part0011

The savior replied, “All natures, all formed things, all creatures exist in and with each other, and they will dissolve into their own root. The nature of matter is dissolved into the root of its nature. Whoever has ears to hear should hear.” 3

Peter said to him, “You have explained everything to us. Tell us also, what is the sin of the world?”

The savior replied, “There is no such thing as sin, but you create sin when you mingle as in adultery, 4 and this is called sin. 5 For this reason the good came among you, to those of every nature, in order to restore every nature to its root.”

He continued, “That is why you become sick and die, for [you love] [8] what [deceives you]. 6 Whoever has a mind should understand.

“Matter gave birth to passion that is without form, because it comes from what is contrary to nature, and then confusion arose in the whole body. That is why I told you, Be of good courage. 7 And if you are discouraged, be encouraged in the presence of the diversity of forms of nature. 8 Whoever has ears to hear should hear. ”

When the blessed one said this, he greeted all of them and said, “Peace be with you. Receive my peace. 9 Be careful that no one leads you astray by saying, ‘Look here’ or ‘Look there.’ The child of humankind 10 is within you. 11 Follow that. 12 Those who seek it will find it. Go and preach the good news of the kingdom. Do not [9] lay down any rules other than what I have given you, and do not establish law, as the lawgiver did, or you will be bound by it.”

When he said this, he left them. 13

The disciples were grieved. They wept profoundly and said, “How can we go to the gentiles and preach the good news of the kingdom of the child of humankind? If they did not spare him, how will we be spared?”

Mary 14 stood up, greeted them all, 15 and said to her brothers, 16 “Do not weep or grieve or be in doubt, for his grace will be with you all and will protect you. Rather, let us praise his greatness, for he has prepared us and made us truly human.”

When Mary said this, she turned their hearts to the good, and they began to discuss the words of the [savior]. [10]

Peter said to Mary, “Sister, we know the savior loved you more than any other woman. 17 Tell us the words of the savior that you remember, which you know but we do not, because we have not heard them.”

Mary answered and said, “What is hidden from you I shall reveal to you.”

She began to speak these words to them.

She said, “I saw the master 18 in a vision and I said to him, ‘Master, today I saw you in a vision.’ 1 9

“He answered and said to me, ‘Blessings on you, since you did not waver at the sight of me. For where the mind is, the treasure is.’ 20

“I said to him, ‘Master, how does a person see a vision, with the soul or with the spirit?’

“The savior answered and said, ‘A person sees neither with the soul nor with the spirit. The mind, which is between the two, sees the vision….’” 21

“Desire said, 22 ‘I did not see you descending, but now I see you ascending. Why are you lying, since you belong to me?’

“The soul answered and said, ‘I saw you, but you did not see me or know me. To you I was only a garment, 23 and you did not recognize me.’

“After the soul said this, she left, rejoicing greatly.

“The soul approached the third power, called ignorance. The power questioned the soul, saying, ‘Where are you going? You are bound by wickedness; you are bound, so do not pass judgment.’

“The soul said, ‘Why do you pass judgment on me, though I have not passed judgment? I was bound, but I have not bound. I was not recognized, but I have recognized that all is to be dissolved, both what is earthly [16] and what is heavenly.’

“When the soul overcame the third power, she ascended and saw the fourth power. It took seven forms:

“The powers asked the soul, ‘Where are you coming from, slayer of humans, and where are you going, destroyer of realms?’

“The soul answered and said, ‘What binds me is slain; what surrounds me is destroyed; my desire is gone; ignorance is dead. In a world I was freed [17] through 25 another world, and in an image I was freed through a heavenly image. The fetter of forgetfulness is temporary. From now on I shall rest, through the course of the time of the age, in silence.’”

Andrew answered and said to the brothers, “Say what you think about what she said, but I do not believe the savior said this. These teachings certainly are strange ideas.”

Peter voiced similar concerns. He asked the others about the savior: “Did he really speak with a woman in private, without our knowledge? Should we all turn and listen to her? Did he prefer her to us?” 26 [18]

Then Mary wept and said to Peter, “My brother Peter, what do you think? Do you think that I made this up by myself or that I am lying about the savior? ”

Levi 27 answered and said to Peter, “Peter, you always are angry. Now I see you arguing against this woman like an adversary. If the savior made her worthy, who are you to reject her? Surely the savior knows her well. That is why he has loved her more than us. 28

“So, we should be ashamed and put on perfect humanity and acquire 29 it, as he commanded us, and preach the good news, not making any rule or law other than what the savior indicated.”