Mysticism Vs Rationality
We have always had philosophical discourse around rationality and mysticism. That which can be reasoned vs that which cannot.
Rationality
Rationality is the quality or state of being rational – that is, being based on or agreeable to reason. Rationality implies the conformity of one’s beliefs with one’s reasons to believe, and of one’s actions with one’s reasons for action. – Wikepedia
Consider this as the Human Being using their senses to make sense of the world.
Mysticism
Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute, but may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning. – Wikepedia
Consider this as the Human Being recognising God/spirituality which enables them to make sense of the world.
Map of Consciousness
If we look at the map of consciousness by Dr David Hawkins, we see the following:-
Rationality is between 400-500 – which is where we find many of the geniuses and scientific breakthroughs—the level of reason and logical mastery. Many materialists are at this level.
When we hit 500 (love), and beyond, we enter the realms of mysticism and non-duality. Natural occurrences of ‘miracles’ the more evolved one becomes until life is known as one big miracle.
Therefore, if we are to take the map as a guide (I’m yet to observe anything as consequential for a linear consciousness model), we can see that mysticism is a more evolved state than rationality. This doesn’t suggest rationality isn’t essential – it implies that there are states beyond the rational mind.
This may be a difficult claim to comprehend for materialists and egoists and could even be scoffed at. But the truth is timeless, and the wisdom from sages of the past stays forever—the rational mind changes with society and scientific breakthrough. Perhaps there is something in that?
Rational Mysticism
This is where I try and live my life – although I am aware I need to drop the idea to evolve.
It could be considered a scientific approach to spirituality with a healthy dose of scepticism. Without integrated rationality, large waves of people get ‘lost in the clouds’ and have no grounding in reality. Their whole life revolves around ‘the mystical realm’, and they fall into new-age traps of ‘extreme positivity’ and pseudo-spirituality.
This is why I suggest people avoid ‘guru’s’ and the like who teach ‘spirituality’ and ‘mysticism’ if they have not done the ego development work that mysticism needs. The irony is that higher levels of consciousness transcend the ego – but the ego needs healthy development until it can get to that point safely.