remember its true nature.
  • This is similar to how the Manichaean Jesus (Jesus the Luminous) and other savior figures bring divine wisdom to awaken souls from their sleep of ignorance.
Hymn of the Pearl

Manichaean Perspective on the Hymn of the Pearl

The Manichaeans deeply resonated with this story because it reflected their core theology:

  • The Pearl = The trapped Light in humanity.
  • The Serpent = The Prince of Darkness or the rulers of the material world.
  • The Foreign Land = The material world, which is a prison for divine souls.
  • The Letter from Home = The teachings of Mani, who brings the Light of Knowledge to awaken souls.

For both Gnostic groups and the Manichaeans, the Hymn of the Pearl was an allegory for the soul’s fall into matter, forgetfulness, and eventual redemption through knowledge. The serpent represented the forces that keep the soul trapped, while the pearl symbolized the lost divine Light that must be reclaimed. Ultimately, the hymn is a story of salvation, where the awakened soul returns home to the realm of Light.

Hymn of the Pearl – Hymn of the Robe of Glory

How did the Manichaeans interpret the serpent in the garden of Eden?

The Manichaean interpretation of the serpent in the Garden of Eden was radically different from the traditional Christian and Jewish views. Instead of seeing the serpent as an agent of evil or Satan, the Manichaeans often viewed it as a bringer of knowledge—a role similar to what is found in some Gnostic traditions.

1. The Serpent as a Messenger of Light (Positive View)

In many Manichaean texts, the serpent was linked to the Living Spirit or a divine agent that helped humanity recognize their true, spiritual nature. This aligns with their dualistic worldview, where matter (darkness) is a prison for the divine Light, and knowledge (gnosis) is the key to liberation.

  • The Tree of Knowledge was not seen as a source of sin, but rather as a gift of wisdom that helped Adam and Eve become aware of their divine Light trapped in matter.
  • The serpent, rather than being an enemy, was an enlightener, awakening Adam and Eve to their true, spiritual origins.
  • Eating from the tree symbolized gaining knowledge of their imprisonment in the material world, helping them begin their path toward salvation.

This interpretation is similar to some Gnostic traditions, where the serpent is a liberator rather than a deceiver.

2. The Serpent as a Trickster (Negative View)

Some Manichaean texts, however, also include a negative interpretation of the serpent—linking it to the Prince of Darkness or the Archons (rulers of the material world).

  • In this version, the serpent seduces Adam and Eve into deeper entrapment within the material world by awakening carnal desires and binding them further to the physical realm.
  • This view aligns with their belief that the material world is inherently evil, and sexual reproduction (which leads to more souls being trapped in bodies) was a tool of darkness.

3. The Dual Nature of the Serpent

Some interpretations suggest a dual role for the serpent—both as a revealer of wisdom and as a force of deception. This reflects the broader Manichaean worldview, where forces of Light and Darkness are constantly interwoven in the material world.

For the Manichaeans, the serpent in Eden was not simply a villain. Depending on the context, it was either:

  • A bringer of divine wisdom, helping humanity awaken to their spiritual nature, or
  • A deceiver, trapping souls further in material existence through desire and reproduction.

This dual interpretation highlights the complexity of Manichaean theology, where even seemingly “evil” figures could sometimes serve a higher, hidden purpose.

Prophet Mani

The Serpent and Kundalini?

Some esoteric and later Gnostic-influenced traditions, particularly those with connections to Hermeticism, Tantra, and Christian Mysticism, have interpreted the serpent in the Hymn of the Pearl (and in Gnostic thought more broadly) in a way that aligns with kundalini energy—a force that can be both destructive and enlightening, depending on its movement through the spiritual centers (chakras).

Gnostic and Esoteric Interpretations of the Serpent as Kundalini

While classical Gnostic texts do not explicitly mention kundalini, the idea of the serpent as both an obstacle and a source of enlightenment appears in several mystical traditions. This aligns with the dual nature of the serpent—it can either bind the soul in material existence or liberate it into divine gnosis.

1. The Serpent as the Lower Nature (Material Entrapment)

  • In some Gnostic and mystical traditions, the serpent at the base of the tree (or guarding the pearl) symbolizes the lower, animalistic nature of humanity.
  • This is the base energy, tied to desires, survival instincts, and ignorance (archonic control in Gnostic terms).
  • If a person remains in the lower chakras (root, sacral, solar plexus), they remain trapped in illusion, bound by passions, fear, and material existence.
  • The serpent “hiding the pearl” could symbolize kundalini energy that remains coiled at the base of the spine, keeping one spiritually asleep.

