In what ways have the Buddhist teachings you have learned so far challenged your worldview? Alexander Rivera The Buddha’s Gnosis I do not have a strong faith planted firmly in any traditional religion, however my views have been influenced by some esoteric works, namely what academic scholars have dubbed “Gnosticism” which is a vexing subject to define, but for the purposes of this essay I will explain. From contemplation on reading various associated texts, a certain resonance was felt within me. With those details in mind, I have gleaned much from Buddhism and have found many similarities and differences between the two that I will discuss in detail as welcomed inclusions to my thoughts and opinions about God, the nature of reality and their relationship with the self and ego. Buddhism has challenged some of my beliefs—such as the mystery of God’s existence. The Buddha did not engage in debate concerning the existence of God. In fact, metaphysical speculation would have been rejected in favor for the work dedicated to alleviating pathos of the mind as Nyanaponika Thera explains: _“Although belief in God does not exclude a favorable rebirth, it is a variety of eternalism, a false affirmation of permanence rooted in the craving for existence, and as such an obstacle to final deliverance.”_ The omnipotent deity or an eternal self in this context are seen largely as irrelevant and even an impediment. To paraphrase the Buddha’s second hand parable found in the Cula-Malunkyovada Sutta: if you were shot with an arrow would you ask what wood the shaft was made out of, or if the tip was obsidian? What angle was the arrow shot from? Who shot it? If you are shot, none of these details would matter. Your immediate thought is to “get it out!” Since it causes great pains, you are suffering. I believe this is because no mind in pain would care for such trivial details. However, before making final assumptions, there are many parallels to consider. Gnosticism was an...