The Hymn of the Pearl

I was wondering if anyone read The Hymn of the Pearl (THotP)?

I know this is not a gnostic text, but there seem to be gnostic elements to this story. Also I didn't know where to put this topic, because it didn't fit in any of the forum catagories.

For those who don't know the history of it, I will briefly say that THotP was written by the apostle Thomas, when he was supposedly imprisoned during his ministry in India. THotP is actually small section of Thomas' apocryphic text, titled The Acts of Thomas. A copy of THotP can be found at The Gnostic Society Library, in The Gospel of Thomas Collection section.

To read this text, go to The Hymn of the Pearl.

Do you think this "Pearl" is the gnosis? Or is it the Prince's "soul" that he lost?

Do you see soul and gnosis as the same thing?

Storyteller wrote:I was wondering if anyone read The Hymn of the Pearl (THotP)?

I know this is not a gnostic text, but there seem to be gnostic elements to this story. Also I didn't know where to put this topic, because it didn't fit in any of the forum catagories.

For those who don't know the history of it, I will briefly say that THotP was written by the apostle Thomas, when he was supposedly imprisoned during his ministry in India. THotP is actually small section of Thomas' apocryphic text, titled The Acts of Thomas. A copy of THotP can be found at The Gnostic Society Library, in The Gospel of Thomas Collection section.

To read this text, go to The Hymn of the Pearl.

Do you think this "Pearl" is the gnosis? Or is it the Prince's "soul" that he lost?

Do you see soul and gnosis as the same thing?

I believe that the "Pearl" in this poem is the forgotten (lost) 'treasure' of the Enlightened Soul (our original condition), which comes through the re-discovery and experience of Gnosis.

Peace, Love, & Understanding

Now this is my favest of gnostic literature, and it is VERY gnostic, most gnostics call it that. I love this one, have it memorized.

The pearl is gnosis I think, Egypt is this physical world we have come to, in order to get the pearl, of forgotten wisdom of God, and to not get distracted on the way... Dirty cloak is the material body, new cloak is a body that is not physical, that sort of thing.

Good post. One of my faves...

DarkChylde wrote:Now this is my favest of gnostic literature, and it is VERY gnostic, most gnostics call it that.

That's great.

DarkChylde wrote:I love this one, have it memorized.

WOW! My memory is poor, so I always have to reread whatever I read. Usually I remember the main points or outline, but the details are usually fuzzy.

DarkChylde wrote:The pearl is gnosis I think, Egypt is this physical world we
have come to, in order to get the pearl, of forgotten wisdom of God,
and to not get distracted on the way... Dirty cloak is the material
body, new cloak is a body that is not physical, that sort of thing.

I sort of came to the same conclusion as well.

Oh, I don't think I could quote it verbatim, but I have most of it memorized. I think it is so beautiful.

'I was a child in my Father's house....'

http://www.archive.org/details/The_Hymn_of_the_Pearl

within the Acts of Thomas we find a beautiful and complete statement of
a classic Gnostic myth describing the exile and redemption of the soul.
The text is known both as the "Hymn of the Pearl" and occasionally as
"Hymn of the Robe of Glory".


Br. Matthew Ouroboros, Vicar of the AGCA reads and comments on the Pearl.


http://www.gnostic-church.org/

Storyteller wrote:I was wondering if anyone read The Hymn of the Pearl (THotP)?

I know this is not a gnostic text, but there seem to be gnostic elements to this story. Also I didn't know where to put this topic, because it didn't fit in any of the forum catagories.

For those who don't know the history of it, I will briefly say that THotP was written by the apostle Thomas, when he was supposedly imprisoned during his ministry in India. THotP is actually small section of Thomas' apocryphic text, titled The Acts of Thomas. A copy of THotP can be found at The Gnostic Society Library, in The Gospel of Thomas Collection section.

To read this text, go to The Hymn of the Pearl.

Do you think this "Pearl" is the gnosis? Or is it the Prince's "soul" that he lost?

Do you see soul and gnosis as the same thing?

why do you consider this not to be a gnostic text?

