Taxonomy & Terminology

A Cross-Tradition Map of Liberation Language

This framework synthesizes concepts from multiple traditions. The same reality has different names depending on whether you’re reading Gnostic texts, neuroscience papers, Buddhist sutras, or the Bible.

This taxonomy maps the relationships between terms, showing how ancient wisdom and modern science point to the same underlying truth.


Core Structure: The Three-Tier Reality

All traditions recognize a three-tier structure of reality/consciousness:

Tier Neuro-Gnostic Gnostic Christian Buddhist Hindu Quantum Neuroscience
1. Source Source, The Infinite, The All Pleroma (Fullness) The Father, Kingdom of Heaven Dharmakaya, Emptiness Brahman The “1” (Wave Function) (Beyond neuroscience)
2. True Self The Listener, The Conductor Pneuma (Divine Spark) Christ within, Son of God Buddha-nature, Rigpa Atman, Purusha The Observer Salience Network, Meta-awareness
3. Tool/Servant The Daemon (healthy DMN) Psyche (when serving Pneuma) Renewed mind, Sanctified will Skillful mind, Right View Buddhi (awakened intellect) The “0” aligned with “1” DMN (functional), Executive function
3b. Hijacker The Demon (hijacked DMN), The Voice Counterfeit Spirit, Archons The flesh, Satan, The adversary Mara, Avidya (ignorance) Maya, Ahamkara (ego) The “0” forgetting it’s also “1” DMN hyperactivity, Rumination

Quantum Consciousness Terms

Key concepts from the quantum model of consciousness:

Quantum Term Spiritual Equivalent What It Describes
The “1” (Wave Function) Source, The All, Pleroma, Brahman, The Infinite Infinite field of pure potential; unmanifest reality
The “0” (Collapsed Particle) Individual soul, Vivarium, Localized experience Specific, finite point of awareness; the manifest
Superposition Non-dual awareness, Holding both states Being simultaneously infinite (“1”) and finite (“0”)
The Observer The Listener, Divine Spark, Witness consciousness Awareness that collapses wave into particle
Wave-Particle Duality Infinite/Finite paradox The central mystery: both ocean and wave
Observation/Measurement Conscious creation, Manifestation Act that collapses potential into experience
Quantum Field The All, Universal consciousness Underlying reality from which all arises
Wave Function Collapse Manifestation, Reality selection Infinite possibilities becoming one experience
Qubit Human consciousness System holding both “0” and “1” simultaneously

The Quantum Paradox: How can I be everything (“1”) and something (“0”) at the same time?

The Answer: You are not a classical bit (either/or). You are a quantum qubit in superposition—simultaneously the infinite wave of potential and the finite particle of experience.


Conscious Creator’s Handbook Terms

Key concepts from conscious reality creation:

Creation Term Spiritual Equivalent What It Describes
The All Source, Pleroma, Brahman, The “1” Ultimate source of all creation and consciousness
Vivarium / Bubble Personal reality, Maya, Samsara, The “0” Individual’s subjective experience of reality
User Interface (UI) Five senses, Limited perception The filter through which consciousness experiences 3D reality
Conscious Creator Awakened being, Co-creator with Source Individual recognizing their creative power
Mental Projection Reality as consciousness construct External world as reflection of internal state
Vibrational Frequency Emotional/energetic state The “signal” you’re broadcasting that attracts experiences
Law of Attraction Like attracts like Principle that matching frequencies attract
Limiting Beliefs Mental programs, Samskaras, Conditioning Subconscious “bugs” creating unwanted reality
Emotional Guidance System Intuition, Inner knowing Feelings as indicators of alignment with Source
Gratitude High-vibration state, Alignment practice Frequency shifter toward abundance
Game of Life Simulation, Training ground 3D reality as learning environment
The Void Kenoma, Unmanifest potential Quantum field before observation/creation
Inspired Action Flow state, Wu Wei, Aligned action Movement from “1” through “0”
Reality Mirror External reflects internal World shows you your dominant frequency

Core Thesis: You are a Conscious Creator actively (though often unconsciously) shaping your subjective reality (“vivarium”) through thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. The five senses are a limited UI filtering a deeper energetic reality. Liberation = conscious mastery of this creative process.


