Is there anyone out there interested in or following the Mystic tradition of Christianity? Interested in mystics like St. John of the Cross or Theresa of Avila? I guess I should add a definition for those who don't know: Christian Mysticism is seeking a direct experience of God's presence through prayer, contemplation and meditation, as well as noticing his presence in the world around us. One more note: Let's keep it mature, guys. I'm open to your opinions and questions, but don't get up on your soap box and lecture.:toetap05:
It's not something I know much about, so I'm here to ask questions. What are your core beliefs? Does this type of mysticism share any links with Kabbalah in Judaism? Is the idea of meditation any way like Eastern faiths, like Buddhism? Do you believe that you have had these encounters with the Lord while meditating? It seems you also believe in Sainthood, is that common place for a follower in Christian mysticism?
Really, I'm just curious to see who else is following this. I really haven't been able to find and talk to other mystics, and it gets a bit irritating. Not many people understand it.
For a more modern "mystic", look at St Padre Pio. Stigmata, bilocation, and odor of sanctity, among others. I am with honeyfudge- you need to define "mysticism". I believe that many so-called mystics are saints, but may saints are not "mystics" and there are so called mystics who are not saints. You should note that both Saints you cited fully accepted the authority of the Church, as did stigmatics Francis of Assisi and Padre Pio. You might also be interested in Incorruptibility. Also you might want to read about Simon Stylites, Anthony of the Desert, the Greek Monks (the recitation of the Jesus Prayer/Prayer of the Heart).
My experience of mysticism was an organic arrangement. It was a process that arose of itself through intense seeking. I did not start out seeking to become a mystic. However, just recently I came across a very in depth and thorough treatment of "mysticism" in wikapedia. I was surprised to find myself there. I could really only claim to be a Christian mystic by virtue of the fact that I am familiar with Christian symbolism. The process appears to me to be an avenue to the "divine" that is available to everyone, a latent unfolding that is built into the human animal. As such, it really does not require any religious associations at all. Its' tangible qualities are beyond all symbols. Mysticism's language consists of statements of metaphysical principle. By metaphysical we mean, "of the essential nature of reality". These statements are posited synonymously in the writings and traditions of virtually every religion, as well as modern science. For example, The measure you give is the measure you get. You may also recognize a secular version, for every action there is an equal reaction. Or as the concept of karma, etc. As far as sainthood, We are all Holy, period. However, this awareness is made obscure to us because we have been "hypnotized" through cultural indoctrination and the consensus consciousness. i.e. a deep sleep fell over Adam. Jesus says he is not dead he is only sleeping and refers to staying awake and remaining awake. To shed this mind numbing conditioning usually requires a journey into the wilderness. A journey away from the distorting effects of civilization. An utter forsaking of the status quo. Jesus 40 days, Buddha some years, the Yogi years of meditation, the Hubble telescope, currently deployed. My own time, 18 mo.. I have had what you would call ecstatic mystical experiences, that are beyond anything that I can coherently speak of, They are beyond the range of ordinary perception. It's like not being able to see micro fauna with your naked eye but with a microscope you can. You have to be there to see. However I have had a handful of lucid dreams that contained unmistakable symbols that are much more tangible and can be described.
I have had experiences. However, the thing abou mystic experiences is that they're very hard to explain and also very, very personal. Also, I talk about Saints because a) The ones I mentioned are some of the best known mystics and b) being basically a cradle Catholic, if someone has the title Saint I'll generally use it. It's habitual by the time you're an adult. As a random thought, I also read a lot of the writings of St. Therese of Liseux (spelling fail?).
If you wonder as to where you are or how far along you are, I can tell you that our own sorting out does not matter. Some of what we think are out largest failures turn out to be our greatest virtues. If we are looking for signposts in the experiences of others we increase our chances of recognition if we remember that all are given the grace of God.
As far as I've gotten on my journey, I have trouble thinking that way. I'm the kind of person who beats themselves up over the silliest things. I have to say, your posts are always thought provoking, and always help me look at things in ways I might not have otherwise. Thanks for your insights!
It is my joy to be here. Beating people up is the worlds favorite pass time second only to eating. It is not a requirement of nature that our care free moments be so few or seem forever distant, this points only to the fact that we had not learned to give liberty to our heart. In this world we are taught to care more or less and our careless moments have their vengeance upon us every time that alarm clock calls us back to the drudgery of a mundane life. Don't you ever worry that you are not cared for. There is help beside you in every direction. It awaits nothing but invitation.
Something I read: It seems that the "more holy" someone becomes, the more aware of their sins they are, and the more they confess. I do not know if that is what you mean, but I thought it was interesting that late in St Francis of Assisi's life he said he was "the greatest of sinners" (in the sense that he sinned greatly, not that he was best).
You confuse the recognition of being equal to all things with a confession of guilt. I am the murderer and the rapist, yet at the same time I am the healer and the protector of innocence. Man is not separate from God, but he does suffer from the belief that he can and has usurped the power of God. He is therefore deathly afraid of God's judgment upon his "wickedness". Why oh why do we continue to chant, give us Barabas?
That would be occultism. Mysticism is about discovering and developing the latent capacities of ones own being.
