Mysticism Reflection revised

Mysticism: Reflection
Name:
Institution:
Abstract
For the longest time, religion and spirituality have become two of the most talked about and controversial topics in the world. With different cultures and traditions, having a clear comprehension of spirituality and God, in general, has become difficult. However, every individual, regardless of their cultural affiliation, believes in something. Besides self-proclaimed atheists, it is almost impossible for a person to ignore the inner feeling of power far much greater than ourselves. The sense that there is something superior and powerful than our existence is what is referred to mysticism. It is difficult to deny the fact that a greater number of the world’s population is affiliated with a religion. Perhaps to understand the world in this angle, this paper reflects on how the text by Carmody & Carmody (1996) has informed my knowledge of mysticism as well as my spiritual practice this term. Particularly, the reflection focuses on what the authors say about mysticism and how their arguments may be relevant to transpersonal psychology and comparative mysticism.
Keywords: Mysticism, Spirituality, Religion, Psychology
Introduction
The word “mysticism” is derived from the Greek expression “to conceal.” It is generally referred to as becoming one with the Absolute or God but may be referred to as any ecstasy or distorted state of realization which is given a spiritual or religious meaning. It may also be known as the realization of insight in hidden or ultimate truths, as well as to human revolution supported by different experiences and practices.

In other words, mysticism is the strong feeling of being in a deep connection with superior power. Many people who are referred to as mystics often come out as spiritual and religious believers who have a special relationship with the superior being. Ideally, the question of what constitutes mysticism has been around for a long time. People often fail to understand the real reasons behind mysticism and why some people proclaim themselves as mystics. However, Parsons, in his text, stresses the significance of differentiating between momentary experiences or spirituality and mysticism as a process embodied in a devout matrix of practices and texts (Parsons, 1999). In essence, becoming a mystic does not just happen, it is a process that involves a deep understanding of why you are becoming a mystic and your purpose. In this regard, Carmody & Carmody (1996) give us an insight into mysticism through their text Mysticism: Holiness East and West. Therefore, this paper mainly reflects on the arguments and analyses provided by the two authors.
Book Analysis
The particulars and details of a mystical experience shape and color its essence. For one to consider himself or herself a mystic, their understanding of the process is required. In short, they must have a clear comprehension of why they have chosen or been chosen to walk that path and what is required of them when living the life. According to Carmody & Carmody (1996), mystical episodes can be manifested in many ways- through an extreme soul-searching experience of a big storm, a passionate love, a Native American dream quest, or a conversation in yawning prayer with an individual divinity. Based on their assumption, all these can be considered mystical if they bring us closer to the ultimate reality- in their text; the Carmodys apply this wide definition of mysticism. In short, their description is based on the direct encounter with reality to mystic experiences found in the great religions in the world, providing insight into spirituality as well as religious practices around the world.
Essentially, the text offers an edifying examination of the six main religions around the world including the Hindu, Christian, Chinese, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish (Carmody & Carmody, 1996). They also examine the mystic practices of Latin Americans, North Americans, Australian Native Americans, and Africans. In their in-depth analysis of the religious practices and beliefs in these religions and group of people, the history, teachings and principal beliefs of every religion are illuminated. Also, the works and lives of each tradition’s exceptional mystics are examined. Through these analyses and examinations, the Carmodys highlight very fundamental issues regarding mysticism. The issues touch on how different religions practice their beliefs and the survey of the main contours and mystical theories of the listed religions. From the issues raised, it is easy to understand how people become mystics and what glues a person to religion and religious practices.
Further, the religions that the Carmodys talk about are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Here, the major characteristic associated with their practices is prophecy. The three religions believe that God or Allah, in the case of Islam, speaks to the prophets. In essence, believers in these religions believe that there is a supreme power that sees and control every aspect of their lives. For instance, Christianity has for a long time relied on the Bible and what is stated by those who wrote it. According to them, the book was written through the spiritual intervention and direction of God- which means that the Bible is the word of God. In this regard, every aspect of our lives should be in line with what is stipulated in the Bible, and anything that goes against the word of God is considered sin. When a person decides to be a mystic, it means that he or she has decided to obey every word in the Bible and live according to the requirements set by God. For Islam, the Quran is essential for their way of life. Their belief in prophecy also demonstrates that they answer to a superior power they call Allah. Every individual who wants to live a spiritual life must be able to understand what Allah requires of him or her. In short, they must read and understand what the Quran says and live according to the word and ways stipulated by the book. The same trend is seen in Judaism.
