The Gospel of Thomas - Secret Teachings from Master to Chief Disciple

Thomas is known only as one of Jesus's twelve disciples, with no other records about him being handed down. Only the Gospel of Thomas, which Thomas is said to have recorded, has been passed down to us. However, even this is not recognized as a Gospel in the Christian world and is considered a heretical forbidden book. This is because the Gospel of Thomas contains words of Jesus that cannot be found in other Gospels. Much of the content in the Gospel of Thomas cannot be understood by common sense. However, this Gospel contains Jesus's teachings recorded exactly as they were, unfiltered by human hands. The Gospel of Thomas begins with these words:

"These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymus Judas Thomas wrote down."

Every religion inevitably has secret scriptures. This is because among disciples, there are those who can understand the essence of the universe transmitted through the master, and those who cannot. Among Jesus's disciples, Thomas was the only disciple to whom Jesus could speak his highest teachings. Therefore, only Thomas could record and leave behind the highest teachings that ordinary people's character could not comprehend. Jesus could speak freely to Thomas alone about the core of the path that truly leads to the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, that language sometimes appears abstruse, sometimes seems contradictory, and sometimes appears radical. However, Thomas could understand the core of the teachings contained within. Thus Thomas was able to leave behind the essence of cosmic nature that Jesus wanted to leave in this world. In this way, the Gospel of Thomas serves as an invaluable guide for those who reach nature's truth with humble hearts.

Some people turn away from truth themselves, saying that the teachings of the Gospel of Thomas are abstruse, radical, and don't match their own thinking, while others feel the essence and truth of the universe tearfully within it. Through this lecture, if you reach the character of the highest level, you will feel the deep love of the Gospel of Thomas that shines like a dazzling jewel.

Understanding the Secret Nature

The term "secret sayings" does not imply hidden knowledge meant to be withheld from others, but rather teachings that can only be comprehended by those who have developed the spiritual capacity to receive them. Just as a cup can only hold water according to its size, spiritual teachings can only be received according to one's spiritual development.

Thomas represented the ideal disciple—one whose consciousness had been refined enough to receive and preserve the most profound teachings without distortion. While other disciples might have filtered Jesus's words through their own understanding or cultural expectations, Thomas recorded them in their pure form, regardless of how challenging or unconventional they might appear to conventional religious thinking.

The Challenge to Conventional Christianity

The rejection of the Gospel of Thomas by institutional Christianity reveals more about the limitations of organized religion than about the validity of the text itself. When teachings challenge established doctrine, institutions often choose to preserve their authority rather than expand their understanding. This pattern has repeated throughout religious history—the most authentic teachings are often rejected by the very institutions that claim to represent them.

The "heretical" nature of the Gospel of Thomas lies not in any contradiction of Jesus's core message, but in its presentation of that message in its most undiluted form. It offers a direct path to spiritual realization that bypasses the need for institutional mediation—a perspective that naturally threatens religious establishments.

The Paradox of Difficulty

What makes the Gospel of Thomas appear difficult or contradictory is precisely what makes it authentic. Truth at its highest level often appears paradoxical to minds accustomed to dualistic thinking. The sayings require not just intellectual analysis but a transformation of consciousness to be properly understood.

This difficulty serves as a natural filter, ensuring that only those with genuine spiritual aspiration will persist in their study. Like a mountain peak that can only be reached by dedicated climbers, the highest teachings reveal themselves only to those willing to make the necessary inner journey.

The Gospel of Thomas thus stands as both a treasure and a test—offering the essence of cosmic wisdom to those humble enough to receive it, while remaining incomprehensible to those who approach it with pride or prejudice.

This introduction reveals why the Gospel of Thomas has remained both hidden and preserved—too precious to be lost, yet too profound for casual understanding. It awaits those who, like Thomas himself, are ready to receive the living words of truth.