I got to thinking about some of the different types of mystical states known to us humans, partially in response to a recent post in the My first DMT experience thread. Then I came across this which I feel is an eloquent distinction between some of them:
Dead void states differ from mystical illumination in being bereft of the power of the Ground; these experiences are merely episodes of mental vacancy, without any degree of dynamic infusion or absorption. Empty trances differ from mystical illumination in being implosive rather than infusive absorptions; moreover, trances are dense and dark rather than ethereal and bright.
Undifferentiated effusions and ecstasies differ from mystical illumination in being wild and impure; they are explosive absorptions or transports that are admixed with derepressing feelings and instincts. And objectless contemplations, although suffering from none of these deficiencies, differ from mystical illumination in being experiences of significantly lesser stature; they fall far short of mystical illumination in the degree to which the ego is infused, illumined, and beatified by spirit."
The difference in degree that distinguishes mystical illumination from objectless contemplations is sufficiently great to constitute a difference in kind. Mystical illumin-ation is not just an experience of serene enlightenment, as are objectless contemplations; it is rather an experience of celestial exaltation and effulgence.
Mystical illumination is an experience of inconceivable enormity. In the case of mystical illumination, the Ground releases a prodigious outpouring of spirit. The aperture of the soul is opened to its widest bore and spirit, in the fullness of its power and glory, graces the ego with the ultimate vision. Mystical illumination, then, unlike objectless contemplation, is inherently of the nature of a gift...it is the Ground itself, or the inner principle that regulates it, that determines when an ultimate disclosure will occur. |
