Category Archives: Christ

Christ, Divine Mother, Gnostic, History, Mary Magdalene, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

Mary as the Hidden Goddess: Sophia, Isis & the Queen of Light

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✨ Mary was never just a “figure in a story.”
To the mystics, she was The Goddess in disguise. ✨

Long before cathedrals placed a crown on her head, ancient initiates recognized Mary as the living expression of the Divine Feminine:

Mary as Sophia — the Wisdom of God made flesh
Mary as Isis — the Great Mother guarding the Light of the world
Mary Magdalene as her mirror — the earthly embodiment of sacred knowledge

In the esoteric traditions, Mary doesn’t replace the Goddess… she reveals her.

Mary Queen of Light at Norte Dame University

She carries the same symbols:

🌹 The Rose of hidden knowledge
🌙 The Crescent of celestial power
⭐ The Star of the eternal Light

When the world forgot the Goddess, she returned as Mary.
Hidden in plain sight.
Honored by millions.
Silently preserving the lineage of the Queen of Light.

This is why her image survived every empire.
This is why every culture sees her as Mother, Protector, Healer.
This is why the prayers to her never stopped.

Because the Divine Feminine can’t be erased—
She only changes form.

And every time a candle is lit in her name,
every time someone whispers Ave Maria
every time a child is protected by her presence…

The Goddess rises again.
Not in myth—
but in the hearts of the people.

🌹✨ Mary was always the Light of the Goddess.
And she never left. ✨🌹

“For I am the Light of the world; I am the gnosis of the Light.
I have sung praises to the Light, for He has saved me from the archons.”
— Pistis Sophia

If this speaks to your soul, share it.
Let the Light find the ones who are ready to remember.

This line is interpreted mystically as Sophia (and by extension Mary/Mary Magdalene) reclaiming her throne as the embodied Light, rising from the lower realms back to her divine origin. It resonates deeply with the theme of the Feminine returning to power.

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…

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Africa, Christ, Ethiopia, History, Mystical, Natural Healing, Recipes, Spiritual, Vegan, Vegetarian

Food of the Faithful: Ancient Recipes of Ethiopian Monks

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High in the mountains of Ethiopia, within ancient stone monasteries where chants echo through the dawn, monks live according to rhythms of prayer, silence, and simplicity. Their meals are no exception. Rooted in the Orthodox Tewahedo tradition, the monastic diet is entirely plant-based for most of the year—free from meat, dairy, and eggs—prepared with humble ingredients that nourish both body and spirit. Lentils, chickpeas, teff, barley, and fragrant spices come together in sacred harmony, forming dishes that sustain not only life but devotion. To eat like an Ethiopian monk is to taste centuries of faith, discipline, and balance—a quiet offering of gratitude to the Creator with every bite.

Vegan Ethiopian Food

Ethiopian monks follow a deeply spiritual diet rooted in Orthodox Tewahedo Christian fasting practices. Much like the monks of Mount Athos, they eat vegan meals most of the year, avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs. Fish is also usually excluded. Their meals are simple, plant-based, and often seasoned with traditional spices and herbs. Here’s a look at what they eat and some core recipes:

Ethiopian Injera Bread

Core Foods of Ethiopian Monastic Diet

  • Injera – fermented teff flatbread, served at nearly every meal
  • Lentils and legumes – like misir (lentils), shiro (ground chickpeas), and kik (split peas)
  • Vegetables – cabbage, carrots, potatoes, greens, tomatoes
  • Spices – berbere (spicy blend), turmeric, garlic, ginger
  • Fasting oils – like niter kibbeh made without dairy, or vegetable oil
  • Grains – barley, wheat, millet, teff, often in porridge form
  • Honey and wild herbs – especially for special occasions or medicinal purposes
Ethiopian Monks

Traditional Monastic Recipes

1. Shiro Wot (Chickpea Stew)

A staple dish for fasting periods.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup shiro powder (roasted ground chickpeas with spices)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp berbere spice
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups water

Method:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
  2. Add berbere and stir for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add shiro powder while stirring, then add water.
  4. Simmer until thick and creamy (about 10–15 minutes).

