MYSTICISM

" Mysticism is an embracing term for viewed awareness of the unborn."

This a mystery to the unitiated, and that is you and me.The only ones who know are the Natural Mystics, and the Adepts and Masters of Yoga. As it is inseparable from the discussion about the evolutionary path to which we areall bound, something needs to be said by way of such information available from the testimony of those who have had the experience. There is considerable literature about the lives of saints and mystics. Some saints appear to have been mystics, judging by the ecstatic experiences described. Although sainthood is often associated with mystic experience, it does not necessarily imply Enlightenment. This occurs when the higher self becomes united with the lower self, as a result of the raising of the kundalini and the realisation of that elevated state "Cosmic Consciousness", which in the light of metaphysical knowledge is the true mystical experience. This is symbolised by the six-pointed star formed by the two opposing triangles being brought together from below and above, and illustrates the" Fire of Kundalini " from below meeting the "Water of Spirit" from above. These opposing triangles are ancient symbols of fire and water. The lower self having been "overcome", that is transmuted, is allowed union with The Soul, which is always another expression of the Higher Self. This process is a continuous battle until then, between that which constitutes the personality and the higher self ; it is the "Quest",or"The Kurukshestra " as described in the Bhagavadgita, where Arjuna typifies the lower self, and Krishna the higher consciousness advising and encouraging. This battle takes place on the Astral Plane, where our basic selves store our desires and ambition. One of the rewards is Freedom, which is the abandonment of Freewill with its fetters of attachments. On close analysis Freewill is anything but free. This is emphasised in the "Nine Freedoms", that remarkable book outlining the evolution of man beyond earthly existence.

In the achievement of soul-consciousness the astral body is no longer required and the soul creates a superior vehicle called the"causal body". This permits access to the higher planes. The construction of this body takes place gradually over a long period, and is performed by the "manas factor"which it does by the connection between the spirit and the soul, made possible by virtue of the monad as unit and replica in miniature of The Monad.

The mystical experience, therefore, can be envisaged as that resulting from the sublimation of the lower into something higher. The mediaeval saints often used fasting, ascetic practices and fervent prayers over a life-time, to achieve something akin to the mystical experience and accompanied by visions. In metaphysical terms it is rendered by that force lying dormant at the base if the spine being activated and raised up to the crown chakra. This is, to reiterate, the goal of all humanity, and sole purpose of terrestrial life. The human phase is a transitory one and the most difficult towards higher levels of existence. The essential feature of earthly life is for educating experience under the exact control and guidance of the Lords of Karma.