The Greek word Gnosis (γνῶσις) implies genuine knowledge of the truth. Underlying this is the premise that in order to understand truth, one must experience it. Gnosis refers to authentic knowledge from direct transcendent experiences which are beyond the five senses and the logical mind, often in the form of visionary experiences. A person’s own efforts to expand their consciousness can lead to such experiences of truth which form the basis of a personal spirituality, rather than being taught a belief system by an external figure. Gnosis can also refer to the wisdom traditions that embody the collective knowledge of humanity. This knowledge was not envisioned as a rational scientific knowledge or philosophy, but rather as a knowing that arises in the heart in an intuitive and mysterious manner.