2. Atkilt Wot (Cabbage, Carrot, and Potato Stew)

Simple, nourishing, and naturally vegan.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • Salt, pepper, turmeric

Method:

  1. Heat oil, sauté onion until translucent.
  2. Add carrots and potatoes, cook 5 minutes.
  3. Add cabbage and turmeric, stir well.
  4. Cover and simmer until all vegetables are soft.
Vegan Ethiopian Food

3. Kik Alicha (Yellow Split Pea Stew)

Mild, protein-rich dish eaten with injera.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow split peas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Water

Method:

  1. Boil peas until soft, set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic, add turmeric.
  3. Add boiled peas, salt, and simmer until thick.

4. Genfo (Barley Porridge)

Eaten especially during early morning prayers or fasting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup barley flour
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: berbere-spiced oil or fasting niter kibbeh

Method:

  1. Boil water with salt.
  2. Gradually stir in barley flour to avoid lumps.
  3. Stir until thick and smooth like polenta.
  4. Serve with seasoned oil in the center.
Ethiopian Monk

5. Azifa (Green Lentil Salad)

Cool, tangy, and full of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup green lentils, cooked
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt, pepper, olive oil

Method:

  1. Combine lentils with onion and chili.
  2. Season with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oil.
  3. Let sit before serving for flavors to meld.

In the kitchens of Ethiopian monasteries, food is prayer made visible. Each pot of lentils, every loaf of injera, carries the fragrance of humility and care. The monks eat simply, yet with profound awareness—honoring the earth, the seasons, and the sacred gift of sustenance. Their ancient recipes remind us that true nourishment goes beyond flavor and fullness; it is an act of communion, a return to the essence of simplicity and gratitude. Through their way of eating, the monks invite us to rediscover holiness in the everyday—to eat with mindfulness, and to live with reverence.

Ethiopian Monks

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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…

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Christ, Divine Mother, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Poetry, Spiritual

The Last Prayer of the Knights Templar: Light Amid Chains

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In the shadowed cells of medieval towers, as the Knights Templar faced persecution and imprisonment, they turned to prayer for strength, guidance, and hope. Among these sacred words is a stirring invocation calling upon the Holy Spirit and Mary, Star of the Sea, to lead the faithful through trials and tribulations. This prayer, written by those devoted to their vows, reflects the profound faith, humility, and resilience of the Templar Order — a timeless testament to courage in the face of injustice.

Knight’s Templar

This is the Templar prayer, written while they were imprisoned:

“May the grace of the Holy Spirit be present with us. May Mary, Star of the Sea, lead us to the harbor of salvation. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Father, eternal God, omnipotent, omniscient Creator, Bestower, kind Ruler and most tender lover, pious and humble Redeemer; gentle, merciful Savior, Lord! I humbly beseech Thee and implore Thee that Thou may enlighten me, free me and preserve the brothers of the Temple and all Thy Christian people, troubled as they are.

Thou, O Lord, Who knowest that we are innocent, set us free that we may keep our vows and your commandments in humility, and serve Thee and act according to Thy will. (Dispel) all those unjust reproaches, far from the truth, heaped upon us by the means of tough adversities, great tribulations and temptations, which we have endured, but can endure no longer.

