The beginning of suffering is symbolized in the Bible by the story of Adam and Eve, who represent all the men and women of ancient times, and who lived in "Eden," a Hebrew word that literally means "bliss, ecstasy." Tempted by the "serpent," they ate the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, and were cast out of Eden. The serpent was also cursed and fell into disgrace, thus forming the "tail of Satan," a symbol of degeneration, and the opposite of that famous healing serpent of Moses, also called "kundalini." Since that time, humanity has been suffering in the wilderness, longing to find a way back to the happiness we once knew. The path to return to Eden requires that we correct the original mistake and its consequences, all of which reside within us. Since "Eden" represents a state of consciousness, we need a radical shift in how we use consciousness from moment to moment, and to convert the subconsciousness into consciousness, a work accomplished only by mastering the ancient science of meditation, which is explained in this book. By restoring our inner purity, we return to the primordial state of spiritual and psychological beauty that is our natural birthright, which is accompanied by serenity, joyfulness, and perception of the divine. Adam and Eve walked and talked with divine beings; we can too, if we conquer the fallen serpent with us, and return to our original state of purity.

"Ecstasy (Samadhi) is not a nebulous state, but a transcendental state of wonderment, which is associated with perfect mental clarity." The diminutive size of this book belies the extreme depth of its contents: the practical and urgent nature of the teachings provided here are as potentially transformative as a lightning strike. The serious spiritual investigator will find essential steps leading to the direct experience of the mysteries of life, death, karma, suffering, and the root of existence: the Emptiness or Void. This is not merely a recitation of theories or doctrines: it is the practical experience of the author, as acquired through the awakening of the consciousness, and is in accordance with the universal wisdom taught by all the great spiritual messengers throughout time and space.

Now in a fully corrected edition, one of the true spiritual classics of the twentieth century. Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar’s afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on the Tarot is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esoteric Christianity. Written anonymously and published posthumously, as was the author’s wish, the intention of this work is for the reader to find a relationship with the author in the spiritual dimensions of existence. The author wanted not to be thought of as a personality who lived from 1900 to 1973, but as a friend who is communicating with us from beyond the boundaries of ordinary life. Using the 22 major arcana of the tarot deck as a means to explore some of humanity’s most penetrating spiritual questions, Meditations on the Tarot has attracted an unprecedented range of praise from across the spiritual spectrum.

Leaving behind both fear and belief, Samael Aun Weor explains through vivid stories what happens when we die and how we can prepare ourselves now to take full advantage of the experience. Instructions to prepare the soul for the process of dying and the experiences of the afterlife are found within the scriptures of every mystical tradition, especially the Bible, The Theban Recension (Egyptian Book of the Dead), and the Bardo Thodol (Tibetan Book of the Dead), yet they are veiled in cryptic symbolism and are difficult for most people to understand. Now, for the first time, this book fearlessly approaches the topics of death, dying, and the afterlife for our day and age -- and for those who are tired of theories and are ready to know the truth through their own experience.

The problems afflicting society today are firmly rooted in the modern approach to education, which focuses on memorization and imitation rather than genuine understanding and practical importance. Schools, teachers, and parents emphasize what we should think, rather than teaching how to think, to question, analyze, and discover the truth through our own experience. The modern system demands that students follow what they are told, and not to question what is taught. From the perspective of the ancient Gnostic tradition, beneficial growth for an individual or a society is an outcome of comprehension: knowing the truth through experience, rather than because of what someone else has said. History shows that those who are willing to question and analyze are those who arrive at the most useful and important knowledge for the benefit of everyone. This includes spirituality: the greatest spiritual leaders refused to follow the established "rules," and instead followed the guidance of awakened consciousness, thereby showing humanity the way to the Light. Over his lifetime, Samael Aun Weor taught millions of people how to awaken consciousness and free themselves of suffering. This book radiates his brilliant teaching method, a beautiful reflection of the same approach utilized by our most important sages, philosophers, and thinkers, which is a form of superior logic and tremendous love that illustrates how vital it is for people to learn not "what to think, but HOW to think." By awakening the consciousness and developing the heart and mind in equilibrium comes the potential to alter the painful realities that humanity is suffering within. Perhaps his most quotable book, it provides a solid and ethical foundation for students, teachers, and parents. "What is the value of studying law and becoming lawyers if we perpetuate fights? What is the value of accumulating much knowledge within our mind if we continue to be confused? What is the value of technical and industrial skills if we use them for the destruction of our fellowmen? It is worthless to receive instruction, to attend classes, to study, if in the process of our daily living we are miserably destroying one another. Indeed, the true objective of a fundamental education must be to create true men and women, who-because of their psychological integration-are cognizant and intelligent."

For thousands of years the great spiritual adepts from all corners of the globe have guarded the secret teachings enclosed in this book. Now, we are able to receive these teachings so that we too may be able to cultivate the high spiritual levels that have been lost for ages. The Divine Science is the systematic and exact process of the discovery of the mystical capabilities of the human soul. In all ancient religions and cultures the wise men and women used sacred words, the intonations of mantras, and the use of the magical art of Theurgy (mysticism or white magic). This book is filled with direct instruction and practices that anyone can use in order to discover the depth of authentic mysticism.