Mysticism comes from the Greek word “to conceal,” which conveys a spiritual connotation as it involves the communication with a divinity that gives us guidance and a spiritual foundation. Philosophers conduct a logical analysis of the truths and principles of being and knowledge to gain insight into ourselves. Philosophy assumes everything is explicable in naturalistic terms and yet there is a tendency to reject any supernatural explanation of the mystical experience. The philosophy of mysticism is an important element concerning human understanding because it provides knowledge about the human spirit, which is of great significance as it takes on the relationship between a Supreme Being and the soul that influences our actions. When philosophers discuss God and religion, the human spirit is not examined yet this is pivotal to the understanding of our human nature. While mysticism is perceived as a non-traditional belief system, it exists with a profound underlying influence throughout society.
For centuries, mysticism has played a significant role throughout history, cultures and religions. Mysticism commenced with attempts to explain natural phenomenon such as thunder, lightening as omens and would make offerings to the gods to appease them with the hope to establish harmony and good fortune. For a symbol to become mystical it must got through these stages: awakening in which one begins to have some consciousness of a divine reality, cleansing which is characterized by an awareness of ones own imperfection, illumination which is marked by consciousness with a vision of heaven and earth and a union and worshiping of a Supreme Being. Enlightenment and union with God are made possible via mystical paths, which are available to everyone who is willing to follow the practice of a given mystical system. Mysticism looks at the reality of nature, knowledge and phenomenon and then relates these aspects to a mystical experience. This is an attempt to describe the cause and effect between one’s internal state and the miraculous hints with the connection between the mysterious realm of nature and religion and for humankind to be able to explain these events.
Religions use mysticism to enhance the perception of an omnipotent Supreme Being, which goes onto, reinforce the belief in the faith that this is the divine truth and knowledge. Theistic metaphysical systems most often understand mystical experience as individual communication with God. These very subjective experiences are portrayed as visions, miracles, dreams, revelations or prophecies. The person who experiences these supernatural occurrences usually tend to be described as being virtuous and of good moral standing which is used to add to the validity of the event which also keeps the mystic encounter as part of a traditional belief system. Their direct experience with a Supreme Being usually tends to give the individual a divine goal or task. All religions have a concept of a human spirit or soul that lies within each individual. The soul is of great spiritual significance. The soul takes on a relationship with God and is a symbol of our purity and nature. Mysticism seeks this unity of the soul while in the body and it is through prayer and meditation that people can improve their soul. This refers to the beliefs and practices which go beyond the liturgical and devotional forms of worship. One seeks inner meanings of the religious doctrine by engaging in spiritual practices that are designed to heighten spiritual awareness. In mysticism, the soul plays an important part in the after life. Depending upon one’s good or bad behaviour throughout one natural life will determine one’s place in the afterlife for eternity. The concept of heaven and hell influence peoples decisions and actions. Heaven is perceived to be a place of purity and tranquility while hell is perceived to be a place of torment where one is punished for one’s wrongdoings during their natural life. From a philosophical standpoint, people may have a requirement to believe in life after death as a means of helping to explain their life on earth, hope and further sense of purpose. By influencing the person’s behavioural decisions, it has a direct correlation of how we interact with each other in society. Baruch Spinoza discussed the freedom of understanding of God, which gives us the importance of ethics, which gives people the knowledge and intellect to make rational decisions. Our belief in the human spirit ensures ethical decisions are taken so that we adhere to the religious and social laws that govern our behaviour. Religions maintain a belief system that continually reinforces the idea of the soul and its ability to live on after death.
We believe that some selected individuals have the unique ability to communicate with the spirits in the afterlife to provide knowledge and foresight into past and future events. David Hume’s An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding mentions that imagination provides us with unlimited power to examine ideas that are furnished by internal and external senses. Since the mind has authority over all of its ideas, our feelings are directly connected to our perceptions as well as our belief in the existence of the human spirit. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believes that astronomy was born of superstition, eloquence of ambition, hatred, falsehood, and flattery; physics of an idle curiosity; and moral philosophy like all the rest, of human pride. Thus, the arts and science owe their birth to our vices [Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts]. We maintain a connection to the afterlife by celebrating holidays such as Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which involves the senses distinct perception which reinforces the ideas and the imaginary experience. For generations the stories are retold until it becomes rooted in our society as a mystical experience celebration.
Immanuel Kant discusses metaphysics and views of nature as the existence of things, which are complex and based on objective reality giving cognitive experiences. Philosophers assume everything is explicable in naturalistic terms and we should reject any supernatural explanation of a mystical experience. Yet various philosophers have discussed God, religion, and their role with human understanding. Mysticism is not as discussed because it is seen as a non-traditional belief system and not supported by religion and society. However, it exists with a profound underlying influence throughout society. Mysticism centers on a set of practices which is intended to nurture the spiritual experience. A person who believes in the possibility of attaining insight into mysteries of spiritual intuition that transcend ordinary human knowledge or a direct union of the soul with God through contemplation. It conveys an aura of a mystery in which a mystical power surrounding it has a particular force. It can be a traditional or legendary story concerned with deities that help explain the creation of the world and its inhabitants in an attempt to explain a basic truth. Philosophers use the nature of reality and mysticism plays an important role because it influences human behaviour. The soul acts as a moral compass to guide our conscience to help determine right from wrong.
The philosophy of mysticism is part of a non-traditional belief system and is an important element when examining human understanding. Mysticism is used to rationalize uncontrollable events and can give us comfort. It allows us to bridge the gap of space and time giving us the perceived idea that the human spirit lives on after death. The laws of nature are objective, finite and based on our perception and knowledge yet the soul’s existence is subjective, infinite, and perceived through our intuition. Philosophy’s systematic examination of the concepts of truth, existence and reality are fundamental elements in understanding ourselves however, we also need to incorporate the indelible human spirit.
-Ashley Elek
0 comments:
Post a Comment