Omnipotent, eternal God, who hast so loved the blessed John the Evangelist and Apostle, that he reclined upon Thy bosom at the Last Supper, and to whom Thou revealed and showed the Mysteries of Heaven, and to whom, while suspended on the Holy Cross, for the sake of our redemption, Thou commended Thy most Holy Mother and Virgin, and in whose honor (our) Order was created and instituted; through Thy Holy mercifulness, deliver us and preserve us, as Thou knowest that we are innocent of the crimes that we are accused of, so that we may take possession of the works, by which we may be guided to the joys of Paradise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Knights Templar

The Templar prayer endures not only as a historical artifact but as a spiritual beacon for all seeking divine guidance and solace. Its call for mercy, justice, and steadfast devotion resonates across the centuries, reminding us that even in the darkest hours, faith can illuminate the path to redemption. By reflecting on these sacred words, we connect with the enduring spirit of the Knights Templar and the universal quest for grace and salvation.

Atlantean Secrets of the Knights Templar

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Knights Templar are not what you think
Christ, History, Meditation, Natural Healing, Recipes, Spiritual, Travel, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ancient Greek Monastic Recipes: From the Kitchens of Mount Athos

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Monks of Mt Athos preparing food

Mount Athos, the autonomous monastic republic in northern Greece, has a rich culinary tradition rooted in centuries of Orthodox Christian monastic life. The monks follow a mostly vegetarian diet due to fasting rules and spiritual discipline, though fish is allowed on certain feast days.

Here are some ancient or traditional recipes from Mount Athos:

1. Fasolada (Monastic Bean Soup)

A staple dish, especially during fasting periods.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white beans (soaked overnight)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2–3 tomatoes, grated or chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt, pepper
  • Bay leaf

Method:

  1. Simmer the beans in water until tender.
  2. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil separately, then add to the beans.
  3. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  4. Simmer until everything is soft and flavors are blended.
Mt Athos food

2. Koliva (Boiled Wheat Offering)

Often used in memorial services, but also enjoyed as a wholesome snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wheat berries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried fruit
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar (optional for coating)

Method:

  1. Boil wheat until tender, drain and dry well.
  2. Mix with nuts, raisins, sesame, and cinnamon.
  3. Optionally, form into mounds and coat with powdered sugar.
Monks of Mt Athos eating together

3. Revithada (Baked Chickpeas)

Often slow-baked overnight in clay ovens.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt, pepper, bay leaf, rosemary (optional)

Method:

  1. Place all ingredients in a clay or ceramic pot with enough water to cover.
  2. Bake covered at low heat (around 250°F / 120°C) for several hours or overnight.
Chickpeas are common in recipes from Mt. Athos
Meals made by Monks of Mt Athos

4. Ladera (Vegetables in Olive Oil)

Ladera means “oily” and refers to vegetables cooked in generous olive oil.

Popular versions:

  • Green beans (Fasolakia)
  • Okra (Bamies)
  • Eggplant and zucchini stew

Method:
Simmer vegetables with onion, garlic, fresh tomato, herbs, and lots of olive oil. Serve with bread.

Monk preparing a meal at Mt Athos
Monk prepares large amounts vegetables for the monks of My Athos

5. Halva (Semolina Dessert)

Monks often make this humble dessert, especially on fasting days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar or honey
  • Cinnamon, cloves, lemon zest, nuts

Method:

  1. Sauté semolina in olive oil until golden.
  2. In a separate pot, heat water with sugar/honey, cinnamon, and zest.
  3. Slowly pour the syrup into the semolina while stirring.
  4. Stir until thick, then mold and cool.
Halva – Traditional Greek Orthodox Sweet

The diet of Mount Athos monks is much more than just food—it’s a reflection of centuries-old spiritual discipline. Rooted in simplicity, fasting, and mindfulness, their meals are mostly vegetarian, often vegan, and centered on legumes, grains, vegetables, and wholesome olive oil. Each dish is prepared slowly, with care and intention, turning the act of eating into a form of meditation. By honoring the seasons, local produce, and the rhythm of prayer, the monks’ culinary traditions offer a timeless lesson: nourishment for the body can also be nourishment for the soul.

