IS GOD A MYSTIC?

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IS GOD A MYSTIC OR JUST MYSTICAL?
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Who is God and how can we come to know what we call God? This is a question humanity has asked as long as we have been roaming this earth.
What is He/She like? Does God get angry at me for my misdeeds? Why do we refer to God as He or She or He/She? Is what we call God going to judge me for my deeds and beliefs? If so, should I be afraid? If you are, then what can we do to get on God’s good side… because we certainly don’t want to be on the wrong side of Omnipotence? Need I sacrifice my firstborn, maybe with a little self-flagellation to make sure I’ll be safe.
Some of these questions now seem rather foolish, but for much of humanity’s history, these were legitimate concerns, and the religious establishment did a rather outstanding job in exploiting the fear of the masses for their own gain and control. In some countries, they still do. Kind of reminds you of the fear-based scam going on in the world these days. But back to the question; who and what is God or god, as you prefer?
Rupert Spiro, an Oxford-based, world-renown scholar is one of the most eloquent mystics today, who effortlessly presents a crystal clear answer. He is not the first; the enlightened have been offering a non-dualistic representation of God throughout the ages as we see with some of the earliest literature known on earth, such as with the Upanishads and Vedantic literature. These traditions that seem to predate history are so profound with meaning that few in our ‘enlightened’ scientific (left brain) culture seem to be capable of understanding. (So much for 'cavemen.')
This short video addressed some of these questions about the nature of God. There are several other videos you may wish to watch if you enjoy this one since he approaches many other profound subjects such as the nature of consciousness. Since reality is a non-dualistic in nature, he might say, all these matters are all related, as facets of the One of all that is; the I Am; that I Am.
If you listen closely, I’m not sure you could remain an atheist or even a religious fundamentalist for long, since both come from a dualistic understanding of reality and a dualistic, anthropomorphic understanding of God created in man’s image. The atheist camp rightfully ridicules this caricature, and the other wrongfully fears and adores their religious projections. He would likely say both are wrong because God is the essence of all that is; not ‘out there, but ‘in here.’
In any case, rather than me telling you what he thinks, listen for yourself. I trust these presentations will prove to be both provocative and stimulating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VizTr68p2v8&t=288s
Our Being is God's Being https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrFHhcTH_eg
The Nature of Consciousness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-IIzAblVlg&t=573s
'I Am That I AM' is the Highest Experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r3YvgImnBA
I Am That Which Knows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thl6kNVBiio
I have also included a short excerpt on this topic from my second novel, Elysium's Passage: The Summit, Chapter Two.
'When you understand that the universe is a created expression of Mind, Mo said, 'you realize there can be no limits to infinite expansion because the Source is infinite. Put another way; thought cannot be limited when there is nowhere it cannot be. You can’t keep it in a box, though many might try. With Mind being infinite, there’s no requirement for time, space, or matter. God thinks Thoughts, and so it is.’
‘Is that not anthropomorphizing God?’ I said. ‘I don’t even have to ask; most obviously it is.’
‘You’re right James; these words may easily be misunderstood as being anthropomorphic… creating God in man’s image. Unfortunately, it’s often the best we can do when attempting to communicate with words. Higher levels of communication can only function with nonverbal thought-forms. You haven’t discovered how to do this yet, though it could happen when you least expect it. Your inward Christ-consciousness requires no words, only knowingness because that’s what it is.’
‘And how would I manage that?’
‘Maybe the question isn’t how,’ Eli said, ‘but what.’
Before I could ask Eli what he meant by that, Mo carried on explaining the validity of using anthropomorphisms to help interpret what can’t be fully interpreted. ‘This is why,’ he said, ‘when we attempt to explain reality in finite terms, we must use the kind of metaphors and symbols we are familiar with as tools since there are no terms to describe ultimate reality.
‘Various descriptions and illustrations may be employed as signposts to create deeper understanding; however, they invariably distort what we wish to communicate when taken literally. Only when words can be put aside by going within, are we able to discover what has been called the numinous.[1]
‘And that’s what I was getting at,’ Eli said. ‘Rather than just asking how, it must be understood there can’t be a how without first enquiring into the what of being.’
‘Yes, that’s most jolly,’ I said, ‘but what is being? That’s the fundamental ontological question philosophers have been asking forever.’
‘What being is unto itself,’ Mo said, ‘is not knowable to the mind, rather, it must be apprehended by an inner knowingness, or what is referred to as gnosis. It comes when you are ready to receive it according to your capacity. Only the numinous can be apprehended when you don’t have the specific words to describe what you inwardly sense.’
‘Huh?’ I said. ‘I’m a philosopher, and even I don’t get what you’re saying.’
