The Inner Vision: Some Notes on Mysticism.

Writing about mysticism and its outcome—"the inner vision"—is exceptionally difficult. It requires dealing with subjects and ideas that cannot be physically grasped, even though their influence and effects are substantial and permanent. It has been aptly said that the greatest flaw of mystics is their tendency to become too literal in their analogies. They often apply the doctrine of "as above, so below" A central Hermetic maxim suggesting that the microcosm reflects the macrocosm. so extensively that readers become satisfied with the beauty of the image and no longer seek the underlying reality. This is undoubtedly a danger for anyone writing on such a fascinating subject, but I hope to avoid it by adhering to the ideals set by our society. At any rate, this will be my effort.

The perspective of mysticism I wish to suggest is that we should view it as a way to free ourselves from the great bondage of lower life. It is an elevation that—while it does not provide a guide for conduct, a plan for happiness, or a full explanation of unsolved mysteries—still enables us to face these matters with greater hope and deeper reliance. It gives us the capacity to harmonize and understand. Mysticism applies everywhere, and its most immediate result is a feeling of youth. It brings a sense of capability, a will to take action, and a readiness to suffer if necessary. Depending on one’s temperament, realizing mysticism will lead either to a desire for solitude and freedom from distractions, or to an overwhelming desire to sacrifice oneself for others. A remarkable feature of mysticism is that while it makes the mystic more aware of their own existence, it never creates a feeling of being separate from others. This very paradox explains the curious results associated with the practice. The true mystic is the person who has the most intense realization of their identity with all other

thraldom: state of being enslaved or under the power of another; bondage.