Monks share communal meals together at Mt Athos
Lentil soup is a common meal at Mt Athos
Monk preparing a meal at Mt Athos

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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…

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For a deeper understanding of the monastic life and culinary traditions of Mount Athos, you might find this video insightful.
Animal Rights, Animals, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, Vegan, Vegetarian

James the Just: The Forgotten Vegetarian Brother of Jesus

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Discover James the Just, the vegetarian brother of Jesus. Explore his role in early Christianity, his compassionate lifestyle, and why his legacy still matters today.

James the Just – Vegetarian brother of Jesus

James the Just, the brother of Jesus, is one of the most fascinating yet overlooked figures in early Christianity. Revered as a saint, leader of the Jerusalem Church, and a man of extraordinary holiness, James is remembered not only for his devotion but also for his lifestyle choices. Ancient sources suggest that James lived as a vegetarian, following a path of compassion, discipline, and purity. His example offers us a window into the roots of Christian ethics, where spiritual devotion was inseparable from kindness toward all living beings.

Here are the fragments we have about James from history:

“James, the brother of the Lord, lived on seeds and plants and touched neither meat nor wine.” (Epistulae ad Faustum XXII, 3)

“James, the brother of the Lord was holy from his mother’s womb; and he drank no wine nor strong drink, nor did he eat flesh.” (Hegesippus, quoted in The Church History of Eusebius, book 2, chapter 23)

“James was a vegetarian.” (Robert Eisenman, James the Just, The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls)

The legacy of James the Just challenges us to reconsider how faith and compassion intertwine. His vegetarianism was not a mere personal choice, but a reflection of his deep spiritual commitment and his vision of a purer, more merciful way of living. By remembering James, we reconnect with a form of Christianity that valued nonviolence, ethical living, and harmony with creation. Perhaps, in rediscovering his example, we can also rediscover the heart of what it means to live justly in our own time.

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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 🕉️

Books, Christ, Egypt, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

The Initiates of the Flame by Manly P. Hall – Book Review

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Manly P. Hall’s The Initiates of the Flame, first published in 1922 when he was just 21 years old, remains one of the most striking introductions to esoteric philosophy and Western mysticism. Though written in youthful prose, the book carries a depth that feels both timeless and prophetic, marking the early steps of a thinker who would go on to become one of the most influential mystics and philosophers of the 20th century.

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The Initiates of the Flame – Manly P Hall

At its core, The Initiates of the Flame is about the eternal flame of spiritual wisdom—how it has been kept alive through the mystery traditions of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Christian mysteries, and how it continues to burn within the human soul. Hall weaves together myth, symbolism, and comparative religion, showing how the fire of truth appears in different guises: the sacred fire of the altar, the torch of Prometheus, the Grail flame, and ultimately the divine spark within each seeker.

The Initiates of the Flame

What makes this book especially engaging is its accessibility. While Hall’s later works—like The Secret Teachings of All Ages—are encyclopedic in scope, The Initiates of the Flame reads more like a guidebook for the earnest spiritual seeker. The chapters are concise yet rich, exploring topics such as the symbolism of fire, the guardians of the flame, the role of the Christ principle, and the path of initiation.

Reading it today, more than a century later, the book still resonates. Its message is clear: the outer symbols and rituals are only reflections of the inner transformation every true initiate must undergo. The real initiation is the awakening of divine consciousness within ourselves.

The Initiates of the Flame – Manly P Hall

Why read it?

  • It’s a short, approachable introduction to esoteric philosophy.
  • It helps connect ancient mystery traditions to modern spiritual practice.
  • It inspires readers to see initiation not as a ceremony but as a living process of inner growth.

Final Thoughts
The Initiates of the Flame is less a historical study than a call to remembrance. It invites us to rediscover the fire within and to recognize ourselves as keepers of the eternal flame of wisdom. Whether you’re new to esoteric teachings or a longtime student of Hall, this book offers a spark that can ignite deeper study and reflection.