The story of the Pearl, is the most amazing story that gives the solution in a simplistic fashion of that which we are all seeking, and have been directed to seek by every true scripture, truely by the parents as the story itself explains, and under strick Glorious guidances, of the direction of the creation of light begotten of the Father in view of Barbela(Holy Spirit, Parents) being the Christ, of His Light, which was embodied in Jesus and others, to help all the seeds of the Father in those born of Heaven, to attain that which is their inharitence from whic we came.
In Explaination of the awareness and in the performance that was shown to me and carried out many times, within its graces, ways, Statuates, and honor of them, may I add knowledge to that which is set in place already in the aura of enlightenment within seeking in this forum, for this knowledge is needed to be discerned and felt through each soul seekiing its performance afterwhich one will start to see the vastness that is incorporated in a simple word known as the "pearl"
Ones here can grasp the importance of steps with learning in anything, be it from kindergarden to Collage, or from solitude to public speaking, or anything else one wishes to achieve in ourselves in a positive way. Noted that the first step where ever we are is vital, as arung apon a ladder. Starting school at 3rd grade would be highly fustrateing for everyone concerned, in fact more harm then good would probably come about or resulting in just realizing one needs to go back and find that first step. As everything in the mortal world is an image or shadow of that which is true in heaven, or should I say the basic makeup is that of the parents. So all the things we have been doing in our lives is helping us move toward this structure and truth that we came from and hope to find in some orderly manner.
I am offering here to view, all this to help understand the answers to give to the questions originaly sought in these postings concerning the pearl.
Most here can understand the steps that were taken at this point in ourselves to be dwelling in the level of Gnosis whether it be within or without, or what Christ taught as the innermost inner to the outermost outer thus indicating additional levels to the truth that can be known. As we move and understand between the two day after day, we build apon ourselves the fulness he tells us to have to attain the needed insights and enlightenments that come. So going from living a good life to a christian good life, is indeed a good thing, although we see that the traditional churches are far from the exact true church which is taught within the Gnostics of Christ, being the Lamb of the Elohiem. We are selves have dwelt in that to varied degrees, and still the faith of God in us grew and shown through the veil that was in place. Now from that step which is the conical step and much seeking and searching in our lives for a more meaningful answer and have found learning how to talk to the spiritual realm, Some say of God, where some say not, and they call that wide variation of connection Gnosis.
So in truth we are pretty much at the same point as all the other levels , are we not? Just more stuff at our finger tips being the spiritual....we are still in the middle so tospeak, only one big differance we all know,which is, speaking to the dark side is a whole bunch opposit to that of the light. So in that alone should be telling those born of heaven which way to go one this folk in our Spiritual road, or just stay at the fork which is imposible, because without progression one loses Gnosis all together.
So for answering the first question, "is Gnosis the Pearl?" No it is not, but you will never be able to find the pearl without Gnosis. Sort of like asking is Math, Nuclear physics No, but, well you see my point. Gnosis is the means and the way of asking to find all that we seek, including the pearl. Where gnosis is for the spirit, as breathing is for the body.
Seeking the pearl that is discused in the Song of is the one key thing to the next level of spiritual development and only of God,and the lamb of the Elohiem.
The next level one is to take in the spiritual realm is quoted many times the Gnostic scriptures of Jesus Christ only, none others. This is were one must choose that fork in the road. Apon knocking on this door also, turning around or back sliding may be costly indeed. I didn`t even want to put this in here but was directed toby him due to ones seeking will be versed in the whole truth. Joy in knowledge you never thought possible but also truth of the rullers and what is to be. All of this is from scripture by Christ I say, which all can read. So for anyone seeking the understanding and the knowledge of the Pearl I suggest reading Pistis Sophia
I appologize for no link, I havn`t learnede how to do that yet. [here's a LINK - CLICK HERE ~ Bob]
The pearl is the Final quest and completed on searching of the light only, the dark will stay where it is for now and there is no future in it, on theroys, and assumtions of the counterfeit Sppirits of men, all this is also explained.
You have all read the scriptures in the conical Bible;
M't:13:11: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Lu:8:10: And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

