I've been asked to provide a "Mystics for Dummies" explanation for those who may be unfamiliar with the topic.
I'll limit myself somewhat in my response, as this could otherwise go on for pages and pages. First, I'll limit myself to my own knowledge and experience on the subject. I feel that I've only begun to dip my toe into the sea of richness that is mysticism. And second, I'll stick to the Christian mystical tradition. Despite the traditions of other religions—which I understand to be equally rich—the Christian tradition is the one I find myself in.
I know that in some circles mysticism is viewed very skeptically. Some fear that being mystical implies straying from scripture (a pure misunderstanding, IMHO) and from theological orthodoxy. In the very broadest sense, mysticism refers to communion with God. Some use the term union, which again is a scary term to the traditionally minded. I hold to the belief that communion —and indeed, union—is something very much to be sought.
As far as tradition goes, there is a treasury of great Christian mystics whose paths we may follow. They include Origen, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, John Scotus Eriugena, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Theresa of Avila, Ignatius, Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, and Brother Lawrence. Some more modern names include Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, and Fr. Richard Rohr (my spiritual mentor in many ways).
A word of caution: looking into at least some of those names, one is likely to see them called heretics. Just remember that heresy is defined by those who hold the power.
As I am beginning to come to terms with mysticism, one of the keys to me is the practice of awareness. We in the West have developed such a dualistic, "either-or" kind of mindset. And to experience any true sense of the presence of God—or any spiritual truth—we need to develop space within ourselves for "both-and" thinking. Another way of looking at this is that we need to get our own minds, particularly our preconceptions out of the way. Only then can we open up to the possibilities of More.
So that's the starting point. I look forward to diving deeper into this practice. And as I said in my initial post, I'll offer some discussion here.
For further reading, I would recommend Richard Rohr's Everything Belongs and The Big Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman (another of my spiritual mentors).
I'll limit myself somewhat in my response, as this could otherwise go on for pages and pages. First, I'll limit myself to my own knowledge and experience on the subject. I feel that I've only begun to dip my toe into the sea of richness that is mysticism. And second, I'll stick to the Christian mystical tradition. Despite the traditions of other religions—which I understand to be equally rich—the Christian tradition is the one I find myself in.
I know that in some circles mysticism is viewed very skeptically. Some fear that being mystical implies straying from scripture (a pure misunderstanding, IMHO) and from theological orthodoxy. In the very broadest sense, mysticism refers to communion with God. Some use the term union, which again is a scary term to the traditionally minded. I hold to the belief that communion —and indeed, union—is something very much to be sought.
As far as tradition goes, there is a treasury of great Christian mystics whose paths we may follow. They include Origen, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, John Scotus Eriugena, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Theresa of Avila, Ignatius, Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, and Brother Lawrence. Some more modern names include Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, and Fr. Richard Rohr (my spiritual mentor in many ways).
A word of caution: looking into at least some of those names, one is likely to see them called heretics. Just remember that heresy is defined by those who hold the power.
As I am beginning to come to terms with mysticism, one of the keys to me is the practice of awareness. We in the West have developed such a dualistic, "either-or" kind of mindset. And to experience any true sense of the presence of God—or any spiritual truth—we need to develop space within ourselves for "both-and" thinking. Another way of looking at this is that we need to get our own minds, particularly our preconceptions out of the way. Only then can we open up to the possibilities of More.
So that's the starting point. I look forward to diving deeper into this practice. And as I said in my initial post, I'll offer some discussion here.
For further reading, I would recommend Richard Rohr's Everything Belongs and The Big Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman (another of my spiritual mentors).
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