The key theme of recognition which Nikita has highlighted is linked in the text to two other qualities - non-judgemental and non-dominating. The soul says "Why do you judge me, since I have made no judgement? I have been dominated, but I myself have not dominated. I have not been recognized, but I myself have recognized....." I have found it helpful to meditate on the relationship between these three qualities.....In Buddhist language, this passage points to non-grasping, non-discriminatory direct awareness. In the language of NVC (non-violent communication) it is only through learning to drop our dominating and judgemental attitudes that we can develop the empathic connection to communicate clearly with self and other. The path to peace and joy! •I did not judge ⲕⲣⲓⲛⲉ (kr-ee-neh) to judge, to condemn, to separate, to divide, to choose (discriminate) •I did not bind ⲁⲙⲁϩⲧⲉ (ar-mah-the) to grasp, embrace, possess, restrict, detain, prevail, to rule, be in possession, lay hold on •I did recognize ⲥⲟⲟⲩⲛ (sooyn) to recognize, know, distinguish, have knowledge of

Yes, recognition seems to be such an important key to opening this whole passage. And coupled with that is the humility and courage to be openly and vulnerably visible, without the self-protective covering of 'garments'. Which can only happen when we drop judgement.

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Hello fellow study group participants! I'm David , and together with Ella Rozett we will be facilitating this online study group. We live on a houseboat in Southampton England, where I am a member of the local Quaker meeting. I also have a long background in Tibetan Buddhism, having studied and practised with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche for over twenty years. I only discovered The Gospel of Mary in February 2021, but have been making up for lost time since then! I look forward to meeting you all online very soon.