The Gospel of Thomas

In the past I could never have considered that I would find an interest in quotes, stories, and symbolism from the Judaeo-Christian tradition. However, over the past years I have learnt a new appreciation for some of the gems within that tradition. In part, learning how to decipher some of the stories using Qabalistic concepts adds a new dimension and understanding to what has become moralistic fairy-tales.

Last year I got in contact with a someone I had known a long time ago, when I was involved in more left hand path directions. That person had long since moved on from where he was back then also, and during some dialogue suggested I read The Gospel of Thomas if I had not done so - although suggested that the Coptic language version was more beautiful than the English, lucky for some who can read ancient languages!

Re-reading through the Gospel today I found several quotes which interested me. I have included them below, although I recommend reading through the entire text if you feel so inclined.

• Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All.
• Jesus said, "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 of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty."
• Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you . For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest."
• Jesus said to them, "If you fast, you will give rise to sin for yourselves; and if you pray, you will be condemned; and if you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits. When you go into any land and walk about in the districts, if they receive you, eat what they will set before you, and heal the sick among them. For what goes into your mouth will not defile you, but that which issues from your mouth - it is that which will defile you."
• His disciples said to him, "Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it."
  He said to them, "Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness."