Gateways Books

This podcast explores E.J. Gold’s book Practical Work on Self -- a guide for attaining self-awareness and awakening through a series of exercises. The book discusses the concept of the “machine,” or the human biological apparatus, and explores how to transcend its limitations. Gold emphasizes the importance of recognizing the automatic functions of the machine and learning to distinguish them from...

Robert S. de Ropp's Self-Completion is a posthumously published guide to spiritual self-improvement. The book blends scientific and mystical perspectives, exploring the nature of reality and the human condition. It emphasizes distinguishing between genuine spiritual work and self-deception, offering practical advice and exercises for personal transformation. De Ropp draws on his experiences with v...

The American Book of the Dead by E.J. Gold provides instructions and guidance for navigating the "labyrinth" which represents the journey between life and death. The text, known as the American Book of the Dead, is designed to help individuals, referred to as "voyagers," remain conscious and aware during the transition through various macrodimensional states. It aims to guide them toward liberatio...

E. J. Gold's Life in the Labyrinth is a complex exploration of consciousness and perception, using the metaphor of a labyrinth to represent the multidimensional nature of reality. The book argues that humans are trapped in a limited, "primate" way of experiencing the world, preventing access to higher dimensions. Gold proposes techniques—drawing on shamanism and other esoteric traditions—to expand...

The Human Biological Machine as a Transformation Apparatus explores the concept of the human body as a "machine" capable of transformation. It uses an extended metaphor of a fish in a tank to represent the limitations of human perception and the potential for inner evolution. The author argues that by awakening this "machine," individuals can transcend their physical limitations and achieve a high...

The Joy of Sacrifice is a book by E.J. Gold, featuring letters from various figures discussing the spiritual path of self-transformation. The text explores the concept of sacrifice, not as masochism, but as a series of intentional acts to overcome limitations and achieve higher states of consciousness. These sacrifices involve relinquishing comfort, desires, and habits to break free from the uncon...

E. J. Gold's Autobiography of a Sufi is a spiritual memoir detailing his life's work in establishing a school for conscious living. The book recounts his personal mystical experiences, including encounters with unseen entities and participation in transformative rituals. It explores the interplay between the psyche and essence, advocating for the development of conscious habits to achieve enlighte...

E.J. Gold's Shakti! The Spiritual Science of DNA outlines a system for achieving spiritual growth through mastery of the body and mind. The book uses the analogy of flute playing to illustrate the learning process, emphasizing deep understanding over daily acquisition of new facts. It details "Moving Meditations," a series of physical exercises and accompanying meditative practices designed to ove...

Secret Talks With Mr. G. is a 1978 book compiling recollections of lectures given by Mr. G. to a select group of students. The lectures explore objective magic, a system distinct from common forms of magic or psychic phenomena. Mr. G.'s methods involved psychometry, altered states of consciousness induced by substances and techniques, and the mastering of one's "animal" nature. The text also cover...