2. The Serpent as the Illuminating Force (Divine Awakening)

  • In advanced esoteric Gnostic and Hermetic interpretations, when the serpent energy (kundalini) is raised upward, it becomes a force of enlightenment and divine wisdom.
  • As kundalini ascends through the chakras, it purifies the soul, leading to gnosis (direct knowledge of God or the divine self).
  • In this sense, the serpent that once guarded the pearl becomes the guide toward retrieving it.
  • When raised to the crown chakra (sahasrara), the serpent transforms into a serpent of light—much like how some Gnostic traditions interpret the serpent in Eden as a revealer of wisdom, rather than a deceiver.

Parallel Gnostic Concepts

  • The Tree of Knowledge vs. the Tree of Life – Some Gnostics believed the Tree of Knowledge was not evil but actually a tool for awakening, just like kundalini energy.
  • The Basilideans and Naassenes (early Gnostic sects) revered the serpent as a divine force, linking it to wisdom and the Logos.
  • The Ophites (Serpent-Worshippers) saw the serpent as Sophia’s wisdom, guiding the soul toward divine knowledge.
  • Valentinian Gnostics viewed spiritual transformation as a three-stage process (Hylic, Psychic, and Pneumatic), similar to kundalini rising through the chakras.

Conclusion: The Serpent’s Dual Role in Gnosis and Kundalini Awakening

In this interpretation, the serpent starts as a barrier (ignorance, materialism) but transforms into a teacher (wisdom, enlightenment) once kundalini is raised. If a person remains in the lower chakras, they are stuck in passions and illusion (the serpent of deception). But if they raise their consciousness, the serpent becomes the force of illumination, unlocking the pearl of great price—the divine spark within.

This aligns with both Gnostic and esoteric Hindu views, where the serpent (kundalini) can either bind or liberate the soul.

The Serpent and Tree of Gnosis

Gnostic verses about the serpent from the Gnostic Gospels

“…the serpent was wiser than all the animals that were in Paradise, and he persuaded Eve… ‘On the day when you eat from the tree in the middle of Paradise the eyes of your mind will be opened.’”

From The Testimony of Truth

(This Gnostic work reinterprets the Eden narrative, casting the serpent not as an antagonist, but as a liberator of humanity)

“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Saying 39)

From The Gospel of Thomas

(This saying encourages discernment and cunning (serpentine wisdom), balanced with purity (dove-like innocence), illustrating the nuanced spiritual approach characteristic of Gnostic thought.)

The Hymn of the Pearl of Judas Thomas
The Hymn of the Pearl modern retelling

𓋹 𓋹 𓋹

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion 🔯

Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Kabbalah, Manichaeans, Mystical, Spiritual

The 3 Secret Words in the Gospel of Thomas

Leave a comment

In the Gospel of Thomas, saying 13 presents a mysterious moment where Jesus takes Thomas aside and speaks three secret words to him. The text does not reveal what these words are, leading to much speculation among scholars and mystics.

Gospel of Thomas Greek Fragments

Here are some prominent interpretations:

1. Gnostic Interpretations

Since the Gospel of Thomas is associated with Gnostic traditions, some believe the three words could relate to key Gnostic concepts, such as:

  • “You are divine” – Affirming the idea that self-knowledge leads to enlightenment.
  • “Know yourself fully” – A central theme in Gnostic thought, aligning with the idea of discovering the divine spark within.
  • “The Kingdom is within” – Echoing other sayings in Thomas that emphasize inward spiritual realization.
Gnostic Garden of Eden

2. Jewish and Mystical Possibilities

Some scholars suggest the words may relate to sacred Hebrew concepts:

  • The Ineffable Name of God (YHWH or a hidden pronunciation thereof)
  • “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (“I Am That I Am”) – The divine self-identification from Exodus 3:14.
  • A lost phrase from Jewish wisdom traditions.
Tree of Life (Kabbalah)

3. Theological and Philosophical Guesses

  • Some propose the words could be something like “Truth, Light, Life”, mirroring themes found in other early Christian texts.
  • Others suggest they could relate to Jesus’ identity as the Logos or the divine word.

Since the text remains silent on what Jesus actually said, the “three hidden words” remain an open mystery—one that invites deep reflection and personal interpretation.

Gnostic Christ

What did the Saints say?

There is no direct record of notable Christian saints explicitly commenting on the three hidden words from the Gospel of Thomas, as the text was not widely accepted in orthodox Christianity. However, if we look at mystical and theological themes from notable saints who emphasized divine wisdom and secret knowledge, we can infer possible interpretations.

1. St. Augustine (354–430) – The Word as Christ

Augustine, though critical of Gnostic texts, might suggest that the three words could point to Christ as “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). This aligns with his belief that salvation comes through knowing and following Christ.