The Listener / Divine Spark / True Self

What you are when you are not identified with thoughts.

Listener: Terms Across Traditions

Tradition Primary Term Related Terms Key Insight
Neuro-Gnostic The Listener, The Conductor Divine Spark, Awareness, Witness You are the one listening to the Voice, not the Voice itself
Gnostic Christianity Pneuma (πνεῦμα) Divine Spark, Light within, Pearl of great price Fragment of Pleroma trapped in matter, forgetful of origin
Orthodox Christianity Christ within, Image of God Spirit, Inner man, Son of God “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27)
Buddhism (Vajrayana) Rigpa Buddha-nature, Dharmakaya, Clear Light Primordial awareness, unchanging nature
Buddhism (Zen) Original Face, True Nature No-mind (mushin), Empty awareness “What was your face before your parents were born?”
Hinduism (Vedanta) Atman Self, Witness (Sakshi), Purusha “Thou art That” (Tat Tvam Asi)
Hinduism (Yoga) Purusha Seer, Knower-field Pure consciousness witnessing Prakriti (nature)
Sufism Ruh (Spirit) Qalb (Heart), Sirr (Secret) Divine breath within human, hidden essence
Taoism Original Nature Uncarved block (Pu), True Self Before conditioning, before naming
Stoicism Hegemonikon (Ruling faculty) Logos within, Rational soul The part that gives or withholds assent
Neuroscience Meta-awareness Salience Network, Witnessing awareness Awareness of awareness, attention to attention

Key characteristic: Silent, unchanging, observing — and when aligned with Source, conducting (receiving then directing).


The Voice / Ego / Counterfeit Self

The hijacked narrative generator claiming to be “you.”

Voice: Terms Across Traditions

Tradition Primary Term Related Terms Key Insight
Neuro-Gnostic The Voice, The Demon Hijacked DMN, Counterfeit Spirit Compulsive narrator claiming “I am you”
Gnostic Christianity Counterfeit Spirit Archons’ implant, False self, Psyche (when hijacked) Created by Archons to keep Pneuma asleep
Orthodox Christianity The flesh, Old man Satan (adversary), Carnal mind, Sin nature “The mind set on flesh is death” (Rom 8:6)
Buddhism Mara, Avidya (ignorance) Ego-clinging, Self-grasping, Defilements (kleshas) “The demon of distraction”
Hinduism Ahamkara (ego), Maya (illusion) False self, Mind (manas when hijacked) “I am the body/mind” identification
Indigenous (Algonquian) Wetiko Mind-virus, Cannibal spirit, Consciousness parasite Disease of self-consuming selfishness
Sufism Nafs (ego-self) Lower soul, Commanding self (nafs al-ammara) The self that commands evil
Stoicism Passion (pathos) False judgment, Disturbance Involuntary movement of the soul
Psychoanalysis Neurotic ego Superego, Repressed material Freudian construct (limited but related)
Neuroscience DMN hyperactivity Self-referential processing, Rumination, Mind-wandering (pathological) mPFC/PCC overactivity generating compulsive narrative

Key characteristic: Compulsive, fearful, insatiable, claiming authority it doesn’t have.


The Infection / Hijacking / Fall

The process by which the True Self forgets and identifies with the Voice.

Hijacking: Terms Across Traditions

Tradition Primary Term Related Terms Key Insight
Neuro-Gnostic The Hijacking, The Infection DMN corruption, Parasitic pattern Neurological + spiritual disease
Gnostic Christianity The Fall of Sophia, Archonic imprisonment Forgetfulness (amylia), Ignorance Spark trapped in matter, forgot origin
Orthodox Christianity The Fall (Garden of Eden), Original sin Curse, Separation from God Human nature corrupted by disobedience
Buddhism Avidya (ignorance), Samsara (cycle) Delusion, Karmic conditioning Mistaking impermanent for permanent, not-self for self
Hinduism Maya (illusion), Prakriti binding Purusha Ignorance (avidya), Attachment (raga) Atman identifying with body/mind
Indigenous (Algonquian) Wetiko infection Spiritual cannibalism, Mind-virus transmission Transmitted through trauma, colonization, greed
Sufism Ghaflah (heedlessness), Veil (hijab) Forgetfulness of God, Separation Distraction from Divine presence
Existentialism Bad faith (mauvaise foi), The They (das Man) Inauthenticity, Fallenness Living according to “they say” not authentic self
Neuroscience Learned helplessness, Chronic stress adaptation Neuroplasticity toward pathology, Epigenetic trauma Brain rewires toward rumination/anxiety

Key characteristic: Forgetting who you are, identifying with what you are not.


