Monday, February 25, 2008
Those Who Stand Outside the Church Doors
As wonderful as Karen Armstrong was, she was addressing (essentially) religious traditions as expressed through institutions and creeds and not the deep mystics, some of whom are embedded within the traditions, some wholly apart. She speaks to a general audience about compassion, tolerance, and understanding of other cultures and other religions, and these are extremely important. But what of those without institutional affiliation, or who find their unique path in ways contrary to the churches they serve? Where do the mystics fit in?
What is a deep mystic? I think of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross from the Christians, Muslims such as Rumi and others who sang of (and to) the Beloved Within, the Jewish Cabalists (and others) who related to the divine through the exploration of Mystery,the Hindus who follow the practices of ancient tantra and goddess worship, and, of course, the entirety of Tibetan Buddhism in its ancient, pure form.
Yes, deep mystics occur within the traditions, but they also exist outside all established orders. They are those who follow the "direct path" to the divine, without the intervention of priest, book, or rule.
To experience massive kundalini awakening is to be catapulted onto a profound mystical path. There may be no guide or map for the journey. One may have to discover a path which is uniquely one's own. Then one must listen carefully to the inner voice for counsel and direction. There may be many who are eager to interpret the experience (in their particular terms) or to direct the voyager along the way. Some of these may be helpful, others false prophets. Discrimination is essential. Caution is required.
But--the direct mystic may be one who holds in his/her hand the prize that the others are seeking. She may be one who is in fact fully open to God. She may be prepared to sacrifice all the identity markers of the outside world (professional success, social approval, standing in the community) in order to commune with the inner spirit, the (for her) one true voice.
All the mystics meet at the still point at the center. There is indeed only one god, one divine presence, one reality. We all seek it daily in our lives, whether we recognize it or not. The seeker-mystic is vouchsafed glimpses and tastes, but these are sufficient to keep her focused on the inner presence. The mystic knows that "God is within you" and that "you are within god." This affirmation is enough, and creeds, belief systems, churches are no longer needed.
February 25, 2008
Kundalini Circle near San Diego
I recently received the following e-mail:
I am a new comer (from the east coast) to the San Diego area, and am looking to join a Kundalini meditation group. I would also be willing to volunteer (free of charge) my time in facilitating kundalini meditation/dialogues with anyone (or a group) interested, within the San Diego area, (I live in the 92108 zip code).
Albert Nahmani
1-760-707-8467
nahmanial@yahoo.com
