I had someone tell me that “freewill is for the ignorant.” It took me a long time to figure that out. I’m currently reading a book (well, one of many) called Valis, by Philip K. Dick. It’s an odd book, filled with a lot of religious theory, interwoven with a fictional story. I didn’t know quite how many people had found this book and had huge awakenings – I was a little surprised. But, reading it now, I can see why. Even as well read as I am now, I’ve come to some interesting moments and thoughts that have just opened up some new vistas for me.

My first was melding masonic teachings, gnosticism, and the theories in this book to come up with some new ideas about who we are, where we’re going, and why. I don’t, like Horselover Fat, need to write down an exegesis of the theories. What I’ve toyed with is the gnostic ideas of time, the godhead and where it exists, and what our roles are in all of it. Fascinating. I’ve thought about ourselves being the single point in the constant and time/space/matter flow around us. Therefore, if we can access the “outside of time”, where the true Gnostic god resides, then we can see all of these things at once. We can also see ourselves, at all times, in all stages of development. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to really understand that we are, at the same time, everywhere and all ages? Wouldn’t that teach us a little humility in dealing with others? Perhaps that is what my friend meant – choices don’t exist because we’ve already made them; the universe decided and we were already a part of it. We just haven’t been awakened to that knowledge yet. Gnosticism at its finest.

🙂

I’m not sure how one could sustain the thought for very long without imploding our own mind. Perhaps that’s what happens to the truly psychotic – they’ve lost the way back from that mind-blowing moment and are stuck in that all-knowing (or partially knowing) place. That would be hell on earth, wouldn’t it?

I’m also reading Gnostic Philosophy. Another fascinating book and I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that I’m reading them both at the same time. What I love about this book is that it not only ties together histories but also helps convey what is and what is not gnosticism. Some authors and philosophies that I used to revere are now a little more “human” for me. Probably a good thing.

I love the search for all aspects of the divine, wherever they lead. Can’t be afraid of anything you find. Treasures lurk. Ideas happen. I hope I never lose that love.

–TDD