For all intents and purposes, the Carmodys give us a great insight into the practices of the six religions. Apart from the three religions said to believe in prophesy, the book also highlights how yoga has played a significant role in mysticism in Hindu and how shamanism has typified oral mystic practices. However, Christianity is given a lot of weight because of its bigger population. Based on the arguments made by the authors, we learn how the ideas held by the Greeks about God came to endow the fundamental language and expressions of Christian mysticism- from the apprehensions of the desert vicars for vice and virtue to the journeys into celestial darkness. Equally significant, the Carmodys make comparisons on the mysticism initiated in one culture with that initiated by the others, illuminating how mystical practices contrasts widely from one religion to another. For instance, they do not find that the Jewish mystical experience has rarely been given to the magical flight that is practiced by the shamans, nor has it given over-consideration to miracles. Also, the authors make a comparison between John of the cross’s repudiation of the self and the Indian’s principle of “not this, not that,” which is related to the Buddhist notion of Nirvana. Therefore, from the different explanations and analyses, the Carmodys give a clear and understandable description of mysticism and the different religious and traditional practices that constitute mystical experiences.
Reflection
Mystical experiences direct us to the heart of the universe, the foundation of all creation, and the celestial place where everything that happens has meaning. But it may well be the least unstated aspect of humanity’s longing for ultimate meaning. Ideally, mysticism is a complex concept that not everyone understands. After reading the text by the Carmodys, I have come to appreciate different ways of my life as a Christian. Christianity, similar to other religions, has its practices that every person yearning for meaning and sense in life tries to adhere to. Born in a Christian family, living a straight and truthful life in the eyes of God has been the main message that my parents and church leaders have tried to preach to me. However, what is challenging is what is required to live a life that is considered spiritual or mystical. Therefore, the text by Carmody & Carmody (1996) tries to give explanations regarding mysticism and what is required in every religion to live a spiritual life.
Fundamentally, the Carmodys’ text makes me reflect on my life. I was born in a Catholic family. My mother and father held very strong Christian values and worked hard to make us understand what Christianity was all about. Personally, the message got to me loud and clear. Until my 17th birthday, I became very religion- always going for masses and joining youth groups. However, after my 17th year, I started to appreciate what Christianity was all about. I began to understand that there is a difference between being religious and being spiritual. Ideally, people always confuse these two concepts. It is a fact that one can be religious but not spiritual and vice versa. In my case, my growth into Christianity and the understanding of the fundamental values made me think differently. On top of that, I started to interact with people from other religions, especially the Jews, Muslims, among others and realized that religion was simply an affiliation. One does not need to affiliate him or herself with a particular religion for them to be spiritual. Spirituality is personal- understanding your relationship with God and showing more concern about your own soul and spirit. If you ask me, it is better to be spiritual than religions because in the world we live in today, people use religion for their selfish gains.
Further, one can only appreciate the difference between spirituality and religion after interacting with people from other religions. My life changed after I stopped recognizing religious affiliation more and became spiritual. I started to understand mysticism on a personal level. In fact, after marrying a Jew and interacting with Buddhists, I came to the realization that all religions subscribe to the same values and beliefs. Having a clear comprehension of the values and beliefs of Christianity and getting to understand the ways and values of the Jews and Buddhists, it was clear to me that all of these religions center around spiritual intuition, inner voice, self-surrender, and most importantly, personal relationship with the highest, which is basically spirituality. In short, being spiritual is what makes a person able to see the world differently. All religious values encourage spirituality. In as much as the society defines a person’s beliefs based on the religion they are affiliated with, the most fundamental aspects of religious practices that define a person’s inner self are similar across all the six religions discussed by the Carmodys. In fact, reading through the text makes you realize the essential things that we have been missing in the name of associating ourselves with religion and condemning other people who practice different religions.