The Mysteries you see wheree givin to the apostles to teach the world, not Parables. For Jesus says in Pistis Sophia(PS) No one will enter the kingdom of light without my mysteries, I repeat no one.
Why this pearl is so important to Christ, the parents, and the Father is because they are the forgiveness of sins, healing,and all those works Christ performed here on earth in the body as we are now.
I my friends speak of these Mysteries as a candle apon the table for all to see now as was quoted by Our lord also, due to that when the required number of souls find and perform His Mysteries in all thier many ways that is deemed of them, so as they will also be counted to be apart of the consumation that is to take place at the completion of that number which is 144,000. It then will be finished and the contest will be over at that stag.
The lamp oiul He speeks of in the parable of the 10 virgins are the Mysteries also that are need to have in awaiting the prince(Christ) to come. He also states in scripture where a doctor cannot heal those that are within his own house. He is speeking of the Angel within His fathers house, where they cannot be healed, because they donot need the mysteries, for they are pure already, and have never tasted the mixture as we are doing here. They are for us to help protect us from the rullers of this world or aeon. But also be wise as is given the worker a higher position and honor, much more will be demand of you.
So this is were Light and dark part ways if one seeks the pearl, do it with 100% convection to the ineffable father, for they are His mysteries. There wqas a man in the bible that approached Jesus and said I have done all that you said and kept your laws, now what must i do to enter into the kingdom Lord. Jesus told him to give all you have to the poor and follow me. The man bowed his head and walked away, for he was wealthy and of great asteem in the land. Also Jesus was saddened due to that the man had a good faith God and also was his friend, this was stated by Mary Magdaline in PS. There will be only a small percentage of men and women who will be worthy, for it has been written before time began.

I Know how long this was good people and am truely thankfull to that which allowed Me to speek His word openly for all to see, May the Holy Spirit Move within You all and grow to help all seek the directions which are fruitful to the logos of life. much Joy in these days as we Live.

Brother Thomas

Well, for one, gnosis (to me) is not just the accumulation of data, not just learning. It is an awareness, a consciousness, of something APART from this material existance, and to KNOW rather than to KNOW OF. I KNOW my house, my barn, my bathroom. I KNOW OF, say, Paris. While I have seen pictures, and do not doubt it's existance, I have never been there, never smelled or tasted the food, heard the people, used the bathroom. There is a vast difference between KNOWING and KNOWING OF.
Gnosis is to KNOW 'God' (NOT the demiurge, as most all religions worship, the christians, the muslims, the aztecs and the egyptians) rather than to KNOW OF 'him' (God has no gender, just easier for communication to refer to as 'him'.) Most texts and relgions are based on heresay, on other's accounts, and 'faith' (translation, blind acceptance) but not on truly experincing it for yourself.

While I would NEVER say that another's experience was not gnosis JUST because it didn't fit into my personal definition of gnosis, it is more than an accumulation of knowledge, it is a mystical and spiritual event which once experienced will change the individual forever, and irrevocably. I KNOW as I have had it, and it sure changed me.

Oh, and it is not something you find because you take some 'path,' and there is no instruction manual. THAT is the mistake too many make, they want others to tell them, to lay it out, but the WHOLE POINT is for you to FIND within YOU what is already there, you just have to become conscious of it....

DarkChylde wrote:Well, for one, gnosis (to me) is not just the accumulation of data, not just learning. It is an awareness, a consciousness, of something APART from this material existance, and to KNOW rather than to KNOW OF. I KNOW my house, my barn, my bathroom. I KNOW OF, say, Paris. While I have seen pictures, and do not doubt it's existance, I have never been there, never smelled or tasted the food, heard the people, used the bathroom. There is a vast difference between KNOWING and KNOWING OF.
Gnosis is to KNOW 'God' (NOT the demiurge, as most all religions worship, the christians, the muslims, the aztecs and the egyptians) rather than to KNOW OF 'him' (God has no gender, just easier for communication to refer to as 'him'.) Most texts and relgions are based on heresay, on other's accounts, and 'faith' (translation, blind acceptance) but not on truly experincing it for yourself.

While I would NEVER say that another's experience was not gnosis JUST because it didn't fit into my personal definition of gnosis, it is more than an accumulation of knowledge, it is a mystical and spiritual event which once experienced will achnge the individual forever, and irrevocably. I KNOW as I have had it, and it sure changed me.

Great post ~ WONDERFUL! What could I possibly add?

PLU ~ Bob

Storyteller wrote:I was wondering if anyone read The Hymn of the Pearl (THotP)?

I know this is not a gnostic text, but there seem to be gnostic elements to this story. Also I didn't know where to put this topic, because it didn't fit in any of the forum catagories.

For those who don't know the history of it, I will briefly say that THotP was written by the apostle Thomas, when he was supposedly imprisoned during his ministry in India. THotP is actually small section of Thomas' apocryphic text, titled The Acts of Thomas. A copy of THotP can be found at The Gnostic Society Library, in The Gospel of Thomas Collection section.

