All that glitters

Recently I received an email that noted similarities between myself and a fairly prolific metaphysical writer. Indeed, there were some overlaps as well as differences. I might do well to point up commonalities as well as some differences. This is a very dense topic, so, by necessity, this post will be broad rather than well pointed.

Firstly, mysticism is not about UFOs, unicorns, magic, psychic phenomenon or controlling the weather.

Its a way that holds as its only raison d’etre the realization of our direct connection with the divine, by whatever name one chooses to call it.

Moral imperitives in mysticism come directly from the realization of that connection.

To a mystic, the miraculous is no different from the mundane. The mundane is elevated by the mystic realization to the level of the miraculous. All realms of perception and action are encompassed by the Awakening.

By extension, psychic phenomena are within the scope of the mystic experience, and quite common, but not particularly of interest. Where a psychic ability is in accord with one’s path, wonderful. A skill such as healing should be used, but should be no more important than the ability to cook a nice meal. They are equal in value.

The sense that one maybe or is the embodiment of a past historical figure: Jesus, Napolean, Cleopatra, is not at all strange - as I’ve noted in a much earlier post on this site. Nor is the in-dwelling of a divine resonance. I’m honored to know, and have as a friend, a manifestation of a hindu deity. From the mystic view, this is all quite normal. To be fair, there are those who are not experiencing this in-dwelling, but are convinced that they are. Watch the try-outs for American Idol to see what delusional thinking looks like.

The mystic realizes the divine. This realization does not make him special. It brings with it no special authority, but it does bring special responsibilities. The Awakening reveals our inter-connectedness, and it broadens the scope and import of one’s activities. While every action carries with itself seeds that grow, mature and bear fruit, the actions of a mystic effect others in a greater way than one might realize. The expanded self/no-self of Awakening resonates upon the seemingly distinct lives of others. Contrary to the mindset of some spiritualists, there is no seeking of powers, no desire, and in an absolute sense, no ability, to control others. The lives of others are impacted by the real structure of the universe; the mystic acts, in a manner of speaking, as a signal amplifier.