G v A

Great comparison—Gnosticism and Advaita Vedanta both explore deep questions of reality, illusion, and liberation, but they do so from very different cultural and metaphysical perspectives. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the two:

1. Ultimate Reality

• Gnosticism: Believes in a supreme, unknowable God (the True God) beyond all forms and names. The material world is created by a lesser, ignorant being (the Demiurge), and is fundamentally flawed or illusory.
• Advaita Vedanta: Teaches that Brahman is the only reality, infinite and non-dual. The world is Maya (illusion), but not created by a malevolent force—it’s a misperception due to ignorance (avidya).

2. The Human Condition

• Gnosticism: Humans are divine sparks trapped in corrupt matter. The soul is alienated from its divine source due to ignorance and deception.
• Advaita: The Self (Atman) is Brahman, but due to ignorance, we mistakenly identify with the body and ego. There’s no evil creator—just ignorance of truth.

3. Liberation (Rebirth/Realization)

• Gnosticism: Liberation comes through gnosis—esoteric knowledge that reveals your divine origin and frees you from the material world and the cycle of suffering.
• Advaita: Liberation (moksha) comes through jnana (knowledge of the Self as Brahman), leading to the realization that you were never truly bound.

4. Attitude Toward the World

• Gnosticism: Often world-denying. The material world is a trap; salvation lies in escaping it.
• Advaita: The world is illusory, but not evil. Once the truth is realized, the world is seen as Brahman itself.

5. Knowledge as Salvation

• Both traditions agree that true knowledge (gnosis/jnana) is the key to liberation—not faith, ritual, or good works alone.

In Short:

Element	Gnosticism	Advaita Vedanta
View of World	Corrupt, created by a false god (Demiurge)	Illusory (Maya), misperceived but not evil
Goal	Escape through gnosis	Realize unity with Brahman
Self	Divine spark trapped in matter	Atman = Brahman (non-dual)
Path to Liberation	Secret, inner knowledge	Direct realization through inquiry and insight
View of God	Hidden, transcendent God beyond the creator	Non-dual, all-pervasive Brahman

Both traditions point to a reality beyond appearances and emphasize inner awakening, but Gnosticism is more dualistic and conflict-driven (spirit vs. matter), while Advaita is radically non-dual (only Brahman is real).

Want to dive into their views on suffering or ethics next?