‘Let me put it this way then,’ Mo said. ‘The numinous can only be intuited since there are no words to describe what the heart inwardly discerns. That’s why mystics often remain silent.
‘Although finite man can never know the infinite Source,’ Mo said, ‘nevertheless he can intuit this Presence through the portals of his heart, from which being-essence is derived. What comparison can the finite have with the infinite?[2] There is none, yet union remains since the finite dwells in the Infinite Source from which it exists.
‘If this much was understood, humanity would no longer seek to know about God, but rather seek to know God by being in union with their being, by which I mean their essence Source. As I often say, there’s a big difference between knowing and knowing about. When that’s understood, there’s no need for idols, icons, or anthropomorphic projections of some big guy in the sky. Although I must say, I do appreciate Michelangelo’s superb caricature of God in the Sistine Chapel.’
[1] The word ‘numinous’ originates from Latin, later developed in the twentieth century, particularly with theologian Rudolf Otto, in his work The Idea of the Holy (1917) where he describes it as the Mysterium Tremendum.’ Aldous Huxley, in The Doors of Perception (1954) also discusses this term at length. The idea relates to an ineffable encounter with the Divine, but there are also other variant meanings.
[2] As a philosopher, I was most intrigued with this subject, and so it was with great interest I came across a book called The Supreme Identity, (1950) by Allan Watts. For anyone interested, it contains a very profound chapter about the infinite and the finite, which draws from various sources such as the ancient Upanishads.
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To pursue this topic from a more left-brain academic perspective, few are better to discuss this than Dr Donald Hoffman, Cognitive Psychologist, Professor in the Department of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, Irvine.
His premise, like that of Spira's, is that consciousness is primal, foundational and fundamental to all that is, meaning, there is nothing without consciousness, not even the brain since matter cannot produce what is necessarily prior. Of course, many philosophers such as Locke, Kant and Berkeley have been saying much the same thing all along in centuries past.
If this video interests you, the following interviews may also be of interest.
In some instances, his conclusions are rather similar to what Spira says, only from a more scientific approach that is supported by mathematical modelling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynTqCFBhRmw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az18Onc0e58&t=61s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j00ZY9Vh9cQ&t=43s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYp5XuGYqqY (TED talk)
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SUMMARY OF ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE SERIES
Elysium's Passage is a series of seven novels regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.
After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding about life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.
An engaging and sometime surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality and our ultimate destiny.
The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of existence.
Read a sample press review at https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm
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The following comments are excerpts from among the first readers including a number of Amazon five star reviews. To read the full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com or directly at https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/reader-reviews
"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture and humour; Mr Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures the imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”
"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…"
“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging. I can't wait to complete this book!"
“Takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing, but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”
“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting, yet calming, experience that is not to be missed."
"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters, kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."
“N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."
"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it to other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"
“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”
“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous thought-provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humour together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”
“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”
“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.
“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr. Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”
“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)
“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.” (CLARION REVIEW)
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PENDING PUBLICATION OF ELYSIUM’S PASSAGE SERIES
Amazon in 2024
THE ASCENT: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
THE SUMMIT: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
QUANTUM LEAPS: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
SURREAL ADVENTURES: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
MYSTICAL ROMANCE: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
THE ELIXIR: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
THE RETURN: Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage
1. The Ascent is the first novel in the Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage that’s foundational to everything that happens in the following narratives that embark on an adventure that will surprise and delight the reader like no other book.
It all begins with an extreme adventure of climbing a remote and challenging mountain somewhere in the Andean Mountains. Just as James, the protagonist, is about to reach the mountain summit, he falls into an abyss that leaves him in a coma for almost a year.
After being airlifted by a forestry helicopter and flown back to London, where his body remains for almost a year. Eventually, he learns it was not him but his body that was rescued. Several days later, without understanding what happened, he continues to climb to the summit in an alternate dimension of higher consciousness.
Fortuitously, he meets two adventurers on the summit ridge who are no longer of this world. After that, his surreal life leads him to several new adventures in the subsequent chronicles that include a rich mix of adventure, romance, and fantasy, along with profound discussions of philosophy, spirituality and the afterlife.
2. The Summit, the second novel in the Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage, carries on where James, the narrator and protagonist, is taught more about a multidimensional reality that he finds difficult to comprehend.
Not only does he find he’s not as clever as he imagined, but his off-world companions on the summit demonstrate that much of what he believed about life was not just parochial but wrong. At first, he finds this difficult to comprehend since their teachings are contrary to his limited understanding of non-material reality.
After being tricked into teleporting off a ledge where he was trapped, James becomes aware of the new reality that makes him capable of far more adventures than could have ever been experienced previously in his physical body back home.
