posted April 11, 2013 04:02 PM
If we wish to know the truth about religion, and "God", we must study the mystics, -- not the masses, as is so frequently done. More than that, we must go the way they went.The true mystics of all faiths have always asserted that "God" is simply a word, a name, for something which defies description, and which may only be hinted at through actions, images, and ideas. It was the opinion of many such mystics that this "something" is worthy of a great name, and that no greater name could be found than the name of "God". Likewise, many things in their experience are described as "sacred", "holy", or "divine", because no lesser words seemed fitting. This is, of course, a value judgment, and not open to dispute.
The word "God" may apply to the ultimate truth, but it may also apply to the images we have conceived (perhaps drawing upon archetypes already seeded within our own subconscious minds), in order to bring us closer to that truth. The former is the common root of all mystically inspired faiths, while the latter are individual outgrowths, variously expressed. In the first instance, we can say very little about "Him"; maybe nothing at all. In the second, we must reflect that our conceptions are flawed; that, by their very nature, they have the power to reveal, as well as to conceal, spiritual realities. If symbols or symbol-systems do not resonate with you, simply find another way which feels more comfortable for you.
As human beings, many of us find it helpful to make use of a human symbol for God. In attributing personal characteristics, we are speaking in a figurative way. Figurative is not necessarily the same as fictional, but neither is it matter-of-fact. In the Hindu tradition, they have a notion of "the chosen ideal". The devotee selects from a pantheon of gods or avatars the one to which he/she feels a special affinity. This "chosen ideal" serves as a stand-in, or surrogate, for The Ineffable. Many people find it helpful to focus their devotions on this symbol (or Word), while retaining an awareness of "God" as something utterly beyond conception, and certainly beyond description.
The greatest mystics have found, through the experience and practice of deep meditation, a level of consciousness so secure, so peaceful, and so profound, that they were able to experience a complete transcendence of the personality, the body, and all sense of separateness; with the input of the mind and senses hushed, they were able to sink, and to settle, into the very seat of their being; to actually experience their interconnectedness with everyone and everything. The love and fearlessness this inspires has made these individuals beacons of virtue. The best of them have become enduring symbols for something infinitely greater than themselves; historical guideposts, signifying the revelation of the purest truths and mysteries.
All notions and symbols for God serve their purpose only when sacrificed to something beyond themselves, and, ultimately, to something beyond all; "except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
Lindaland
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posted April 11, 2013 04:02 PM
posted April 11, 2013 04:56 PM
posted April 11, 2013 07:19 PM