To read this text, go to The Hymn of the Pearl.

Do you think this "Pearl" is the gnosis? Or is it the Prince's "soul" that he lost?

Do you see soul and gnosis as the same thing?

I have never read The Gospel of Thomas, in fact, I've never read any gnostic literature but I think I know what the Pearl is. Its known

in Hinduism and Buddism. The Pearl is "The Blue Pearl" which is the seed of consciousness found in the crown chakra located in the pineal gland in the centre of the head. I have seen the Pearl many times when in deep meditation. At first it appears very tiny but

grows bigger with the passing of time. I believe its related to the blue Ray, which is also known as "The Christ Ray", the Christ Ray is

also known as "The Ray of Love and Devotion". The Pearl cannot be summoned, it comes when we are prepared to sacrifice everything to God. It is indeed a "Pearl of Great Price". It is also sometimes called "The Jewel in the Golden Lotus".


PRISM 1111

I very much appreciate your post, the time you took in preparing and typing it. I understand what you are saying. Thank
you very much.








peace

angelfire wrote:

Storyteller wrote:I was wondering if anyone read The Hymn of the Pearl (THotP)?

I know this is not a gnostic text, but there seem to be gnostic elements to this story. Also I didn't know where to put this topic, because it didn't fit in any of the forum catagories.

For those who don't know the history of it, I will briefly say that THotP was written by the apostle Thomas, when he was supposedly imprisoned during his ministry in India. THotP is actually small section of Thomas' apocryphic text, titled The Acts of Thomas. A copy of THotP can be found at The Gnostic Society Library, in The Gospel of Thomas Collection section.

To read this text, go to The Hymn of the Pearl.

Do you think this "Pearl" is the gnosis? Or is it the Prince's "soul" that he lost?

Do you see soul and gnosis as the same thing?

I have never read The Gospel of Thomas, in fact, I've never read any gnostic literature but I think I know what the Pearl is. Its known

in Hinduism and Buddism. The Pearl is "The Blue Pearl" which is the seed of consciousness found in the crown chakra located in the pineal gland in the centre of the head. I have seen the Pearl many times when in deep meditation. At first it appears very tiny but

grows bigger with the passing of time. I believe its related to the blue Ray, which is also known as "The Christ Ray", the Christ Ray is

also known as "The Ray of Love and Devotion". The Pearl cannot be summoned, it comes when we are prepared to sacrifice everything to God. It is indeed a "Pearl of Great Price". It is also sometimes called "The Jewel in the Golden Lotus".


PRISM 1111

I very much appreciate your post, the time you took in preparing and typing it. I understand what you are saying. Thank
you very much.








peace

Angelfire you should check out the Nag Hammadi Library. http://www.gnosis.org/library.html

Direct link to Thomas Gospel: http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/gosthom.html

It is the purest source of the sayings, some saying dating far back that were excluded from the Gospels of the Bibles.

I beleive it is the SOURCE of the sayings of Christ used in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (even tho as a Valentinian I have a particular fondness for John's works)...

DarkChylde wrote:I beleive it is the SOURCE of the sayings of Christ used in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (even tho as a Valentinian I have a particular fondness for John's works)...

I don't think it was the source. I say this because there is many Early Church Father proofs which pretty much say there was a Hebrew Version of Matthew, the Hebrew Gospel. I believe that the first Matthew was written in Hebrew characters and much of its depth was loss when it was translated from the hebrew characters to greek, then all the corruption which occurred. There is a lot os evidence which supports this. Hopefully the Ancient sects, being the Ebionites, hid such a scroll before they to were killed by the Roman soliders, such a thing would turn Christianity upside down.

Perhaps such texts were written WAY after the Gospel of Thomas, the other's came later It gives the whole story, also, which leads me to believe the other's are somewhat corrupted copies, which WERE old to the church fathers (and heresy hunters) who were busy establishing orthodoxy over 300 years after Yeshua was even around. I am SURE lots of copies (as well as the texts of Marcion and others) that were around in the time of the 'church fathers', as they are mentioned in the early father's writings as well.
I stay on pins and needles as to what they will find after the amazing and beautiful and poignant (and unfortunately slightly incomplete by about 3 or 4 pages) Gospel of Mary and more recently the Gospel of Judas...