Embracing the Mystic: Insights for the Scientific Mind
Written on
Not being entrenched in academia, I find myself intrigued by groundbreaking ideas emerging from unconventional thinkers and eccentric researchers.
Many of these innovative concepts are often overlooked in educational settings, particularly in fields that these ideas influence. Topics such as pattern language, thought regeneration, black swan phenomena, probability analysis, the Butterfly Effect, constraint theory, critical mass, meta-heuristic algorithms, and applied game theory frequently receive scant attention or are quickly dismissed in classrooms.
Each of these notions addresses the surprising consequences of seemingly minor events that can significantly affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As an independent thinker passionate about innovative ideas, I felt compelled to create my own practical philosophy while developing the Mystic’s Academy.
These captivating subjects provide insights into radical research within neurobiology and the social sciences, where experts offer diverse perspectives on the workings of our world.
I hold the belief that it is crucial to pursue a life rich with love, joy, celebration, happiness, and service to others. Guided by this intention, I continually seek inspiration, motivation, visionary ideas, and guidance from positive, disruptive mystic teachers and thought leaders. In this journey, I engage in daily writing and discussions with peers, friends, students, and mentors to collaboratively envision how these insights can foster our personal growth and human potential at minimal cost.
Any effective philosophy is rooted in historical teachings, and my principles reflect this heritage. The ideas that shape my work stem from various influential figures in business, personal development, philosophy, psychology, science, mystical exploration, and the human potential movement.
The teachings I share are inspired by the wisdom of remarkable mystics and thought leaders, including Taoist sages like Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu; Gautama Buddha; the Sufi mystic Rumi; the teachings attributed to Jesus of Nazareth; the joyful and intellectual contributions of the Bal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism; as well as the insights of Aurobindo Ghose, Jiddu Krishnamurti, neurologist and psychonaut John Lilly; and the profound stories and koans of Zen and Chan Buddhism. I also draw from the innovative thought processes developed at MIT's LISP laboratory and the groundbreaking research from Bell Laboratories throughout the 20th century, alongside developments in India and Silicon Valley since the 1970s.
Collectively, my insights celebrate contemporary research into altered states of consciousness and significant studies related to applied game-based thinking, mathematics, economics, computer science, and collaborative business strategies.
Here are a few Zen Koans to contemplate as you embark on your daily meditation practice:
- Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the sound of one hand?
- Without contemplating good or evil, reveal your original face before your parents were born.
- Two monks argue over a flag. One claims, "The flag is moving." The other counters, "The wind is moving." A third monk passes by and states, "Neither the wind nor the flag; it is the mind that moves."
- Consider something that appears truly ugly. Now discover the beauty within it.
The Importance of Koans
As Tom Slijkerman notes, the significance of Zen Koans lies in how we unravel our identification with the mind.
He states:
> "We are not our thoughts. We lack control over them, even if it feels otherwise. Try to refrain from thinking for a few minutes, and you'll quickly realize this truth."
However, merely understanding this concept does not suffice to detach from the mind.
> "The identified mind perceives this as a problem (sounds familiar, doesn't it?)."
Since the identified mind is uncontrollable and views this as an issue—regardless of how one prefers it to be—it generates thoughts around action and change, which feel as though they are "you" doing the thinking.
An identified thought might emerge: "Oh, I should observe my mind."
The longer the mind considers this a dilemma, the more identified thoughts will surface. It's quite a comical feedback loop, really...
> "But from the standpoint of presence, of pure awareness, all of this is inherently observed. It observes itself merely by existing. No duality."
Yet, we have lost touch with this uncomplicated state of being, which is reality.
There will never be a singular "me" that can control the essence of "me-ness."
> "This is simply how the ego perceives it."
First, one must surrender to the absurdity while recognizing that you already are that which is entirely surrendered; you just haven't realized it yet.
When a thought of "me" attempting to observe "me-ness" arises, it is already perceived from emptiness. There is no need for action; simply relax and acknowledge that it is already so.
Nothing new needs to emerge to discover this truth, which the mind finds inconceivable.
> "However, to guide you there, we can utilize koans."
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
©Lewis Harrison, all rights reserved.
For those interested, here are additional related narratives.
@LewisCoaches
Ask Lewis: Studying the Tao Te Ching
#### Tips for engaging with various interpretations of Lao Tzu’s teachings thetaoist.online
@thetaoistonline
I Don’t Know Where I’m Going
#### What else was I going to do? thetaoist.online
@naniehurley
The World Is on Track To Surpass 3°C This Century
#### The Paris Agreement measures could lead to a global temperature increase of 2.5°C to 2.9°C before 2100. thetaoist.online
Before you go…
I am Lewis Harrison, an award-winning author of over twenty books on personal development and strategic thinking. For over a decade, I produced and hosted the NPR-affiliated show “What’s Up” on WIOX FM in New York.
Today, aside from writing on Medium and engaging with my readers, I conduct seminars and speak globally about personal growth and life strategies.
To learn more about my thread — Ask Lewis — please read this short piece below…
#### About “Ask Lewis”… My information portal in some of the best Medium publications lewiscoaches.medium.com
As a subscriber to my newsletter, ensure you download my free eBook filled with actionable tips for personal growth.
“Join my community of 18,000 influencers.”
All the best, Lewis Harrison
P.S. I am also on Substack at AskLewis.Substack.com. Check out my weekly newsletters filled with various course options to help you create a life of happiness, meaning, well-being, and abundance.
I write full-time for Medium, Ask Lewis, RealUGuru, and The International Association of Healing Professionals. If you appreciate my stories and the positive personal growth strategies I provide, please consider supporting my work.
#### Ask Lewis Harrison - Please Donate and Support My Problem Solving Hacks. My World is a World of Service By Teaching Others To Be More Efficient, Effective, Productive, and Self-Aware
Just click on the “Support the Project” button there…
If you would like to connect and follow all of my entries on social media, just click below…
#### Connect With Me Throughout Social Media All the tips, tools, techniques, hacks, and shortcuts you need to live your best life. asklewis.substack.com
I would love to work with you and assist you in moving forward in your life and career. If you're interested, feel free to email me at [email protected]