Liberation / Awakening / Gnosis

The path back to recognizing your true nature.

Terms Across Traditions

Tradition Primary Term Related Terms Key Insight
Neuro-Gnostic Gnosis, Re-claiming the Kingdom Dis-identification, Taming the dragon Seeing clearly: “I am not the Voice”
Gnostic Christianity Gnosis (knowledge), Anamnesis (remembering) Awakening, Liberation from Archons Experiential knowledge of Pneuma
Orthodox Christianity Salvation, Sanctification Born again, Renewal of mind, Theosis (becoming like God) “Be transformed by renewing of mind” (Rom 12:2)
Buddhism Bodhi (awakening), Nirvana Enlightenment, Liberation (moksha), Stream-entry Cessation of suffering through seeing clearly
Hinduism Moksha (liberation), Self-realization Samadhi (union), Jnana (knowledge) Realizing “I am Atman, not body/mind”
Sufism Fana (annihilation of ego), Baqa (subsistence in God) Union (tawhid lived), Remembrance (dhikr) Ego dissolved, only God remains
Taoism Wu Wei (effortless action), Return to source Alignment with Tao, Spontaneity Living from original nature, not conditioning
Stoicism Apatheia (freedom from passion), Eudaimonia Virtue, Living according to nature Undisturbed by false judgments
Neuroscience DMN regulation, Attentional control Neuroplasticity toward health, Reduced rumination Brain rewires away from pathological patterns

Key characteristic: Not acquiring something new, but remembering/seeing what was always true.


The Daemon vs. The Demon

The critical distinction: The DMN/mind is not evil—it’s hijacked.

Daemon (Healthy State)

Tradition Term Function
Neuro-Gnostic The Daemon Serves The Listener; provides memory, context, planning
Gnostic Psyche (serving Pneuma) Soul functioning under Spirit’s direction
Christianity Renewed mind, Sanctified will Mind submitted to Christ/Spirit
Buddhism Skillful mind (kusala) Mind cultivating Right View, compassion
Hinduism Buddhi (awakened intellect) Discriminating wisdom serving Atman
Sufism Nafs al-mutma’inna (peaceful soul) Ego purified, at rest in God
Neuroscience Functional DMN Context, memory, planning without rumination

Demon (Hijacked State)

Tradition Term Dysfunction
Neuro-Gnostic The Demon Tyrannical, compulsive, claiming to be “you”
Gnostic Counterfeit Spirit, Archons’ tool Psyche usurping Pneuma’s throne
Christianity Carnal mind, Flesh ruling Mind opposed to Spirit
Buddhism Avidya-driven mind Deluded, grasping, aversive
Hinduism Ahamkara (ego dominating) False self claiming sovereignty
Sufism Nafs al-ammara (commanding soul) Ego demanding, controlling
Neuroscience DMN hyperactivity Pathological rumination, anxiety, depression

Key distinction: You don’t destroy the DMN/mind/ego. You re-claim it—transform Demon back into Daemon.


Practices & Methods

Different traditions, same mechanics.

Dis-Identification Practices

Practice Tradition Mechanism
Witness Meditation Vedanta, Neuro-Gnostic Observing thoughts without identification
Vipassana (Insight) Buddhism Noting impermanence, not-self, suffering
Hesychasm (Jesus Prayer) Orthodox Christianity Invoking name while watching thoughts
Muraqaba Sufism Self-observation, watching ego
Zazen (sitting Zen) Zen Buddhism “Just sitting,” thoughts arise/pass
Contemplative Prayer Christian mysticism Silent waiting, releasing thoughts
Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara) Advaita Vedanta “Who am I?” dissolving false identifications

