Last time we looked at ego death in the dark night of the soul. Here we continue the extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism to explore the true goal of the Mystic Way: Union. This isn’t the same as the earlier illumination stage, but the final stage where the mystic is one with the Absolute. So… Continue reading The Mystic Way 13: The Unitive Life
Uranus spends about seven years in each sign and this year he begins to transition into Taurus. It’s not a comfortable meeting for either Uranus or Taurus. As a fixed earth sign, Taurus doesn’t like change, especially when it happens fast. It likes stability and certainty, but there’s not going to be much of that… Continue reading Uranus in Taurus: Revolution of Values and Security
Take on the three causes is about increasing the possibility of awakening by embracing ideas and practices that support you. The original lojong slogan is: Take on the three principal causes, and they are to find a teacher, to recognise the importance of the teachings, and to change your lifestyle so it supports your desire… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Take on the Three Causes
Train in the three difficulties is about dealing with your bad habits and difficult emotions. The original lojong slogan is the same and refers to the difficulties of breaking free of the behaviour that holds you back. The three difficulties are the three ways your habits can cause you problems. First is the difficulty of… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Train in the Three Difficulties
Last time we looked at some of the forms of the Dark Night of the Soul. Here we continue the extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism to explore the final and most challenging step of the dark night, that of the death of the self: “The various torments and desolations of the Dark Night constitute this… Continue reading The Mystic Way 12: Ego Death in the Dark Night
A perfect example of Taurus on film can be found in Chocolat, a light-hearted fable that makes your mouth water just watching it. Like all good films, it’s about many things: religious belief v atheism, feminism, inclusion, temptation, and what it means to live a good life. It’s a tale of freedom and longing, forgiveness… Continue reading Chocolat: Healing the Past and Making Life Sweeter
Remember what’s at stake is about walking your talk and remembering to focus on what matters to you most. In the context of this teaching, that’s your intention to wake up and help others. The original lojong slogan is: Observe these two, even at the risk of your life, the two being the refuge and… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Remember What’s at Stake
Last time we introduced the fourth phase of the Mystic Way, that of the Dark Night of the Soul. Here we continue the extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism to explore some of the forms which the dark night can take during this process of the purification of the self: “(A) To those temperaments in which… Continue reading The Mystic Way 11: Forms of the Dark Night
After the excitement and energy of Aries, we come down to earth with Taurus. As a fixed earth sign, Taurus provides the physical container for the unborn potential of Aries to manifest. It stabilises and grounds the creative spark in the present moment, burrowing deep into the soil of life. The Taurus bull is a… Continue reading Zodiac Myths: The Story Behind Taurus
Be patient either way is about accepting reality as it is and being patient no matter what happens in your life. The original lojong slogan is: Whichever of the two occurs, be patient, so whether things go well or badly, you should accept them as they are and be patient. When things go wrong it… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Be Patient Either Way
Last time we looked at the experience of Voices and Visions. Here we continue the extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism to explore the fourth phase of the Mystic Way, as outlined in part 1. This phase marks the final and complete purification of the Self, often called the Dark Night of the Soul: “The most… Continue reading The Mystic Way 10: The Dark Night of the Soul
Renew Your Commitment Each Day is about making an intention to be present and to do your best to help others. The original lojong slogan is: Two activities: one at the beginning, one at the end, which asks you to make this dedication at the start of the day, and then again at the end.… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Renew Your Commitment Each Day
Jessica Davidson 