I would like to discuss Mystics and how they reach beyond the things that separate and find a connection.

I found this site which I think has much to discuss.

http://www.centerforsacredsciences.org/traditions.html

The 9 points below are copied from that links page :

1. All mystics agree that Ultimate Reality—whether It is called Allah, Brahman, Buddha-nature, En-sof, God, or the Tao—cannot be grasped by thought or expressed in words. (In fact, the word mystic is related to the word mute, both of which derive from the Greek root mustes, meaning "close-mouthed.")

2. The reason Ultimate Reality cannot be grasped by thought or communicated in words is that thoughts and words, by definition, create distinctions and, hence, duality. Even the simple act of naming something creates duality because it distinguishes the thing that is named from all other things that are left unnamed. However, the mystics of all the great traditions agree that all distinctions are imaginary and that the Ultimate Nature of Reality is non-dual.


3. Although mystics cannot define Ultimate Reality in words, they still use words to point to That which is beyond words. For instance, all mystics agree that, while Ultimate Reality constitutes the true nature of everything, in itself It is nothing.


4. Although mystics say Ultimate Reality is not a thing, they also agree that this emptiness or no-thingness is not a mere vacuum. It is radiant with the Light of Pure Spirit, Primordial Awareness, Buddha Mind, or Consciousness Itself.


5. Mystics of all traditions also agree that when distinctions created by imagination are taken to be real—especially the distinction between 'subject' and 'object', 'I' and 'other', 'self' and 'world'—we lose sight of the Ultimate Nature of Reality and fall into delusion. This is the cause of all our suffering.


6. The fact that distinctions are not ultimately real means that we are not truly separate selves. In Reality, all mystics declare, our True Nature is God, Brahman, Buddha-Nature, the Tao, or Consciousness Itself.


7. Although the Truth of one's identity with Ultimate Reality cannot be grasped by thought, all mystics testify that It can be Realized or Recognized through a Gnostic Awakening (Enlightenment) which by-passes the thinking mind altogether.


8. All mystics agree that Realizing our Identity with this Ultimate Reality brings freedom from suffering and death.


9. Finally, mystics of all traditions agree that their teachings about the Ultimate Nature of Reality should not be taken on faith alone. Just as scientific theories can be verified by anyone willing to perform appropriate experiments, mystical teachings can be verified by anyone willing to engage in appropriate spiritual practices and disciplines. (This, incidentally, is why we at the Center believe mystical teachings and practices are rightly said to constitute a science of the sacred.)

what do you think of these points ?

Peace! Really great stuff. I'm quite speachless myself.

Over the past couple of years I've developed an interest in the mystical aspect of the religious experience. I've tried to learn about the Kabballah, I've looked into the works of Christians like pseudo-Dionysius, St. John of the Cross, and Teresa of Avila. I've studied the Ihya 'Ulumid Din of Imam Ghazzali, I've studied the works of poets like Rumi, Saadi, Farid ud Din Attar. All wonderful, thought provoking experiences every time I turn to them and the Scriptures. I have become confused over the state of the mystics today. Do they even exist? I've not found any Guru or Murshid. Only the words of dead men and women and my own heart. Of course God is the only true and lasting source of guidance. But so many say that study under a spiritual master is essential for anyone serious about tassawuf. Ever heard of a man from the days of the Prophet named Uwais?

I wrote a research paper on this very subject back in college. It truely is fascinating stuff, and it is what led me to my "Religion is like a toy" theory.

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The only constant in this universe is change. Are you ready to change??

Tell us more about your "religion is like a toy ' theory.

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Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do ~Rumi

Peaceful k,

If I remember correctly, he is a person who never met the Prophet(saw), yet loved him deeply and also loved Islam. I think Owais had bayat with the Prophet(saw) even though they never met physically.

Is this the same Owais you are speaking of ?

__________________
Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do ~Rumi

Salaam. Yes that is the man I was talking about. Just brought him up because it's a story that resonates with me having learned about and accepted Islam without ever having met another Muslim. Uwais was guided despite all his disadvantages. It's really an inspiration to a frustrated seeker of seemingly elusive truths.

if you ask me judging by the list of mystic attributes posted. I'm a mystic and I don't see/think that way at all as I'm not really interested in doing the shut down of the brain's sense of self center and thinking you've found the Ultimate State of Consciousness in GREAT BIG LETTERS.

Getting hypnotized by this state is the reason your usual "mystics" don't have a clue how to solve worldly problems except say, "oh, just meditate".
I'm a mystic in the Abrahamic seer/prophet tradition and as such my mystical experiences usually motivate me to do idiotic things for my Boss 'cause I agree with It that it needs to be done to help bring in a better world. So you just won't find me off under the bo tree blissed out on the Oceanic, no sense of self high, but more putting myself on the line for what needs to be done if we all agree a better world is better than the one we've got that's bringing so much unnecessary suffering to people.

Please speak more on the qualities of this type of mystic and tradition.

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Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do ~Rumi

Actually, I've written a whole book on my religious experiences and views which was online for years until I took it off last year to re-edit it for book publication.

Basically, the difference between, say, the "usual" idea of a mystic, i.e., the ones who retreat from the daily world to calm their minds and find the Divine or Source or Void, and come back all blissed out, and the Abrahamic prophet types like myself, is that our experiences with receiving Divine imput hardly ever calms our minds but sends out as messengers to guide the world back towards the source of Goodness which is God. Revelatory visions and instructions are received, as in my case, by extraordinary synchronicity experiences, which are our "proof" of authenticity. Only the Creator can so manipulate the world to bring one instruction through synchronicity events.

I am considering putting my book, Biomystical Christianity, back on my website, and will let everyone know when this will be.

Stephen

aka Arielmessenger