gospel-marynag-hammadi
Gospel of Mary 2
Mary receives instruction from the Saviour on the mechanics of visionary experience — vision is received through the mind, which mediates between soul and spirit — and on the soul's passage through four obstructing powers: Darkness, Desire, Ignorance, and the wrathful Wisdom of Death. The soul bearing the seal of the Light carries the Saviour's name as her password and answers each power in sequence, declaring that she was never truly known by them — she was only a garment they wore. With that declaration, each power is silenced and she passes through.
1
Then I said unto Him: Lord, when one beholdeth a vision, doth he behold it through the soul, or through the spirit?
2
The Saviour answered, and said: He beholdeth not through the soul, nor through the spirit; but through the mind which is between the two — that is what beholdeth the vision.
3
And I said unto Him: Lord, the soul that ascendeth — when she goeth up — by what way shall she pass?
4
The Saviour said unto her: Hear, and understand. The soul cometh up; and she meeteth four powers; and she must answer them in order, that she may pass through.
5
And I said: Lord, who are these powers?
6
He said: The first power is Darkness; the second is Desire; the third is Ignorance; the fourth is the wrathful Wisdom of Death. These four are the powers of wrath.
7
But the soul that hath received the seal of the Light shall not be detained by them; for she hath the password, even the name of the Saviour. They shall question her; but she shall answer rightly, and shall pass through.
8
And I said: Lord, when she cometh unto the first power, what shall she say?
9
He said: She shall say: I have seen thee. Thou hast not seen me; thou hast not known me. I was a garment unto thee, and thou knewest me not.
10
Then the first power shall be silenced; and she shall pass through.
11
And so likewise unto the second power, and the third, and the fourth. The soul that hath the knowledge shall answer them all; and she shall pass through them all.
12
When the Lord had said these things unto me, He withdrew Himself from before me. And I awoke; and I remembered His words. And these are the things which He spake.