St. Augustine

2. St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395) – Divine Ascent

Gregory, a mystic and theologian, emphasized spiritual ascent toward divine union. He might interpret the three words as something like “Light, Knowledge, Unity”, reflecting the soul’s journey toward God.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

3. St. John of the Cross (1542–1591) – The Secret Union

John, a Carmelite mystic, wrote of the dark night of the soul, where divine knowledge is often hidden. He might see the words as related to mystical union, perhaps “Silence, Love, Mystery”, expressing the ineffable nature of divine truth.

St. John of the Cross

4. St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) – The Cosmic Christ

Hildegard, a visionary, saw Christ as the cosmic Word. She might interpret the words as something like “Fiery Love, Wisdom, Breath”, reflecting divine creativity and spirit.

St. Hildegard of Bingen

5. Meister Eckhart (1260–1328) – The Inner Godhead

Eckhart, a medieval mystic, taught that God is found in the depths of the soul. He might suggest that Jesus spoke “Be still, know”, aligning with his idea that true divinity is found in silence and self-awareness.

Meister Eckhart

Though we cannot know for sure what the three words were, saints and mystics across history have consistently pointed toward self-knowledge, divine union, and inner transformation as the essence of Christ’s hidden teachings.

What about the Manichaeans?

The Manichaeans, as a dualistic and Gnostic-influenced religious movement, believed in a cosmic struggle between Light and Darkness. Though they did not directly comment on the Gospel of Thomas, their teachings offer clues about what the three hidden words might represent.

Some scholars suggest that if the Manichaeans had speculated on these words, they could have related to core Manichaean concepts, such as:

  1. “Light, Power, Wisdom” – Reflecting their belief in the divine Light trapped in the material world, the spiritual power needed for liberation, and the wisdom to achieve salvation.
  2. “Father, Mother, Son” – Mirroring the Manichaean Trinity, where the Father of Greatness (the highest God), the Mother of Life, and the Living Self (akin to the divine spark) play key roles in redemption.
  3. “Truth, Life, Liberation” – Representing the Manichaean path of knowledge (gnosis), which leads to salvation and escape from the material world.

Manichaeans saw Jesus as a revealer of hidden knowledge (similar to how he is portrayed in Thomas), so whatever the words were, they likely pointed to the secret knowledge (gnosis) that frees the soul from material bondage.

Prophet Mani

𓋹 𓋹 𓋹

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and Gnosis, and to connect deeper with a circle of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion 🔯

Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Inspiration, Magick, Mary Magdalene, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

The Big Secret of the Gnostic Gospels

1 Comment

The most profound and esoteric secret of the Gnostics, based on the Nag Hammadi Library and broader Gnostic tradition, centers on the realization of the divine spark within humanity and the ultimate path to liberation from material existence. This concept is multi-layered, deeply symbolic, and central to Gnostic cosmology and spirituality.

The Divine Spark and the Gnostic Secret:

  1. The Divine Origin of Humanity:
    The Gnostics believed that within each individual resides a fragment of the divine, often referred to as the divine spark or light. This spark originates from the Pleroma (the fullness of the divine realm), a realm of pure, ineffable light and unity. However, humanity is trapped in the material world, which they viewed as the flawed creation of the Demiurge, a lesser and ignorant deity.
  2. The Material World as an Illusion:
    The material world, with its suffering, ignorance, and cycles of birth and death, is seen as a prison designed to keep the divine spark bound. The Demiurge, and the Archons (his assistants), enforce this illusion, ensuring humanity remains unaware of its true origins and divine potential.
  3. Salvation Through Gnosis:
    The “secret” of the Gnostics lies in achieving gnosis—a direct, experiential knowledge of the divine. This knowledge awakens the individual to their true identity as a being of light and their origin in the Pleroma. Gnosis transcends intellectual understanding; it is a profound inner realization that leads to spiritual liberation.
  4. The Journey of the Soul:
    Many Gnostic texts describe the journey of the soul as it seeks to return to the Pleroma. This journey involves overcoming the influence of the Archons, breaking free from the illusions of the material world, and ascending through spiritual realms. This path often requires self-knowledge, ascetic practices, and the guidance of a redeemer figure, such as Jesus or other divine emissaries.
  5. The Role of the Savior:
    In Gnostic cosmology, figures like Jesus are not merely saviors in the traditional sense but bringers of gnosis. They descend into the material realm to awaken humanity, teach the mysteries of existence, and guide the divine sparks back to their origin.
  6. Unity with the Divine:
    The ultimate goal of Gnosticism is not simply salvation in a conventional sense but reunion with the divine source.This reunion dissolves the illusion of separation and restores the individual to their true state of wholeness within the Pleroma.

The Most Coveted Esoteric Secret:

The most coveted secret of the Gnostics is this: you are not merely a being trapped in a flawed material world but a fragment of the divine, with the potential to awaken, transcend the illusions of the Demiurge, and reunite with the infinite source of light and love. This realization is not given by external authorities but is found within through direct spiritual experience.