🔥 Awaken the Flame Within 🔥

If you’ve ever felt drawn to the mysteries of ancient wisdom, initiation, and the spark of the divine within, The Initiates of the Flame by Manly P. Hall is a must-read. Written when Hall was just 21, this timeless classic reveals how the eternal flame of truth has been preserved through the mystery schools of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond—and how you can rediscover it in your own life.

Don’t just read about spiritual wisdom—experience it. This book is short, powerful, and capable of igniting a lifetime of deeper study and inner transformation.

✨ Ready to kindle your inner fire? ✨
👉 Get your copy of The Initiates of the Flame on Amazon today

The Initiates of the Flame

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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 🕉️

Books, Christ, Gnostic, History, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

Hebrew Gospel of Matthew / The Gospel of the Hebrews

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Hebrew Gospel of Matthew

The “Gospel according to the Hebrews” also known as the “Hebrew Gospel of Matthew” is an early Christian text known only through fragments cited by early church fathers. This gospel was said to be used by the Ebionites, the early Jewish Christian followers of Jesus and Jesus’ brother James. One notable fragment, preserved by Epiphanius, suggests a rejection of animal sacrifices:

“I have come to abolish the sacrifices, and if you do not cease from sacrificing, the wrath will not cease from you.”

This passage indicates a stance against the continuation of animal sacrifices, aligning with certain early Christian views that saw Jesus’ mission as fulfilling and thus superseding the old sacrificial system.

Additionally, the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament addresses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices. Hebrews 10:8-9 states:

“First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.” 

This passage reflects a theological perspective that Christ’s sacrifice rendered the old system of animal offerings obsolete.

The Gospel According to the Hebrews

Another version of the “Hebrew Gospel of Matthew” is a medieval Hebrew text preserved by Shem-Tov ben Isaac Ibn Shaprut. Otherwise what we have are fragments of a presumed earlier Hebrew or Aramaic version of the Gospel of Matthew cited by early Church Fathers. Here is a compilation of known fragments and references:

1. Jerome’s Fragments:

Jerome, who had access to a Hebrew version of Matthew, provided several quotes:

  • The Lord’s Prayer: Instead of “Give us this day our daily bread,” it says, “Give us today our bread for tomorrow.”
  • On Matthew 18:22: “If your brother sins against you in word, and makes satisfaction, accept him seven times a day.”
  • On Matthew 23:35: “My mother, the Holy Spirit, took me by one of my hairs and carried me to the great mountain Tabor.”

2. Epiphanius’ Fragments:

Epiphanius of Salamis cited passages from the Gospel of the Hebrews, including:

  • Baptism of Jesus: “The Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove and said, ‘My son, in all the prophets I awaited you, that you might come and I might find rest in you. For you are my rest; you are my firstborn son who reigns forever.'”
  • Rejection of Sacrifice: “I have come to abolish the sacrifices, and if you do not cease from sacrificing, the wrath will not cease from you.”

3. Clement of Alexandria:

Clement provided mystical sayings attributed to Jesus:

  • “He who seeks will not rest until he finds; and he who has found will marvel; and he who has marveled will reign; and he who has reigned will rest.”
  • “Behold, my mother and my brothers, and whoever does the will of my Father, he is my brother and my sister and my mother.”

4. Origen’s Commentary:

Origen referred to a teaching about sin and repentance:

  • “If even the saints in this world say, ‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves’ (1 John 1:8), how much more does this apply to us!”

5. Eusebius’ References:

Eusebius of Caesarea mentioned passages related to Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to James the Just:

  • “Bring a table and bread!” and Jesus broke bread with James.
Gospel of the Hebrews

6. Shem-Tov’s Hebrew Matthew:

Shem-Tov’s medieval Hebrew Gospel of Matthew contains various unique readings and differences from the canonical Greek text. For example:

  • Matthew 5:22: “And I say to you that anyone who provokes his companion to anger is subject to judgment.”
  • Matthew 6:11: The Lord’s Prayer rendered as “Give us today our bread for tomorrow.”