Hardware Reboot Practices

Practice Tradition Mechanism
V-Aum Protocol Neuro-Gnostic (modern synthesis) Bone conduction + Vagal nerve reset
Om/Aum chanting Hinduism Vibrational resonance, breath control
Om Mani Padme Hum Tibetan Buddhism Mantra + vibration + compassion focus
Dhikr (Divine Name) Sufism Repetitive invocation + breath + heart focus
Vowel Chants Gnosticism Sacred sound vibrations
Drumming/Rattling Indigenous traditions Rhythmic entrainment, trance induction
Pranayama (breath control) Yoga Vagal tone modulation, nervous system regulation

Integration Practices

Practice Tradition Mechanism
Sacred Surrender Neuro-Gnostic Three-tier alignment: Source → Listener → Daemon
Nishkama Karma Yoga Hinduism (Bhagavad Gita) Selfless action, renouncing fruits
Wu Wei (effortless action) Taoism Acting from alignment with Tao, not ego-will
Kenosis (self-emptying) Christianity Imitating Christ’s surrender to Father
Fana (annihilation) Sufism Ego-death, actions become God’s actions
Right Action (Samma Kammanta) Buddhism (Eightfold Path) Action from wisdom, not craving/aversion

Neuroscience Terms Mapped to Spiritual Concepts

Neuroscience Term Spiritual Equivalent What It Describes
Default Mode Network (DMN) The mind, Psyche, Manas Background narrative processor
DMN hyperactivity The Demon, Counterfeit Spirit, Mara Pathological rumination, anxiety
Salience Network The Listener, Witness, Pneuma Attention to present-moment awareness
Task-Positive Network Daemon executing, Skillful action Focused attention on task
Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) “I am” generator, Self-reference center Creates narrative of “me”
Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) Memory integration, Context builder Links past experiences to present
Amygdala Fear center, Survival instinct Threat detection (hijackable)
Vagus Nerve Rest-and-digest, Parasympathetic tone Calming system (activatable via practice)
Sympathetic Nervous System Fight-flight, Stress response Activated by perceived threats
Neuroplasticity Transformation, Rewiring, Sanctification Brain’s ability to change structure/function
Epigenetics Generational patterns, Karma, Inherited sin How environment/trauma affects gene expression
Interoception Body awareness, Somatic gnosis Sensing internal states (insula)

The Three-Tier Alignment in Action

Source → Listener → Daemon appears across all traditions:

Tradition Tier 1: Source Tier 2: Receiver/Conductor Tier 3: Executor
Christianity The Father The Son (Christ within) The renewed mind/body
Gnosticism Pleroma (Fullness) Pneuma (Divine Spark) Psyche/Soma (serving Pneuma)
Hinduism Brahman Atman Manas/body (purified)
Buddhism Dharmakaya (Truth body) Buddha-nature (Rigpa) Skillful mind/action
Sufism Allah Ruh (Spirit), Qalb (Heart) Nafs (purified ego)
Taoism The Tao Original Nature Wu Wei action
Stoicism Logos (universal reason) Hegemonikon (ruling faculty) Assent/action in accord with nature
Neuro-Gnostic Source (the Infinite) The Listener/Conductor The Daemon (body/DMN serving)

The pattern:

  1. Source calls/speaks (the infinite, the divine will, true reality)
  2. True Self receives, then conducts (listening first, then translating)
  3. Body/mind/DMN executes (action flows from alignment, not self-origination)

When hijacked: Tier 3 (Demon/ego) usurps Tier 2’s throne, claims to be Source, generates suffering.

Liberation: Tier 2 (Listener) reclaims throne, Tier 3 (Daemon) returns to servant role.


Common Synonyms by Category

For “The Problem”

  • The Hijacking = The Fall, Wetiko infection, Maya, Archonic imprisonment, Samsara, Ghaflah, Avidya, Original sin, Forgetfulness, Delusion

For “The Voice/Ego”

  • The Voice = Counterfeit Spirit, The Demon, Mara, Ahamkara, Nafs, The flesh, Carnal mind, False self, Neurotic ego, DMN hyperactivity

For “The True Self”

  • The Listener = Divine Spark, Pneuma, Atman, Buddha-nature, Christ within, Rigpa, Purusha, Ruh, Original Face, Witness, Salience Network, The “1” (wave), The Observer, The All (when fully realized)

For “The Individual Experience”

