Publisher's Synopsis
A surprising discovery in Egypt in 1945 of ancient Christian texts has brought to light a document that is found to be of the most extraordinary significance. Entitled 'The Gospel of Thomas, ' it is the largest known collection of sayings of Jesus- most of which is completely new to today's world. All of the major religions have sought a way out of the suffering that still today remains so widespread; it is only this single often cryptic and obscure text, however, that successfully identifies the source, and shows the way out of that suffering. It is, moreover, the only thing known to fully meet the essential criteria for identification as the true 'Holy Grail.' The cup from the 'Last Supper, ' believed for centuries to be the grail, may instead have been intended originally as a symbol to represent this book of Thomas- as the sign of the grail. The sayings themselves being the true 'Cup of Life.' Found in the text to be directed mainly to his disciples, these teachings are, in a broader sense, the thing which he considered to be of the highest importance- his message to the world. It's offering is nothing less than the promise of life- the freedom from suffering.
In this volume will be found the complete text of the sayings, along with comments on each to aide in their understanding. Following that will be a discussion on topics- questions- addressed: How Jesus describes the nature of Heaven/ A framework within which these sayings can be comprehended- the 'Five Trees' as presented in saying 19/ Importantly, 'Finding Yourself, ' and the overcoming of fear and suffering/ Questions we must all ask- Who am I? What should I do? What happens when we die? What is the nature of that which is beyond this world?
The most important guide to living, for finding the way out of the fear and anxiety- the suffering- so pervasive in the world, turns out to be an ancient and profound wisdom written down the first time almost 2,000 years ago. At the heart of these teachings is, the finding of yourself; the best thing that you will ever do for your own personal happiness and well-being. For the one who is lucky enough and persevering enough to have achieved an understanding of them, their meaning becomes resoundingly apparent. For that one, life has achieved a new significance; death will likely have been relegated to a less formidable, less fearful, place. For that one, life and death present a new and more profound meaning- for that one has learned to truly live. For the one who comes to know these sayings the promise of the grail, this 'Cup of Life, ' is fulfilled! It is, as Jesus says in saying 13, ' A drink from the bubbling spring.'