Now, if only he would win over the only woman in this life who matters, the nurse on the other side of the veil, who continually demonstrates her unconditional love toward his healing.
Warning: This book may also open the reader’s eyes to a much vaster reality than most might be aware. As with the other Chronicles, there are discussions of philosophy, the spiritual afterlife and what might seem like fantasy.
3. Quantum Leaps is the third novel in Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage, where James, the philosopher-protagonist, teleports back to London to visit his body and make contact with the special nurse taking care of it in his absence. Immediately, he feels an inexplicable spiritual bond with her for reasons he remains unaware of.
Now aroused by a renewed interest in matters of love, the beginnings of a relationship begin to emerge as he attempts to reach across the chasm of their worlds. But it’s not until the fifth novel, Mystical Romance, that he encounters her in a way that he finds difficult to believe.
However, before that can happen, there is much about his failed relationships that must be resolved before he is ready to move forward in his new life in Elysium’s Passage. It is during this time he christens his comatose body as the fall guy since it took the fall for him down the abyss so he could learn the lessons he’s now learning.
That will be the next focus of his life, where in his next Surreal Adventures, he is given virtual lessons to release many of his past beliefs about life.
4. Surreal Adventures is the fourth novel in the Chronicles of Elysium’s Passage, which finds James, the protagonist and narrator, escorted by his companions to a remote South Pacific Island, where he is left to reflect on what he’s learned.
During the next forty days, he battles the demons of his past as he works through some rather painful issues from his early youth. Here, in a tropical storm, he encounters an eery suspended spectre of the one he loved yet still resents for abandoning him as a child.
After this, he achieves peace of mind and is ready to return to his lodge to join his off-world companions on the Andes summit. However, just when it seemed things couldn’t get any stranger, a sixteenth-century sea captain sails his ancient ‘ghost’ ship onto the beach. Together, they sail off on a mystical ocean voyage to a couple of virtual islands supposedly in the South Pacific, where he witnesses and, at times, participates in several important life lessons.
Near the end, these encounters help prepare him for a new challenge within the interior of a mountain, where he falls deep into a dark tomb of fear. After being rescued by a mysterious stranger wielding his Excaliber, he continues on to where his life is about to be transformed in the following chronicle, Mystical Romance.
5. Mystical Romance is the fifth chronicle in Elysium’s Passage, which will surprise the reader with a romantic twist of how love is expressed in higher realms. From this lofty perspective, everything about intimacy is understood as within, so without.
After escaping his tomb, James, the narrator and protagonist, makes his way through a maze of tunnels until he arrives at a large oak door, which he opens with the golden key he had been given. There, he steps into Elysium’s Passage’s Great Hall, where his life and recent achievements are celebrated now that his eyes have been opened to perceive a fascinating interior world of wonderment… and romance.
To say more might risk diminishing the multitude of delightful surprises as circumstances begin to open to The Elixir, where James is about to re-enter his earthly body’s existence.
6. The Elixir is the sixth chronicle of the Elysium’s Passage series that prepares James, the narrator-protagonist, to awaken and return to his body in London. Before that can happen, however, his off-worlder friend presents a mysterious equation enshrouded with a light code frequency that will stimulate multidimensional DNA strands within him.
Much of this narration is centred in London, where his nurse unknowingly becomes involved in how the Elixir’s equation finds its way from a taxi cab driver to higher echelons of science. There are many twists in how she unwittingly brings the Elixir to the attention of mathematicians and physicists, after which they eventually discover how to code the equation into a laser ray to stimulate his fall-guy body into full consciousness.
Ostensibly a new Adam, he is destined to return humanity to a higher multidimensional existence. How this happens is filled with intrigue, as is his shocking return to his earthly body.
7. The Return is the seventh and last chronicle in the series where James, the narrator and protagonist, has re-emerged from Elysium’s Passage as he readjusts to life in the third dimension. Many of the events experienced in the previous novels are tied together in an exciting, fast-moving, action-packed narrative over several countries.
At first, it seems all memories have been lost, with his fall guy’s brain not being aware of what happened to him while in his coma. As a consequence, it takes a while for him to be convinced he had been out of his earthly body for almost a year.
Through some rather unexpected events and evidence, along with his girlfriend’s urging, he is brought to an awareness of much of what occurred. It takes a while for his mind to catch up with the changes made in his heart during his stay in the alternate realm. But after experiencing several harsh realities, he discovers what he became within while out of his body. Gradually, he comes to understand the many challenges that lie ahead for him in fulfilling his future mission on Earth.
This book is filled with adventure, romance and personal intrigue that ties together all six previous narratives of the Elysium’s Passage series.
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