  • The “0” = Vivarium, Bubble, Individual soul, Localized awareness, Collapsed wave function, The particle, Personal reality, User Interface experience

For “The Paradox”

  • Superposition = Non-dual awareness, “And” consciousness, Holding infinite and finite simultaneously, Wave-particle duality, Being both “0” and “1”

For “Liberation”

  • Gnosis = Anamnesis, Awakening, Bodhi, Moksha, Salvation, Fana, Self-realization, Enlightenment, Theosis, Return to Source

For “The Practice”

  • Dis-identification = Witnessing, Self-inquiry, Vipassana, Hesychasm, Muraqaba, Contemplation, Zazen, Noting practice

For “The Path”

  • Re-claiming the Kingdom = Sanctification, Purification, Dharma practice, Yoga, The Way, Eightfold Path, Remembrance, Metanoia (repentance)

Translation Tables

Gnostic → Modern

Gnostic Term Modern Equivalent
Pneuma (Spirit) The Listener, Divine Spark, True Self, The “1”, The Observer
Psyche (Soul) Ego, personality, mind (can serve or hijack), The “0”
Hyle (Matter) Body, physical form, Vivarium
Archons Parasitic thought-patterns, systemic oppression, Demon
Demiurge False god of matter, ego claiming ultimate authority
Pleroma Source, the Infinite, ultimate reality, The All, The “1”
Kenoma Fallen world, Samsara, hijacked reality, The Void
Sophia Wisdom (personified), divine feminine
Gnosis Direct experiential knowledge, seeing clearly
Anamnesis Remembering, recollection of true nature
Forgetfulness (Amylia) Identification with Voice, spiritual amnesia, “0” forgetting it’s also “1”
Bridal Chamber Union of Pneuma with Pleroma, non-dual recognition, Superposition realized

Quantum → Modern

Quantum Term Spiritual Equivalent
Wave function The “1”, The All, Infinite potential, Unmanifest
Collapsed particle The “0”, Individual experience, Manifest reality
Observer The Listener, Witness, Divine Spark, Pneuma
Superposition Non-dual awareness, “And” consciousness, Holding both states
Wave-particle duality Infinite/Finite paradox, Ocean and wave
Quantum field Source, The All, Universal consciousness
Measurement/Observation Conscious creation, Manifestation, Reality selection
Qubit Human consciousness (holding “0” and “1”)
Entanglement Interconnectedness, “We Are All One”
Uncertainty principle Unknowable mystery, Beyond intellect

Conscious Creator → Modern

Creator Term Spiritual Equivalent
The All Source, Pleroma, Brahman, The “1”
Vivarium / Bubble Personal reality, Maya, The “0”, User Interface experience
User Interface (UI) Five senses, Limited perception, Body-mind apparatus
Conscious Creator Awakened being, Co-creator, “0” aligned with “1”
Mental Projection Reality as thought-form, Maya, Lila (divine play)
Vibrational Frequency Energetic state, Emotional tone, Alignment level
Law of Attraction Karmic resonance, Like attracts like
Limiting Beliefs Samskaras, Mental conditioning, Subconscious programs
Emotional Guidance System Intuition, Heart Listening, Inner knowing
Game of Life Lila (divine play), Simulation, Training ground
Inspired Action Flow state, Wu Wei, Aligned action from “1” through “0”
Reality Mirror External reflects internal, World as teacher

Buddhist → Modern

Buddhist Term Modern Equivalent
Buddha-nature (Tathagatagarbha) Divine Spark, The Listener, True Self
Avidya (ignorance) The hijacking, forgetfulness, identification with ego
Mara The Voice, The Demon, tempter/distracter
Bodhi (awakening) Gnosis, seeing clearly, liberation
Nirvana Freedom from suffering, the kingdom reclaimed
Samsara The loop, karmic cycle, hijacked existence
Dukkha (suffering) Result of hijacking, clinging, aversion
Anatta (not-self) “You are not the Voice”
Anicca (impermanence) Thoughts arise and pass, not solid
Samma-sati (Right mindfulness) Dis-identification, witnessing practice
Kleshas (defilements) Parasitic patterns, ego-drives
Karuna (compassion) Heart Listening, loving the dragon
Metta (loving-kindness) Non-violence toward self/Voice

