Mysticism

This little section is my attempt to understand the mystical state of mind from my perspective. If anyone has suggestions, let 'er rip...

• Mystical light is not cheap grace. It is formed in the forge of trial and suffering.

• True mysticism is formed in spite of you. In a way you earn your light, but not before you try to give up several times first

• When you've gone too far to see your way back, this is the beginning of true mysticism.

• Trusting in what you do not yet know, is your only defense.

• You will know fear, but you must carry on.

• Don't pursue the shallow and cheap, don't pursue pleasure.

• Pursue silence, stillness.

• You will grow one step at a time.

• Controlling thoughts only causes suffering, instead examine your motivations, your underlying biases.

• You will know yourself.

• Work to free your mind of egoic thoughts and identities.

• Life will look completely different on the other side.

• Like Jesus said, we should be both serpents and doves. Don't ignore wisdom or deny peace. If you do not balance these, you will suffer.

• Not by what the senses perceive, but by what causes the senses to perceive

• Not by what the mind knows, but by what causes the mind to know

• Not by what the heart loves, but by what causes the heart to love