7. Additional Fragments:

  • Jesus’ Teaching on Love: “Never be joyful, except when you look upon your brother with love.” (Jerome)
  • The Holy Spirit as Mother: “Even so did my mother, the Holy Spirit, take me by one of my hairs and carry me to the great mountain Tabor.” (Jerome)
Gnostic Christ

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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…

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James the Just was Vegetarian
Books, Christ, Egypt, Extraterrestrial, Gnostic, History, Magick, Manichaeans, Mystical, Spiritual

Book Review: The Gnostic Religion by Hans Jonas

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Hans Jonas’s The Gnostic Religion is a classic work of scholarship that has shaped modern understanding of Gnosticism since its first publication in 1958. Drawing on a wide range of sources—including ancient texts from the Nag Hammadi library, early Christian polemics, and comparative philosophy—Jonas presents Gnosticism not only as a religious phenomenon of late antiquity but also as a profound existential response to the human condition.

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The Gnostic Religion book

Jonas approaches Gnosticism with both scholarly rigor and philosophical sensitivity. He situates it within the cultural and historical milieu of the Hellenistic world, showing its connections to early Christianity, Judaism, Greek philosophy, and even Persian dualism. At the same time, he interprets Gnostic thought as a timeless expression of alienation: the soul trapped in an indifferent or hostile cosmos, longing for liberation and return to its divine origin.

What makes Jonas’s work particularly compelling is his ability to balance historical detail with existential reflection. His training under Martin Heidegger is evident in the way he frames Gnostic myth as a “worldview” that resonates with modern existential questions of freedom, estrangement, and transcendence. While some of his interpretations are debated today—especially given the continuing discovery and translation of Gnostic texts—Jonas’s insights remain invaluable.

Hans Jonas

The book is not light reading; it is dense, meticulously argued, and requires patience from the reader. Yet for those willing to engage with it, The Gnostic Religion offers both a historical introduction and a philosophical meditation. It is equally useful for students of religion, seekers intrigued by Gnosticism, and readers curious about how ancient spiritual movements grappled with questions that remain relevant today.

Verdict:
A foundational and enduring study of Gnosticism that combines erudition with existential depth. While newer research has expanded and sometimes revised our understanding, Hans Jonas’s The Gnostic Religion remains an essential text for anyone serious about exploring the mystical, mythic, and philosophical dimensions of Gnosticism.

The Gnostic Religion

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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 🧿

Animal Rights, Animals, Art, Christ, Gnostic, History, Inspiration, Mystical, Natural Healing, Spiritual, Vegan, Vegetarian

Al-Ghazali on Jesus & the Vegetarian Ascetic Lifestyle of Yeshua the Nazorean Christ

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Al-Ghazali

Al-Ghazali (1058–1111), a prominent Persian theologian, jurist, philosopher, and mystic in Islam, mentioned Jesus (known as ‘Isa in Islam) in his writings. Jesus is highly respected in Islam as a prophet and a model of piety and asceticism. While Al-Ghazali did not focus extensively on Jesus, here are some notable quotes and references:

  1. On Jesus’ Asceticism:
    In Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), Al-Ghazali quotes Jesus:
    “The world is a bridge, so pass over it and do not inhabit it.”
    This quote reflects Jesus’ ascetic approach to life and the transient nature of worldly existence.
  2. On Wealth and Worldliness:
    Al-Ghazali recounts a story of Jesus saying:
    “My salt is the herbs of the field, and my lamp at night is the moon. I have nothing, yet no one is richer than I.”
    This emphasizes contentment with little and finding richness in simplicity.
  3. On the Tongue:
    Al-Ghazali attributed to Jesus the saying:
    “O disciples, do not speak much, lest your hearts become hardened. For a hard heart is far from God, but you do not know it.”
    This quote aligns with both Islamic and Christian teachings on the dangers of idle talk.
  4. On the Company of the Righteous:
    Al-Ghazali mentions Jesus advising his disciples:
    “Sit with those whose sight reminds you of God, whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the Hereafter.”
  5. On Forgiveness:
    Al-Ghazali also narrates:
    “When Jesus, peace be upon him, was asked, ‘Who taught you good manners?’ he replied, ‘No one. I saw the ignorance of the ignorant and avoided it.'”
    This illustrates the importance of learning through observation and avoiding bad behavior.
Al-Ghazali

