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What is the
difference between the average person and one who shines
brightly in the world? Though the answer to this question is complex,
a few
clues exist on this topic. One clue that stands out is this: the one
who
shines has both a clear vision and the resources, both internal and
external, to accomplish it. A practical mystic is such a person. They
are
people who believe in the goodness of humanity. They know there is
something
greater than themselves operating in this world, while remaining
grounded in
the realities of the physical existence in this world. They live their
lives
with realism but with purpose. They acknowledge and accept the human
condition as fallible, imperfect, yet capable of greatness. They do
not lose
sight of the grand possibilities while at the same time they live life
in a
practical manner that allows for the duality of existence.
This is not an easy task. It requires the ability to hold the tension
of
opposites, to know that life is messy and cannot be put into a nice
neat
package. It requires the courage to live in this messiness of life
without illusion but without despair. The grandest lifework is
learning to
hold the reality of the duality of the physical and psychological
world, and
the unity of the spiritual world at the same time. Denying neither,
neglecting neither, allowing for the existence of both and not
shattering
ourselves in the process. We must constantly walk the balance between
becoming self-absorbed and avoiding self-inquiry. There is only one
way to
negotiate this middle way and that is the path of self-responsibility.
If we
are ever to live in coexistence and peace, in a world free of violence
and war, then self-responsibility must be the prevailing theme of
life. This
requires the willingness to blame no one, including ourselves, and an
unwillingness to become a victim to life's unpredictable and often
seemingly
unjust circumstances. We must empower ourselves to have choice
regardless
of whatever unjust events come our way. And we must have the
equanimity to
trust the higher and greater picture that does have a Divine
Intelligence
behind it all.
There is a Sufi story about Moses and his teacher, a prophet named al-Khidr.
Moses went to him and asked to be taught secrets of the universe.
Al-Kidhr agreed with one condition--that Moses was to follow and not
question
any action that alp-Khidr took. Moses agreed, but soon found himself
in a
quandary when al-Khidr behaved in what seemed to be a very
‘unspiritual’ way
with the local townspeople. Later it was revealed that had this action
not
been taken, the entire town would have been destroyed. But Moses did
not
know this, and only saw what he judged as an immoral act. Thus in his
shortsightedness and lack of vision of the higher picture, he lost
the opportunity of the moment. We do this in our own smaller ways all
the
time.
Yossi Klein Halevy, a gifted writer, philosopher, and journalist in
the Holy
Land says, "To feel God's presence in meditation and prayer is the
easy
part; the real challenge is to feel God's presence in failure-- and
even more
in the seeming failure of a job done for God." Those of us who
dedicate
our lives to God experience this reality repeatedly in our lives. We
do our
best but sometimes it appears we fail. Who is to say in the final
analysis
whether that is true--that a seeming failure is not in fact an aspect
of
a greater plan for good. But usually we have no way of knowing. Can we
accept this fact? Can we dedicate our lives to living practically in
the
world, having deep faith in the Divine Order, and not asking for
so-called
success or judging our actions based on the immediate results? This
requires
great fortitude to say the least. Yet this is the essence of practical
mysticism. We must follow the guidance of our hearts, the Voice of
Truth in
our hearts, even when it takes us in directions that may seem
illogical or
that others may not like or agree with. And we must have the courage
to
self-correct of we get feedback that indicates we are not going in the
best
direction.
The middle way. The practical mystic. Enjoyment of the world,
enjoyment of
the body, enjoyment of life's pleasures, without becoming
self-absorbed,
preoccupied or neglectful. Chant God's name and pay the bills. Say a
blessing and take the kids to soccer practice. Pray the morning prayer
and
invest in the stock market. This is the work at hand. We walk the
balance
beam of the center path without disowning anything. In this way, the
lost
sparks are embraced and returned to their root through the living of
our
daily life. And in the end, we cannot evaluate the meaning of our life
based
on immediate results. As a dear friend of mine used to say, “only God
knows
and She ain’t telling.”
May peace prevail in your heart regardless of the outer circumstances.
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