Mystical Experiences
Most of us are captivated when we hear the story of someone who claims to have had a mystical spiritual experience. We want to know all the details, and there is a part of us that wants to have this kind of experience for ourselves.
There are many definitions that can be given for “mystical.” This term is sometimes defined as having a direct communion with ultimate reality or God — or entering a divine realm. The experience is often described as “supernatural.”
For instance, some people will report that Jesus physically appeared to them at a time when they are certain they were awake and not dreaming. Others will report a direct experience with God or a bright light. Yet others will describe an experience of Oneness, in which they no longer saw themselves as a separate human body, but rather felt connected to the One energy that encompasses everything in the universe.
I’ve never had one of these mystical experiences myself, but I’ve met many people who have – and I’ve read dozens of stories written by people who claim to have had them. I must confess that I am fascinated as I listen to someone describing their experience, or when I read their story. I want to know all the vivid details of how it unfolded.
The mind says: “How we can I have a cool experience like that?” We think that perhaps there is some method to learn to access that spiritual realm.
And yet, in virtually every account I have heard, the same advice is given: Don’t try to create, or re-create mystical experiences. You won’t be able to do it, and you’ll be frustrated. By pursuing these supernatural experiences, you are actually hindering your spiritual growth.
These mystical events are mysteries, pure and simple. The person who has such an experience didn’t ask for it and doesn’t know why it “came” when it did.
Humans tend to be stimulation addicts, and when we experience something that involves acute activation of the senses, we want to enter that zone again. We want those bright lights again. We want to see Jesus again. We want that feeling of energy shooting up and down our spine that we once felt in meditation or while practicing yoga.
There is no doubt that many people are brought closer to God as a result of their mystical experiences. But they didn’t achieve that spiritual growth by demanding that the awe-inspiring event and feelings recur. They got a glimpse of some divine force beyond themselves and then settled into that.
The mind assumes that enlightenment or having an experience with God involves some form of sensory explosion and feelings of nirvana.
From every account I have read, what we might call enlightenment can only be found by living in the present moment. Peace in the present moment. Love in the present moment. Compassion in the present moment. It’s not about getting somewhere, or sustaining certain kinds of stimulation. It’s about BEING.
We’ll always ooh and aah when we listen to stories of mystical experiences. That’s our human nature and there is nothing wrong with that.
However, mystical events tend to show up in someone’s life without warning, and in a way the person could never have predicted. The mind is of no use in trying to figure this stuff out. Don’t be fooled by the mind’s fascination with these events and how you might create them.
If such an event happens, it will happen without your interference. And there are many contented, peaceful, enlightened individuals who never had such an experience, and never will. Apparently, it is not essential to have such an encounter to gain a close connection with God.
I’ve found it helpful to pay attention to the insights gained by a person who had such an experience. Sometimes these insights resonate with me. Sometimes they don’t. But the particular details of each story will not help you. Enjoy them as you would a good book or a movie.
Ironically, every moment is a mystical experience, an opportunity to have direct communion with God. Yet we fail to see it or feel it. Every beat of the heart. Every breath we take. Every bird that takes flight. One miracle after another.
So simple, yet so elusive.
– Jeff Keller
© 2008
Note: For those in the New York City/Long Island area, I will be presenting an interactive workshop entitled “Your Spiritual Journey” at the Eyes of Learning in Hicksville, New York on Friday evening July 25 beginning at 8:00 pm. For more information, go to: www.eyesoflearning.org/html/workshops.htm