Al-Ghazali emphasized asceticism, compassion, and spiritual purity, often using Jesus as an exemplar of these virtues. Some references that might suggest a more ascetic and compassionate lifestyle include:

  1. Jesus’ Simplicity and Minimalism:
    In Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), Al-Ghazali quoted Jesus:
    “My salt is the herbs of the field, and my lamp at night is the moon. I have nothing, yet no one is richer than I.”
    While this quote highlights simplicity, it also hints at a plant-based diet, as it mentions herbs rather than meat. However, this is more an implication of asceticism than a clear advocacy for vegetarianism.
  2. On Gentleness and Mercy:
    Al-Ghazali often highlighted Jesus’ compassion, which could indirectly support nonviolence toward animals. He quoted Jesus as saying:
    “Blessed is he who sees with his heart but whose heart is not distracted by what his eyes see.”
    While not about diet, this points to a mindful and compassionate approach to life, which some might extend to treatment of animals.
  3. Critique of Excess and Sacrifice:
    Al-Ghazali criticized excess in religious rituals especially if not accompanied by true piety. He wrote about the futility of sacrifice without spiritual sincerity:
    “God does not need your meat or your blood, but He needs your piety.”
    This echoes Quranic sentiments (22:37) and might align with a more symbolic or internalized understanding of sacrifice rather than a literal one.
  4. Emphasis on Spiritual Sacrifice:
    Al-Ghazali suggested that true sacrifice involves the ego and desires, not just physical offerings:
    “The sacrifice of the soul is greater than the sacrifice of animals.”
    This could be interpreted as a move away from physical sacrifice towards an internal, spiritual purification.
Al-Ghazali

Al-Ghazali often cited Jesus (known as ‘Isa in Islam) in his works, particularly in Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) and other writings. While there isn’t a definitive, exhaustive list of all the sayings of Jesus recorded by Al-Ghazali, here are many of the known sayings and teachings attributed to Jesus in his works:

1. On the World and Asceticism

  • “The world is a bridge, so pass over it and do not inhabit it.”
  • “My salt is the herbs of the field, and my lamp at night is the moon. I have nothing, yet no one is richer than I.”
  • “Woe to the lover of the world! How will he die and leave it? Woe to the neglectful one who is distracted by it! How it deceives and betrays!”
  • “The world is but a passing moment, so make it a moment of obedience.”

2. On Speech and the Heart

  • “O disciples, do not speak much, lest your hearts become hardened. For a hard heart is far from God, but you do not know it.”

3. On Companionship

  • “Sit with those whose sight reminds you of God, whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the Hereafter.”

4. On Humility and Learning

  • “When Jesus, peace be upon him, was asked, ‘Who taught you good manners?’ he replied, ‘No one. I saw the ignorance of the ignorant and avoided it.'”

5. On Piety and Worship

  • “Blessed is he who sees with his heart but whose heart is not distracted by what his eyes see.”
  • “Do not look at the faults of others as if you are a lord; look at your own faults as if you are a slave.”

6. On Charity and Generosity

  • “O Children of Israel! Do not be generous except from what is pure. Do not place a stone upon a stone and do not build from what you do not eat.”

7. On Wealth and Simplicity

  • “Do not gather what you do not eat, and do not build what you do not live in.”

8. On the Spiritual Journey

  • “You will not reach what you love except through patience with what you hate.”

9. On Love and Forgiveness

  • “Love your enemy and forgive those who wrong you.”

