A Word About Mysticism

"Religions are founded by what mystics say when they come back; but what the mystics say is not the same as what happened to them." ~Ram Dass

Mystics appear in all religions and all paths of life. What does it mean? A person who questions authority and seeks direct knowlege for herself, often within the framework of a standing religion liberally explored.

Mysticism has no dogma, rituals, rules or regulations that impede practice. There is no “right” or “wrong” way. We learn to live in balance and harmony with reality. Each person is responsible for their own behavior and practice.

Mystics are not rule followers
Considering all religions, they are practiced in two ways - religiously or spiritually, as an exoteric religion or an esoteric spiritual path. The goal of both is happiness, the end of suffering, known as oneness, non duality. Both may lead to the goal but the mystic cannot abide religiosity as the religious cannot abide the apparent boundlessness of mysticism. A mystic is differentiated from the spiritual by the intensity of their commitment to being available to the lessons, Dhamma, found in each moment. A mystic is transformed by the lessons and becomes increasingly separate from the herd, yet increasingly compassionate toward others and they are drawn to her clarity and kindness.

Frankly being a misfit is painful; misfit and mystic are just labels used in search for comfort. We can probably agree that pain is inevitable with a human body, but we also believe suffering is optional. The practice is to learn how we can alleviate suffering to achieve happiness. Promoting harmony among the Sangha is part of happiness. This is the basis for this latest stage in our evolution. Nobody wants to remain in discomfort for long. Sometimes it takes a while to find the way to happiness even with the Dhamma guiding us.

Buddhism can certainly be a mystical path
The Buddha was a mystic. A practical application of Buddha Dhamma causes profound changes. Due to the ripple effect the entire cosmos is affected by the practice, not just the practitioner. When one takes the practice off the cushion with persistent application, transformation takes place, this is the heart of Buddhist mysticism.

Buddhism is also a world religion, with sects and sectarianism. We have not found this welcoming and to avoid duality and suffering we practice outside the myriad traditions and yet still find a place in the periphery where hearts and minds are open and flexible. There is no need for conflict and letting go is the greatest gift, so we are glad to live in the concrete daily world of practicing Dhamma, where the fluid nature of reality is nutritive and beneficial to all. The kid that said to everyone, " he has no clothes" was not welcome initially by the court, we choose instead to leave the parade and let those who wish to see the marvelous suit see it as they will, with relief for all.

Reaching the goal vs. methods used
The mystic is more interested in reaching the goal than with any one method. When imagery, symbolism and ritual advance her toward the goal they are used, when no longer of use they are discarded, not maintained for sentimentality or nostalgia. They are not mistaken for a means to teach when teaching is clearly seen as unfolding naturally from authentic being.

A practical application of Buddha Dhamma causes profound changes. Due to the ripple effect the entire cosmos is affected by the practice, not just the practitioner. When one takes the practice off the cushion with persistent application, transformation takes place. This is the heart of Buddhist mysticism.

The magic of the Buddha Dhamma is the concrete and very real benefits that come from following the Noble Eightfold Path especially in its three divisions of Heightened Mind, Heightened Virtue and Heightened Discernment. Venerable KC DaiKai Madika WarEagle and the Great Determination Sangha practice Awakening Stillness Qigong as an adjunct, a beneficial tool for all aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Multiple Modalities
We learn from everything we encounter. We use the teachings of the Buddha, the teaching of The Holographic Universe, the Law of Attraction to just name a few.

We respect each other’s "truths." We encourage each other with our success stories. We don’t argue over doctrine or rituals. Each person creates their own truth their own experiences. We operate out of generosity, compassion and wisdom. We strive to keep an open and flexible mind in all situations.

Intention is the key
Control of "thinking" (putting two or more thoughts together on the same subject). The instructions are simple - drop your storyline, judging mind. Keep an open and flexible mind in all situations. We have learned how to swim from head knowledge, now it is time to jump into the deep end of the pool and swim! Our exploration is done with insight from practicing generosity, compassion and wisdom. We experience oneness, wholeness, harmony with reality. There is no grasping or pushing away - we accept reality how it exists right now without wanting to change it. The only thing we change is our perspective.

There are no cookie-cutter answers, every situation is unique and can only be responded to with generosity, compassion and wisdom. This is developed by practicing non-judging. Practice seeing the world as it truly exists without our storyline attached to it. There is no clinging to ideas or habits.

Hazards and noble friends
Genuine authentic being is not forced into an ill fitting boot by those who follow a mystic path. Those who follow a religious path will maintain a doctrine in effort to bring to it a purified authenticity; for some this has a needed structure and a beauty that is fulfilling, for those who fit a less doctrinal path it is unrewarding. That is just a difference to be accepted not to divide. The practice of mysticism is personal and unique to every individual. What works for one person may not work for another and in fact can be harmful if the practitioner is inexperienced or a marvelous practice opportunity if the practitioner is ready.

The hazards along the way are myriad but the Buddha prepares us for them. Noble friends are our foremost allies in the journey as in the best defense is a good offense. Knowing Mara, not as a person but a personification of our own foibles and failings also helps. Keeping the reasons we started on the path in mind is essential as is bringing discernment to every moment in order to deflect the foolishness that confuses temporary satisfaction with true happiness. The healing and repose of the jhannas, the measureless spaces, protects and restores intention. Persistent application of the Dhamma nourishes and shields the mystic on the path.

As Albert Einstein said
"If there is any religion that would cope with modern science it would be Buddhism." Physics and Neuroscience today reflect the Dhamma, even using Buddhist monks to demonstrate the changes wrought in the brain by dedicated meditation.

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