Re: Mystics

From: Kevin P. McDonald <paul_mcdonald_at_ncsu.edu>
Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 14:49:19 -0400


Keith replies:

><< > That means
> > that kung fu stuff isn't mysticism, samauri isn't mysticism, and Jedi
> > knights are not mysticism. >>
>
>Julian agrees, I agree. However, as I could easily add whirling-blade-wielding sexy-bald-chicks to the list of samurai, Jedi and Kung Fuii I don't see that this solves our problem with the Taraltaran whirling blade mystics. Apart from saying that they are not really mystics, or that the whirling bladers are failed mystics or something along those lines.
>
>

I have to admit some missgivings on this issue. While I agree with Greg that true mystics generally sit in meditation and attempt to loose their Self and connect with the transcendent, I don't really like the idea that the guys in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (understanding that they are not gloranthan characters) are not any kind of mystic at all. This seems like throwing the baby out with the bath water.

IMHO, fantasy martial artists are able to do their stunts because of mystical realizations - "There is no spoon", "You are the archer, the bow, the arrow, the target.", ect. I don't think they do their magic through pure skill at arms or the worship of some god or spirit. These folks are using their mystical insight to transcend the illusion of the mundane world. If they want to become fully enlightened they must go up on the mountain, but there is no reason to say that the ones who don't are practicing something totally unrelated.

I see this as similar to the way most worshippers of a Great God worship aspects to get magical aid, but some worship the Great God himself and are taken out of play when they learn His secret. Some mystics concentrate on becomming enlightened, and are "taken out of play" when they succeed. Others are just in it to help them live their lives better, and their level of spiritual advancement is limited by this lack of commitment - they won't reach enlightemnent in the current lifetime. They *will* be able to run up walls and fight atop bamboo, though.

Oh, well... To each their own. YGWV. :)

~Kevin

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