The Miraculous Message of Mysticism
by Vernon Howard, The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power
No conflict exists between mysticism and the established religions any more than there is disagreement among several lecturers who describe the same sunrise. Only their presentations are different. William James, the giant among American psychologists, harmonizes religion and mysticism like this:
…personal religious experience has its roots and centre in mystical states of consciousness… I think I shall at least succeed in convincing you of the reality of the states in question, and of the paramount importance of their function.
All religions have produced enlightened men and women. One such mystic of India, Sri Ramakrishna, experimented by living, in turn, with various religions. He was a Christian, then a Hindu, then a Buddhist. He discovered the same Truth in all.
Mysticism is not this or that particular cup on the table; it is the water poured into all of them.
It is enough to conclude that any man or woman who sincerely treads the Mystic Path in his own way will sooner or later meet that something else which is beyond definition.
What, then, is the miraculous message of mysticism?
Happiness is yours in the here and now. The painful states of anxiety and loneliness are abolished permanently. Financial affairs are not financial problems. You are at ease with yourself. You are not at the mercy of unfulfilled cravings. Confusion is replaced with clarity. There is a relieving answer to every tormenting question. You possess a True Self. Something can be done about every unhappy condition. While living in the world you can be inwardly detached from its sorrows to live with personal peace and sanity.
And this is what unknowing people call impractical mysticism!
This is the greatest secret on earth. Unfortunately, it is a secret hidden from the eyes of most men. But it is available to all. Anyone, who really wants it, can have it.
Never forget, you are following all this for your own sake. Your purpose along the Mystic Path is a very personal one. The objective of every seeker is to become an enlightened, happy, and pleasant human being.
‘Anyone, who really wants it, can have it.’
Could it be I really can find happiness in life? Even the suggestion that this is possible deserves my deep attention and investigation.