The Gnostic Buddha

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni did not come to start a religion or to gather worshippers: he came to demonstrate to all beings how they themselves must work to escape suffering. This is the essence of Gnosis: knowledge that is acquired by one's own efforts.

“I cannot pull someone from the hell realm and carry them to nirvana. Leaving samsara, attaining nirvana or buddhahood, depends on your own efforts. You cannot rely on anyone - not the guru, or the Buddha and bodhisattvas.” – The 14th Dalai Lama