10. On Avoiding Excess and Desires

  • “O disciples! The love of this world and the love of the Hereafter cannot be combined in the heart of a believer, just as fire and water cannot be combined in a single vessel.”

11. On The Afterlife

  • “This world is like a serpent: smooth to the touch but poisonous within. So avoid it, for it is as such.”

12. On Fasting and Spirituality

  • “Fasting is a treasure, and the fasting person is in the protection of God.”

These sayings highlight Jesus’ asceticism, spiritual wisdom, and emphasis on inner purity and humility.

Al-Ghazali

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Yeshua (Isa) the Vegetarian Nazorean Christ
Christ, Gnostic, History, Inspiration, Mystical, Spiritual, The Secret

Esoteric Meaning of Luke 5:36-39 – New Wineskins Parable of Jesus

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Luke 5:36-39 presents Jesus’ parable of the new and old cloth and wineskins:

“No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. Otherwise, he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’”

This passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history by scholars, mystics, early church fathers (patristics), and Gnostics.

New Wineskins?

1. Patristic (Early Church Fathers) Interpretation

The early church fathers generally saw this as a metaphor for the transition from the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) to the New Covenant (Christ’s teachings).

  • Irenaeus of Lyons (2nd century) saw the new wine as the gospel of Christ, which could not fit within the rigid structures of the Jewish Law. He emphasized that Jesus was bringing something transformative, which required a new framework (faith in Christ rather than legalistic observance).
  • Augustine of Hippo (4th-5th century) interpreted the parable as showing the incompatibility of grace with the old ways of legalism. He believed Jesus was teaching that the new life of the gospel cannot be confined within the structures of the Old Law.
  • Cyril of Alexandria (5th century) emphasized the necessity of spiritual renewal—just as new wineskins are flexible, the human heart must be made new through faith in Christ to receive the Holy Spirit.

2. Scholarly (Modern Biblical Exegesis) Interpretation

Contemporary biblical scholars tend to see this passage in light of its historical and literary context:

  • The new wine represents the radical message of Jesus—his kingdom teachings, which could not be contained within the rigid system of Jewish legalism.
  • The old wineskins symbolize the established religious structures, which were unable to contain the dynamic power of Christ’s message.
  • The statement about old wine being better (unique to Luke) could indicate that some people resist change and prefer tradition over transformation.

Some scholars also view this as Jesus subtly warning his followers that embracing the kingdom of God requires a complete transformation, not just an adjustment of old religious habits.

3. Mystical (Mystics and Esoteric Interpretations)

Christian mystics often see this passage as referring to the inner transformation necessary for spiritual awakening:

  • Meister Eckhart (13th-14th century) might interpret this as the need for an emptying of the ego (old wineskins) to receive divine illumination (new wine).
  • St. John of the Cross (16th century) would likely connect this to the “dark night of the soul,” where old attachments must be shed to make way for deeper union with God.
  • Many mystics see this as an invitation to inner renewal, suggesting that spiritual growth requires surrendering old ways of thinking to fully embrace the divine presence.

4. Gnostic Interpretation

Gnostic Christians, who emphasized hidden knowledge (gnosis) and inner transformation, might read this passage allegorically:

  • The new wine represents higher spiritual knowledge, which cannot be contained within the “old wineskins” of literalist religious structures.
  • The old garment and wineskins symbolize the material world and rigid doctrines, which cannot hold the fullness of divine revelation.
  • Some Gnostic texts suggest that Jesus came to liberate people from the constraints of religious law, leading them into a direct, mystical experience of God.

Conclusion

Across these perspectives, there is a common theme: Jesus is introducing something radically new that cannot be contained within the old ways. Whether viewed through the lens of covenant theology, mystical transformation, or esoteric wisdom, Luke 5:36-39 speaks to the necessity of inner and outer renewal in response to divine truth.

Parable of the New Wineskins