The Book of Thomas the Contender
1. And Thomas said to Jesus: “I have struggled in my heart, and I have been greatly stirred—tell me, who shall I be?”
2. Jesus said: “Listen, Thomas, and understand. A soul that is thrown into finding is torn; and a mind that is seeking, is disturbed.”
3. Jesus continued: “Let the soul that has no agitation be still, and let the mind that is free from seeking find rest.”
4. Thomas spoke again: “My Lord, I cannot find this stillness. My soul flutters like a trembling bird.”
5. Jesus responded: “Place your trembling at the foot of the Truth, Thomas; do not lift it again. For the unrest of the mind is the false fire that consumes the light.”
6. Thomas asked: “Lord, how shall I recognize the Truth within me?”
7. Jesus said: “The Truth is ever present, even if your senses are not aware. Know your inward impulse—observe it—and you will find.”
8. Thomas said: “I feel many impulses: fear, confusion, desire. Which is the one?”
9. Jesus replied: “The Truth does not command, nor does it demand. The impulse of the Truth sustains, guides quietly, and brings peace.”
10. Thomas continued: “Sometimes I follow another voice—it leads me away from you.”
11. Jesus answered: “Those who follow false voices will wander; they may see my words, but they do not hear. Turn away from them, Thomas.”
12. Thomas said: “I have tried, Lord, but the voices return. What shall I do?”
13. Jesus replied: “Cling not to the voices, but to the stillness behind them. In that stillness, you will hear me.”
14. Thomas said: “Lord, will I ever be free?”
15. Jesus said: “Free you are already, yet you do not know it. But if you remember me with pure longing, you shall see your freedom.”
16. Thomas asked: “Am I known in this remembering?”
17. Jesus replied: “To remember is to know. And to know is to awaken.”
18. Thomas spoke: “Lord, my heart rejoices at what you say, yet fear remains.”
19. Jesus answered: “Fear remains in the unaware. Awake, and it melts away in the Light.”
20. Thomas rejoiced and said: “Now I understand, Lord. Thank you.”
