What is Rational Mysticism - Part 1
Where do we come from?
Why are we here?
What is the meaning of Life?
What is the nature of reality?
Fundamental questions that have been asked by mystics and scientists for over 2000 years.For some these questions can only be answered through accepting divine doctrine, by having faith in the spiritual nature of the Universe.For others these questions can only be answered through scientific method by having faith in the rational, mechanical nature of the Universe.For some these paths are in conflict.For the Rational Mystic these paths harmonise in ways which are awe-full; co-dependent; liberating; scientific and spiritual.Rational Mysticism is about challenging the dogma which ensnares our thinking…Rational Mysticism is about recognising the symbolic and metaphoric nature of both science and spirituality…
Rational Mysticism is about questioning certainty and celebrating synchronicity…
Rational Mysticism is about radical constructivism and post-modern deconstruction…
Rational Mysticism is about sowing the seeds for a major paradigm shift; a new level of consciousness and universal awareness…
Rational Mysticism is about applying magic to science and science to magic…
A Rational Mystic is aware of the psychology of deception; is conversant with scientific method and open to the possibility of the improbable.
A Scientific Paradigm
One of the things that some mystics often fail to understand about science is the scientific process. In essence science advances by establishing testable hypotheses and rigorous experimentation which is open to peer review. Scientists attempt to test existing theories not by proving them but by attempting to disprove them. A scientific theory needs to withstand these tests and stands by its abilities to predict the when, where and what of the events it describes.All scientific theories are supported by defined processes - that is the WHAT.All scientific theories are able to predict - that is the WHEN and WHERE.A robust theory will evolve as new processes are discovered and understood.When arguing against scientific method many New Age-type mystics fail to appreciate the organic nature of scientific thought and the evolution of scientific theory.
A Mystical Paradigm
One of the things that some scientists often fail to understand about mysticism is its metaphorical nature.In essence mysticism is about a personal response to what is seen, heard, felt and thought about the universe. As such it is purely subjective and not easily open for others to review. There are no hard and fast theories because of the personal nature of the individuals response to what is around them. Traditionally mystics have developed a set of associations, symbols and ideas which are used to share personal insights with others. When a group of people share the same symbols and associations a particular cosmology is defined. Such cosmologies will include entities of various descriptions and persuasions. In time the symbols and associations themselves gather around them their own momentum and so become the ‘hard and fast’ ideas upon which ’spiritual dogma’ is built. The dogma becomes a ‘truth’ and the metaphorical symbols become literal.Spiritual Truth and Spiritual Dogma, once established, is unchangeable and does not evolve when new things about the universe are discovered.
A Rational-Mystical Paradigm
There is much about the universe in which we live which can be predicted and explained by scientific method. When speaking the language of science there is an awareness of its rigour and precision. The aim of science is to explore the possibilities that exist within the cosmos and define mechanisms and processes upon which to build theories about the way things work. This is an ongoing process and the scientific flights of fancy today may well become the scientific theory of tomorrow.Within this scientific and rational framework the individual strives to make sense of their own personal experience of the world around them. The growth of scientific knowledge is celebrated as it enriches considerations of the mysteries which remain… and will continue to remain.There is the recognition that there is space for science and faith to have distinct roles to play within our lives and whilst scientists strive to unpick the mechanics of the universe through reduction, the mystic tries to comprehend the whole. There is the recognition that there is ’scientific truth’ and ‘personal truth’ and both can be harmonised within the individual.There is the understanding that belief influences perception and perception becomes truth so there is the need to recognise what can be called ‘emotional truths’ which are perhaps the most stubborn of truths to grasp, examine and alter.
Make A Comment: ( None so far )
You must be logged in to post a comment.
