Mysticism and Meditation

Dr. Patricia Gilbreath reminded me that Christian religious practices also can use meditation; indeed repetitive prayer like the rosary is a form of meditation. Virtual all religious traditions have individuals and groups who espouse a mystical worldview in which transcendence is a critical part of their religious practice. Meditation is often, but not always, the route into the transcendent state which can become permanent in some people. Permanent transcendence is termed enlightenment, a condition described by shamans in "primitive" societies; the Kabbalah in Judaism; sufis in Islam (where transcendence may be attained through dance- the whirling dervishes); some Christian saints and ascetics; others who espouse no particular formal religion.

The title of Rosenthal's most recent book, Super Mind, refers to the state of enlightenment which some TM practitioners reach, usually after many years of regular practice. Most TM practitioners use it for practical purposes: blood pressure reduction, anxiety or stress relief, help with addiction or insomnia and not to attain enlightenment. I have a large reading list for those interested in mysticism and enlightenment but decided that this was not pertinent for What Really Matters since, unfortunately, I have no credentials as a mystic.