Last time we looked at the third characteristic of mystical love. In part five, we continue the extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, and explore the final characteristic: the need for selfless devotion to a profound inner transformation. Extract: “(4) Mysticism entails a definite Psychological Experience. “That is to say, it shows itself not merely… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 5: Inner Transformation
Don’t ponder others is about not making assumptions about what you think might be going on inside another person’s head. There’s usually more going on than you can perceive or understand. The original lojong slogan is the same and it follows from the previous slogan about not criticising others. You can never know the motivations… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Ponder Others
Last time we looked at the practical spiritual activity of mysticism in the first two characteristics. In part four, we continue the extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, and explore the third characteristic: the importance of Love. Extract: “(3) The business and method of Mysticism is Love. “Here is one of the distinctive notes of… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 4: Method of Love
The coming year will feel very different to the craziness of 2017. Things are going to come down to earth and get serious – and about time too! We move out of the bluster and chaos of fire into the slower vibrations of earth and water. Change and transformation will continue to unfold, but it’ll… Continue reading The Astrological Year Ahead: 2018
Don’t criticise is about not criticising others in order to feel better about yourself. Accept people as they are, warts and all, and remember that you’re not perfect either. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t talk about injured limbs which asks you to notice those moments when you subtly, or not so subtly, judge others… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Criticize
Last time we looked at the difficulties mystics have expressing their experiences, and introduced the four characteristics of mysticism. In part three of our extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, she goes into more detail about the first two characteristics. Extract: “(1) Mysticism is practical, not theoretical. “This statement, taken alone, is not, of course,… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 3: Practical Spiritual Activity
The ultimate reality test has arrived. The hot air and bluster of 2017 is about to be punctured by the Lord of Karma. As I said at the start of the year, any bubbles inflated by the Jupiter Uranus opposition will burst now – if they haven’t already. Saturn is here to make sure you… Continue reading Saturn in Capricorn: Responsibility and Self-Mastery
Don’t be a fake is a reminder not to become egotistical about trying to transcend your ego. Mind training aims to free you from the tyranny of the ego and its fears, but there’s no need to turn that process into another ego trip. The original lojong slogan is: Change your attitude, but remain natural.… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t be a Fake
Last time we looked at the differences between mysticism and magic, as explained by Evelyn Underhill in Mysticism. In part two, we continue the extracts with a look at why mystics have such trouble expressing their experiences in words, and introduce the four characteristics of mysticism. Extract: “The greatest mystics, – Ruysbroeck, St. John of… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 2: Ineffable Reality and Symbolism
Neptune entered Pisces in 2011 and the world has been floundering in confusion and madness since. Along with Pluto’s transit through Capricorn, this is a profoundly important time in our collective evolution. If we get this wrong, we could spin off into a pretty dire future so it’s worth taking the time to understand what’s… Continue reading Neptune in Pisces: Disillusionment and Transcendence
Come back to basics is about making and keeping a commitment to your mind training and writing practice. It’s about overcoming the tendency to get sidetracked by your ego and developing self-mastery instead. The original lojong slogan is: Always abide by the three basic principles which are: to keep your promises, to not act outrageously,… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Come Back to Basics
In this series, we’ll look at the characteristics of mysticism as explained by Evelyn Underhill in her classic text Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness. In part one, she explains the important differences between magic and mysticism. Extract: “The spiritual history of man reveals two distinct and fundamental attitudes… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 1: Magic and Mysticism
Jessica Davidson 