“Man is not capable of understanding that which he doesn’t halfway know.”

This has been something I bear in mind whenever I attempt to explain mysticism, to someone who has not recollected the “seeded” experience in their own life. I use the term recollected for a specific reason., along with the term “seeded.“

In my experience, I used a singular event to guide me to this day. I accepted the outcome of that event, not by faith alone, but by logic and common sense. For brevity’s sake, I offered a prayer when I was a child, that, through bizarre and miraculous means, came true. It was a prayer of protection for my mother, who was in harm’s way. Not only was my mother unharmed, but the perpetrators vanished into thin air.

Literally.

As a result, my mother went into a form of shock, and I was left to accept that someone heard my prayer, and was willing to prove themselves so strongly, so dynamically, that I never forgot that event to this day.

According to your theory, that would be considered “A1” or “ultimate reality.” This event was witnessed by two parties, so it wasn’t a subjective outcome. Therefore, it was “true.”

And, this is became an ongoing recollection of what I know. Not surmised. Not hoped for. Not believed in.

Know.

After that experience, my logic attached itself to my faith. My common sense led me to greater experiences, and, at present, my resolve on this matter is concrete.

No.

Solid steel.

Impenetrable.

As a result, my recollection of that event, began my journey as a mystic. I feel the realm offers “seeds” to all people, as I feel that all people have the propensity and ability to nurture that seed, along with the recollection of only one event, and become as asserted as I, and my predecessors, have been throughout history. The only difference between well-known mystics, and non-well known mystics, is that the former are willing to die for their seeds – and their recollections. Unfortunately, the latter seem to struggle with skepticism, and continue to either deny their own experiences, or allow those seeds to dissolve in a murky pool of theories by those who have no recollection of their own.

Therefore, I am certain that Plato, Socrates and all who have since attempted to impart wisdom upon humanity, would not mind if I re-phrased their collective statement:

“Humanity is not able to understand, and build upon, that which they have never recollected, and nurtured.”

Where are your seeds, Dr. Clark? Have you cast them aside? Or allowed them to dissolve….

See >> http://earthpages.wordpress.com/2008/12/31/skepticism/

From my perspective, it might be possible for one to have an experience or experiences that are beyond a shadow of a doubt. But I also think some problems may arise, especially with regard to experiences of so-called “ultimate reality.”

Two main issues I see are:

1) A person has experience ‘A’ at time ‘1′ and believes this is ultimate reality–i.e. God. Then, down the road, a person has experience ‘B’ at time ‘2′ that contextualizes the experience ‘A’ that they had at time ‘1,’ compelling him or her to revise their former belief concerning A-1.

This process arguably could go on indefinitely. That is, C-3 could contextualize B-2. D-4 could contextualize C-3 and so on.

2) One person’s experience and related understanding of ultimate reality may be more comprehensive than another person’s.

As a scientific investigator I don’t buy into any theory completely. Instead, I form my own hypotheses and related theories and try, as best one can, to test them in the field of real life.

Being someone who apparently is enamored by Jung, it would appear that you value his path greatly, as he was a mystic. There are many great mystics in history. Their visions and revelations continue to fill the books that are studied and honored by seekers to this very day. Mysticism, therefore, is a valued path by the world’s view, and will, no doubt, survive the ever-changing winds of time. Until, that is, each and every human in existence begins to embrace and nourish their own “seeded” capabilities. According to my understanding of Jesus Christ’s statements, and I paraphrase, he noted that all people could know what he knew, and rise above the common understandings of their current times.

As far as organized religion, I do find it limiting. It seems to be circular, and not spiraling upwards, as it could be. Having spent nearly 30 years both attending and being employed by various ministries, I found this to be so, once again, from personal experience.

I have spent much time visiting the altars of various faiths, and have, in the past, been willing to bow at each and every one of them. But, as my revelations continued over the course of my life, I discovered that the entity that may, or may not, occupy the altar of which my sincere reverence was directed – neither expected a prostrate posture, nor desired it.

If one considers that our creator(s) to be of superior intelligence, grace and mercy, they must also concede that humility accompanies true power. I have been in the company of the most brilliant minds in the world, and some of the most influential and most powerful. I have always offered my respect, but have never been asked to degrade myself in their presence. The only time self-degradation, in my life, has been appropriate or required, was when I was in the company of those whose power was lofty, and limited…

I’d find this more convincing if you tested with live human beings in each instance–one group lies to you and the other tells the truth.

Funny thing is that I seem to have a similar reaction when people lie to me. On an intuitive level it rings hollow and phony.

I can rarely prove it of course because most liars are so messed up they hardly realize, themselves, that they are lying and will probably deny it if pressed.

As for the ego, just to clarify I did not mean ego as in ’selfish desire’ but in the Jungian sense.

http://www.psychceu.com/Jung/sharplexicon.html

To denigrate all organized religion to my mind is not going to make anything better in terms of advocating global understanding and peace.

However, I agree that organized religion does have its less desirable and immature aspects, which are often singled out and magnified by gnostics and mystics such as yourself.

In your words I see little appreciation for the good in organized religion, which to me suggests that you believe your own perspective/path is of more value.

“…the former tries to duplicate itself, almost like a clone or virus, among individuals whereas the latter allows for each person’s unique individuality.”

I would have to agree with that. Unfortunately, it doesn’t shed a positive light on organized religion versus mysticism.

Mysticism, in my opinion, does, indeed, allow for a person’s unique individuality. Whereas, organized religion tends to limit it.

But, perhaps I am thinking too broadly.

You must remember that mysticism can be dangerous to those who merely want to dabble, and not continue. In the ancient Mystery Schools, many were warned that if an individual chooses to discontinue their training, they may, indeed, die – spiritually. I think the “death” they were referring to was “die to truth.”

I have been known to compare my mystery school training with that of the Navy Seals. It has been dangerous and extremely challenging. But, I am also very aware of the fact that if I had discontinued “in the middle” I would have rendered myself both helpless and victimized. Not by the spirit realm, but by humanity.

Jung, a well-read mystic. I am fairly familiar with some of his theories, but I find that his language and terminology exclude those who are, perhaps, in most need of this type of information.

But, to your question and apparent interest in the discernment of negative spirits versus positive. (Archaic terminology we’re using, but let’s use it for clarity)

You must understand, that this is a very, very complicated process and not easily explained in common terms. And, as a matter of fact, I have never attempted to explain it in text.

This process, with me, was done in steps. Again, remember that I only speak from personal experience.

The first step, was discerning the body-reaction to deceit. Somehow, and for some unknown reason, my body reacts in a physical way to false information. This, as I understand, is a small step to discernment of negative spirits and their communications. The exercise of this function was practiced through intentional deceptive statements given to me by living humans, and the body-reaction was noted. Then, I was told to compare that reaction to the information I was given by the communicants of the spirit realm.

No reaction.

I was told that the body-reaction is the most reliable, aside from a logical approach to the information, which again, is a step process.

There is also a process of comparison, categorization, and validation.

If you recall, in the Bible, perhaps, it states that a mystic “reads the land.” This is true, in my experience. But, again, a very complicated method….