This message, deeply empowering and liberating, challenges conventional religious structures and authority, which is why it was often suppressed or misunderstood. It remains a timeless teaching for those seeking deeper truths about existence, spirituality, and the nature of reality.

Gnostic Nazorean Love Feast

Here are some of the most profound and secretive verses from the Gnostic Gospels (primarily from the Nag Hammadi Library) that reveal the esoteric knowledge (gnosis) of the divine spark and humanity’s spiritual liberation. These passages illuminate the hidden truths central to Gnostic teachings:

1. The Gospel of Thomas

This collection of Jesus’ sayings is considered one of the most significant texts in Gnosticism.

Verse 3:
“If those who lead you say to you, ‘See, the Kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. Rather, the Kingdom is inside you and it is outside you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are the children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and you are poverty.”


Revealed Gnosis: The divine spark resides within; self-knowledge is the key to discovering one’s true nature and connection to the divine.

2. The Gospel of Philip

A mystical and symbolic exploration of spiritual truths.


Verse 67:
“You saw the Spirit, you became spirit. You saw Christ, you became Christ. You saw the Father, you shall become Father.”


Revealed Gnosis: The process of gnosis transforms the individual into their divine essence, aligning them with the source of creation.

Verse 112:
“The world came into being through error. For he who created it wanted to create it imperishable and immortal. He failed and did not attain his hope. For the world is not imperishable, nor is it immortal. But the children are.”


Revealed Gnosis: The material world is flawed and temporary, but the divine spark within humanity is eternal.

3. The Gospel of Truth

A poetic reflection on the nature of ignorance and enlightenment.


Section 18:
“For the one whom they sought after was within them all along. And the one who is perfect, the Father, is within them, and they did not know him. He revealed himself in a knowledge that is in harmony with his spirit, the knowledge that he is the one who exists from the aeons, filling everyone with himself.”


Revealed Gnosis: God is not an external entity but exists within all beings. Ignorance of this truth is the cause of suffering.

4. The Apocryphon of John

A foundational text of Gnostic cosmology and theology.


Section 29:
“I am the light that exists within all light. I am the remembrance of the Pleroma, bringing the spark of the divine to those who dwell in forgetfulness. Awaken and remember, for you are children of the light.”


Revealed Gnosis: Humanity’s true essence is light, but it has been obscured by ignorance (forgetfulness). Gnosis awakens this divine remembrance.

5. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

A text that emphasizes inner wisdom and spiritual freedom.


Chapter 4, Verses 22-24:
“Be on your guard so that no one deceives you by saying, ‘Look over here!’ or ‘Look over there!’ For the Son of Man is within you. Follow him! Those who seek him will find him.”


Revealed Gnosis: The path to divine truth is internal, not external. The divine resides within each person.

6. The Tripartite Tractate

A philosophical exploration of Gnostic theology.


Section 84:
“The truth was not revealed to all but was reserved for those who are able to awaken to the light within themselves. The children of light are destined to return to the fullness of the Pleroma.”


Revealed Gnosis: Gnosis is not accessible to everyone but to those prepared to awaken and seek the divine light within.

7. The Thunder, Perfect Mind

A mysterious and poetic Gnostic text.


Section 13:
“For I am the first and the last. I am the honored one and the scorned one. I am the whore and the holy one. I am the voice of the hidden truth, dwelling within all beings.”


Revealed Gnosis: The divine encompasses all dualities and resides within the depths of every individual.

8. The Second Treatise of the Great Seth

A critique of materialism and affirmation of spiritual liberation.


Section 65:
“It was not I who was crucified but rather the shadow. I am the divine light that cannot be harmed, dwelling within all who have awakened.”


Revealed Gnosis: The divine essence is beyond the reach of physical harm or material suffering.

Key Themes in These Secret Verses:

  • Self-knowledge: True salvation comes from knowing oneself as a manifestation of the divine.
  • Divine spark: The core of human existence is a fragment of divine light, yearning to return to its source.
  • Material illusion: The material world is a temporary and flawed construct; true reality lies in the spiritual realm.
  • Awakening: Gnosis is the process of awakening from ignorance to the knowledge of one’s divine origin and destiny.

These passages form the heart of Gnostic teachings and provide profound insights into the mysteries of existence, the nature of the divine, and the path to spiritual liberation.

Gnostic Nazorean Vegetarian Love Feast

Thanks for visiting my blog! To learn more about this Esoteric Wisdom and to start your own journey with a team of like-minded and inspired Wisdom Seekers, forging a way to make the world a better place for all, just like you…

Click here & listen to our Daily Mastermind Call (recorded live Mon-Fri) & also I invite you to work directly with me. I’m here to help! Send me a message to discuss your interests and questions.

~Sakshi Zion