On the face of it, the Carmodys’ text mainly highlights the different practices that every religion is involved with. However, when one tries to understand the directions, it becomes clear that the authors try to elaborate on the theories of mysticism that are associated with the six religions discussed. The major argument made by the Carmodys is that mystical experiences provide meaning to life by taking us to the center of the universe and letting us understand the world with a spiritual mind. In essence, mystics have a great comprehension of the meaning of life more than the atheists. Based on my experiences as a Christian, my understanding of the Jewish practices, and my association with other religious practices such as Buddhism, I would agree with the Carmodys’ argument about mysticism. Indeed, the world is complex and requires help to understand. Science has tried to make sense of the world yet there are still questions that need answers and science has failed to elaborate. For instance, the theory of evolution tries to answer the question of our existence. However, the theory is not conclusive enough to answer all the questions regarding how man came to be. It is for this reason that the Christian story about our existence brings meaning to our existence.
In essence, looking at the world in a spiritual perspective makes sense of the universe. When one becomes mystic, they can understand the source of every aspect of life as well as the place where everything that happens in the world is controlled. In other words, mystics have extra power in belief and spirituality – they use the spiritual tools at their disposal to appreciate everything that happens around them. To say the least, mystics are in a better position to explain both the existence of the world and humanity. A good example, for Christians, is the prophecies in the book of revelation. Christian mystics believe that all the things that happen every day were prophesied in the book of revelation. The wars, conflicts between countries, conflicts between religions and the fight against religion as a whole was prophesied to signify the end of the world- this is what the Christian mystics believe. In fact, the book of revelation highlights these events explicitly and calls on every believer to live according to the word of God if they want to go to heaven. It is from these prophesies that every Christian mystic understands what the wars and conflicts mean. Everything makes sense when looked at in the Bible’s perspective. Therefore, the Carmodys’ argument that mystical experiences make us understand things happening around us by taking us to the center of the universe is true. In short, a deeper understanding of the world requires a person to connect deeply with the values and teachings of the religions. It is true that some religions are awaiting the coming of a prophet- Christians are awaiting the second coming of Jesus while Muslims are awaiting the second coming of Prophet Muhammad. Essentially, the concept is the same. Both believe that the second coming is the beginning of judgment. Thus, they are required to live according to the teachings and values of the religions- in short, they are required to be spiritual.
Moreover, the mystical experiences and the comparative mysticisms between different religions psychologically influence the mystics. Once a person believes in the word of God or certain religious practices, they start to picture every situation elaborated by the practices in their mind and tries to make sense of them. The example that is given of the book of revelation explains why all the mystic beliefs are psychological. For instance, the prophecies in the book create imaginations in the mind of the spiritualists- they then try to explain their surrounding events using the Bible and all these are done through the mind. Therefore, mystics are not just spiritually motivated but also psychologically influenced by the practices and values stipulated by the various religions. Lastly, I have learned a lot from the Carmodys’ arguments. Being the major reading of this term, I have learned to understand every religion and why they take part in their practices. Most importantly, I have come to understand that despite the difference in practices, every religion believes in a superior power. Thus, when interacting with members of other religious groups, it is important to appreciate their culture and inner beliefs because they all narrow down to one thing- living right.
Conclusion
Conclusively, understanding religion and spirituality is a challenge to many. Perhaps it is the reason why the number of self-proclaimed atheists grows day-by-day. However, the text by the Carmodys ties to shade light on why mysticism is important for humanity. Making claims that mystics understand the world better than other people is bold, but they support the claim by giving insights into the different practices and beliefs that one can relate to the current events and happenings around the world. In this regard, their argument perfectly reflects what the mystics are and how the various religious beliefs make sense of the world around us.
References
Carmody, D. L., & Carmody, J. (1996). Mysticism: Holiness east and west. Oxford University Press, USA.
Parsons, W. B. (1999). The enigma of the oceanic feeling: Revisioning the psychoanalytic theory of mysticism. Oxford University Press on Demand.