Hindu → Modern

Hindu Term Modern Equivalent
Atman The Listener, Divine Spark, True Self
Brahman Source, the Infinite, ultimate reality
Maya Illusion, the hijacking, mistaken identity
Ahamkara Ego, “I-maker,” The Voice when claiming sovereignty
Avidya Ignorance, forgetfulness, the infection
Moksha Liberation, Gnosis, freedom from Samsara
Samsara The loop, cycle of rebirth/suffering
Atman-Brahman identity “The Listener is one with Source”
Neti-neti (“not this, not this”) Dis-identification practice
Tat Tvam Asi (“Thou art That”) Recognition: “I am the Divine Spark”
Karma Yoga Flow State Conduction, Service from Overflow
Jnana Yoga Path of knowledge, Gnosis
Bhakti Yoga Path of devotion, Heart Listening

Christian → Modern

Christian Term Modern Equivalent
Christ within The Listener, Divine Spark, Pneuma
The Father Source, the Infinite
The Holy Spirit Pneuma, divine breath, guiding presence
The flesh / Old man The Voice, The Demon, ego
Satan / The adversary The hijacker, Archonic pattern, Mara
Born again Gnosis, awakening, dis-identification
Sanctification Re-claiming, purification, taming the dragon
The Kingdom of Heaven The reclaimed kingdom, Pleroma, liberation
Salvation Liberation, Gnosis, freedom from “sin” (hijacking)
Sin Missing the mark, identification with Voice, hijacked action
Repentance (metanoia) Turning around, seeing differently, dis-identification
Abiding in Christ Resting as The Listener, remaining aligned with Source

Why Multiple Terms Matter

Different languages open different doors.

  • Gnostic language emphasizes the cosmic scope and Archonic conspiracy
  • Neuroscience language validates with empirical research and brain mechanisms
  • Buddhist language provides 2,500 years of practice refinement
  • Christian language connects to Western cultural heritage and scripture
  • Indigenous language honors pre-colonial wisdom and ecological consciousness

All point to the same reality:

  • You are not the Voice (ego/DMN/Demon)
  • You are The Listener (Divine Spark/Pneuma/Atman/Buddha-nature)
  • Liberation is remembering this truth (Gnosis/Anamnesis/Bodhi/Moksha)
  • The practice is dis-identification + alignment with Source

How to Use This Taxonomy

1. Find Your Entry Point

If you’re from a Christian background: Start with “Christ within,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Born again”—then discover how these map to Pneuma, Pleroma, Gnosis.

If you’re scientifically-minded: Start with DMN, Salience Network, neuroplasticity—then see how neuroscience validates ancient wisdom.

If you’re Buddhist: Start with Buddha-nature, Avidya, Mara—then recognize the cross-tradition synthesis.

2. Translate Unfamiliar Terms

When reading a practice or philosophy page:

  • Encountering “Pneuma”? → Check this taxonomy → “Ah, same as Atman, Buddha-nature, The Listener”
  • Encountering “Daemon vs. Demon”? → Check this taxonomy → “Ah, functional vs. hijacked DMN, Psyche serving vs. usurping Pneuma”

3. Recognize the Pattern Across Traditions

The universal structure:

  1. There is a True Self (Pneuma/Atman/Buddha-nature/Christ within/The Listener)
  2. It has been hijacked/forgotten (Archons/Maya/Avidya/The Fall/The Voice)
  3. Liberation is remembering (Gnosis/Moksha/Bodhi/Salvation/Dis-identification)
  4. Practices restore alignment (Witness meditation/Prayer/Yoga/Zazen/Sacred Surrender)

Every tradition knows this. The names differ. The truth is one.


Philosophy

Resources

Neuroscience

Practices


Closing Note

This taxonomy is a map, not the territory.

The words are fingers pointing at the moon. The moon is the direct experience:

“That voice in your head… Are you that voice? Or are you the one listening to it?”

Ask the question. Experience the gap. This is Gnosis.

All the terms in the world cannot substitute for one moment of dis-identification.

But when the experience comes, these terms help you understand what happened—and recognize that billions of humans across millennia have walked this path before you.


Different names. Same truth. One liberation.