Mar 17-19, 2006
March 17-19Have you ever longed to be a mystic? What is mysticism? Many regard mysticism as an esoteric discipline, for ascetics and hermits, yet the mystic impulse lies deep within every heart. Mysticism is a practical means to connect us to the limitless wellspring within, so that creativity and love flow through us spontaneously.
As Rumi tells us, “There is one thing you must do, and if you remember this and forget everything else, there’s nothing to worry about. But if you forget this, and remember everything else, your life will be an utter waste.” Our primary task as human beings is to establish and maintain that living connection with the truth of who we are and to participate fully, authentically, and lovingly in life.
This workshop will reveal mysticism’s tremendous relevance for healing religious division and conflict in these troubled times. Every religion was born from a profound mystical revelation. By returning to their mystical depths, different religions and spiritual traditions can unite at their luminous core while preserving their rich diversity. Special emphasis will be on universal truths common to the mystical journey in many spiritual traditions, exercises and contemplative disciplines for awakening and deepening mystical awareness in daily life, the interrelation of science and mysticism, and practical ways that mysticism can serve the world.
Mysticism is neither theory nor philosophy. It is something we do. Recognizing that mystical consciousness cannot be “taught” but must be experienced, the workshop will integrate interactive process, song, and contemplative dance. We will explore universal stages of the mystical journey, including awakening, purification, illumination, the mystic death or Dark Night of the Soul, union with the divine, and serving the divine.
The mystic’s heart longs for direct, immediate experience of ultimate reality, of what is. For Christians, this is union with God. For Buddhists, it is realization of enlightenment. For Sufis, it is merging with the Beloved, or Allah. For Hindus, it is realizing that Atman is Brahman. Mysticism is, above all else, a path of divine love. Join us on this glorious journey as we reclaim the birthright of our hearts.
Will Keepin is President of the non-profit Satyana Institute, whose mission is to integrate spiritual wisdom into leadership in social change. Originally trained as a physicist, he was Hewlett Fellow at Princeton University and research scholar at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where his work in energy and environmental science influenced policy debates in many countries. Subsequently trained in spiritual practices and transpersonal psychology, he founded training programs for social activists, including Leading with Spirit and Gender Reconciliation. Dr. Keepin has published 35 articles and is on the adjunct faculty of the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.