Fall 2016

Grand Councilor’s Message

Greetings from all points of the triangle!

It has recently occurred to me that perhaps we might make an attempt to de-mystify the method of mysticism, a term meaning literally a closed mouth, which occasionally is associated with the remote or unusual. As it is often said, mysticism is both an art and a science. Today, let’s look at mysticism as a science.

Mysticism like so-called empirical science conducted in a traditional physical laboratory, searches for patterns and tests all seeming detection of them under the closest of scrutiny and the most stringent of experimental protocols, and then poses new hypothesis to test. Eventually, like the experts of a scientific community who concur, a theory or law may be revealed. So, if we look at mysticism as a science and something eminently rational in the logic of its method, we see that mysticism, too, has a rational method, series of description, explanations and resultant theory.

The domain or subject matter of these two approaches to wisdom and knowledge does, however, differ. The domain that is the field of inquiry is based on a shared type or category of experiences. For example, various breathing exercises to generate energy in the physical body. Rosicrucians have long realized that the experiments are not easily verifiable to all because we all have a different experiential base dependent on our individual experiences. The depth and breadth of our realization of the meaning and power of any principles are in turn are dependent on a repetition of exercises, meditations, and observations, all of which affect each other. Identical results are not, therefore equally available to all. They vary from individual to individual . Their meaning, on the other hand, is determined only through subsequent analysis, analysis that occurs after the experience.

The word after is important because the analysis, the context and meaning of any experience should not be sought while having the experience. If that is done...oops! The experience is missed. Wait and analyze it later. Don’t let the habitual notion of the outer objective mind interfere with the emergent beauty of the event itself.

Please don’t tell the rose how to bloom! It already follows cosmic law subconsciously in its realization of it beauty.

A simple and commonplace experience might help our understanding. Following a luminous meditation the student may notice his world may appear brighter, people more friendly, and she may also experience a rise in confidence. Her day goes “better”. However, as every scientist knows, this alone is not sufficient to prove a connection between meditations but it has heuristic value, in other words it is belief giving. The student repeats the exercise in the laboratory of his life and, after a while, forms a new hypothesis that both describes and explains anew understanding that helps her understanding of what those experiences mean. New meaning rises and opens itself. These realizations will gradually occur over both short and long periods of time, always taking the evolving student to ever deeper realizations and understanding. Many have found new meaning for an experience many decades after the event took place. Along the way, a deeper partnership is formed between the inner and newly realized world of experience and the more outer world of explanation and conscious understanding. As a result, meaning deepens. Both the world of experience and that of meaning rely on an increasingly well honed sense of observation. The emergent understandings of their partnership build a philosophy of mystical science, a philosophy which is born in large part from both direct psychic and physical experience, and more importantly their increasingly harmonious partnership, their integration.

In addition to personal experience, the mystical scientist, like his counterpart in the more commonly practiced version found in physical laboratories and environments, also can benefit from a community of peers who can give support and validation of experience and help guide his search for meaning. The individual becomes part of a community of seekers on the path, a community that has also practiced mystical science. Skilled practitioners can provide immense assistance with a simple phrase, a suggestion, or a word of encouragement. Hence the mystical community evolves right along with the more private worlds of it members. A simple “that’s it” from an expert can validate another’s experience and interpretation. The student evolves. It is a quick and easy step to see that the larger community which surrounds smaller communities evolves as well. As a result the Rosicrucian student spreads the light of new understanding and this naturally becomes part of an expanding field of radiant service by the simple uplift of individual consciousness.

Thus we see the rose blooms in all directions. When the rose blooms the garden becomes more beautiful. When the garden blooms so does the world.

With all best wishes for your most profound peace,

John Fowler

Grand Councilor

Colorado Region