Exploring Mystic Science: Insights from Zen Koans
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Chapter 1: The Power of Unconventional Ideas
As someone outside the traditional academic landscape, I find it fascinating how unconventional thinkers and eccentric geniuses have contributed significant ideas that often escape the curriculum of specialized studies. Concepts like pattern language, the Butterfly effect, black swan events, and meta-heuristic algorithms frequently receive minimal attention in classrooms.
These ideas illustrate how minor, seemingly trivial occurrences can have far-reaching effects on our emotional, spiritual, and material lives. My journey as an independent thinker led me to establish the Mystic's Academy, where I synthesize my practical philosophy.
The subjects that intrigue me unveil groundbreaking insights from neurobiology and social sciences. Experts in these fields offer diverse viewpoints on the functioning of our world.
I maintain that a fulfilling life should be rich in love, joy, celebration, and service to others. This belief drives me to seek inspiration and guidance from transformative mystic teachers and thought leaders. My daily writing and discussions with peers, mentors, and students revolve around applying these concepts to enhance our personal growth and human potential effectively and affordably.
A practical philosophy is grounded in historical teachings, and mine is no exception. The principles I present draw from the wisdom of remarkable educators across various disciplines, including business, psychology, and mystical inquiry.
These teachings echo the insights of great mystics and philosophers such as Lao Tzu, Gautama Buddha, Rumi, and others. They also encompass contemporary research from MIT’s LISP lab, Bell Laboratories, and pioneering studies from India and Silicon Valley. Together, these insights celebrate current explorations of altered consciousness and collaborative thinking in business.
Here are some Zen Koans to reflect upon as you begin your meditation practice:
- Two hands clap and create a sound. What is the sound of one hand?
- Without considering good or evil, show me your original face before your parents were born.
- Two monks debate about a flag. One claims, "The flag is moving." The other counters, "The wind is moving." A third monk interjects, "Neither the wind nor the flag; the mind is in motion."
- Contemplate something deemed ugly. Now, seek out its beauty.
The Importance of Koans in Understanding the Mind
As Tom Slijkerman explains, the significance of Zen Koans lies in how they facilitate a deeper understanding of our identification with thought. He notes:
"We are not defined by our thoughts. They come and go without our control, even if we believe otherwise. Attempting to stop thinking for a few moments reveals this truth.
However, merely grasping this concept isn't enough to disconnect from the mind. The identified mind perceives this as a problem.
As thoughts emerge, they may prompt the idea, 'I need to observe my mind.' The more one fixates on this as a dilemma, the more thoughts will arise that feel personal.
Yet, from the perspective of pure awareness, everything is already observed. There’s no division between observer and observed. We've lost touch with this fundamental reality.
There’s never a singular 'me' that can control 'me-ness.' This is simply how the ego perceives it. Embrace the absurdity of it all, knowing that you are already fully surrendered to it—you just haven’t realized it yet.
When a thought of 'me' arises, it’s already being observed from emptiness. No action is needed, only relaxation into the truth that it is already so.
To reach this understanding, we can utilize koans. What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
©Lewis Harrison, all rights reserved.
Chapter 2: Insights from Mysticism and Modern Thought
In this podcast episode titled "Mysticism & C. S. Lewis: Venturing into the Region of Awe," we explore the intersection of mysticism and personal growth through the lens of C. S. Lewis's philosophies.
The second video, "Lewis Earth-Shattering Revelation: Your Quest for Goodness Is Leading to Eternal Ruin!" delves into the potential pitfalls of the quest for goodness and its implications.
Before you go...
I am Lewis Harrison, an award-winning author with over twenty books focused on personal development and strategic thinking. For more than a decade, I produced and hosted the "What's Up" show on NPR-affiliated WIOX FM in New York.
Now, in addition to writing on Medium and connecting with readers, I travel the globe teaching seminars on personal growth and life strategies. To learn more about my series—Ask Lewis—please check out the brief overview below. As a newsletter subscriber, you can also download my free eBook filled with actionable tips for your personal development journey.
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Lewis Harrison
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