This is the first post to my new blog, Modern Mystic Man. As such, I thought that I might give readers an understanding of what I think of as "Modern Mysticism". It may not be what you think.
Before I begin, I would like to remind you all that any opinions, concepts, ideas and general thoughts on this site and in fact all original content created by me is my own personal responsibility. It does not reflect the thoughts, values or concepts of any employers or clients that I may have now or in the future. I take full responsibility for my work and no affiliation should be implied by anything that is stated herein.
Basically, if you don’t like what I have to say, the only one to blame (if you are into that kind of thing) is me.
I don’t claim to be some all knowing guru or anything. In fact, I am willing to say that everything that you read on this site is pure speculation on my part. What is true is up to you. Don’t believe it until you see it in your own life, with your own heart and mind.
So, what do I mean by "Modern Mysticism"?
I found this entry at Dictionary.com
mys·ti·cism n.
-
- Immediate consciousness of the transcendent or ultimate reality or God.
- The experience of such communion as described by mystics.
- A belief in the existence of realities beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension that are central to being and directly accessible by subjective experience.
- Vague, groundless speculation.
When I contemplate each of these definitions, they all seem to fit fairly well. I really like the idea of "Immediate consciousness of the transcendent or ultimate reality or God". Definition 2 works pretty well also, though I am not so much concerned with "belief" per se, though I must admit that I do believe in the existence of "mystical" realities. As for it all being "Vague, groundless speculation" I can definitely go for that *smile*.
I think the best way to describe what I’m interested in as modern mysticism can be comprehended by considering the following question,
"What exactly, is an electron?"
Think twice before you answer. The true understanding of this question has been a puzzle that modern physics has been trying to unravel for the past hundred or so years. I would think that any physicist who has contemplated quantum mechanics deeply enough would consider this an ideal Zen koan (A puzzling, often paradoxical statement or story, used in Zen Buddhism as an aid to meditation and a means of gaining spiritual awakening) like, "what is the sound of one hand clapping".
It is the contemplation of such ideas that I refer to as modern mysticism. The nature of reality is truly a mystery. Is not a mystic one who contemplates and investigates mysteries? I would then say that a theoretical physicist is a kind of modern mystic, thought I suspect that there are few who would accept such a description for themselves since it might be detrimental to their career.
Therefore, since I am not a working theoretical physicist who has to maintain the good will of his peers and the academic community, I am willing to accept such an appellation for myself. This also gives me the freedom to explore areas of mystical thought that go beyond the realm of physics and into the realm of metaphysics.
Hey Ray,
It’s a mind stretching event to read this. I’d say you have met my criteria for getting involved with a web site. You grab hold and I cannot help but get engaged in the subject, even when I know little about it. I see I may be able to learn something beyond my expectations.