Useful Stages of a Book Mystic

 There exists the possibility of stages of progress as a mystic. Those illustrated here do not reflect a generalized reality to mysticism, are not the stages everyone can, should, or does go through - just examples of stages that seem to me like they would be useful to the mystic.

An introductory stage, that of the Inquisitive Student. Not yet invested in a particular religion, mystical lineage, or spiritual path, there is a freedom of movement necessary to explore the diversity of religions and creeds which exist - to "test the waters," and find out which point of view seems most worth exploring. Of importance in deciding is one's motivation in exploring religion and spirituality: to be of altruistic benefit to one's friends, family, humanity, sentient life? To find pleasure, and freedom from pain? To avoid going to "hell"? 

I seem to recall an intriguing episode of South Park, wherein someone reaches the gates of heaven and is alerted, "We're sorry, the correct answer was Mormonism," only to be catapulted into an eternity of suffering in hell for mistaking which religion presented genuine and authentic salvation. I personally am a Muslim not a Mormon, but grasp the point of how ridiculous it would be if people went to hell based upon "guessing wrong." 

All anyone can do is their best. 

And so I believe the first stage should be to diversify one's understanding of spirituality and religion in general, and decide one's preference based upon cross referencing and meditation. 

A good second stage might be the Believer, wherein faith in a particular teaching is enthusiastically embraced and the teaching's essence lived. If Islam is chosen, a reading begins of the Old and New Testament, perhaps Apocryphal Texts, and the Quran / Hadiths. Prayer and meditation upon inducing a revelation as to the nature and will of God. 

I believe the scriptures should be read in a contemplative manner. However much of them one reads, the whole establishes context, and the situation can be analyzed for plausible symbolism against that whole. I believe the words of the text should be pondered concerning the possibility of poetic intent. 

It might be a useful stage to attempt to absorb a bulk percentage of the teaching without trying too hard to grasp intent. This helps to establish an eventual context when one digs deeper.

Then, read the text in an attempt to decipher an esoteric poem. Play with the symbolism, dig deeply into plausible meanings - even exploring implausible seeming associations. 

Next, begin to mold your own psyche with the intent of perfecting yourself by the standards of an omniscient, all loving God. Use love and faith to harness a control over your own emotions, learning to release fear, hatred, desire, and pride, and to embrace the whole with one's heart. 

Attempt to receive love from God, to induce a state of love of the nature of God's own experience. I suggest objectless love, and the sacrifice of all attachments to an overwhelming upsurge in objectless love.

Perfect focus until the present moment as the realization of the experience of the heart of God is all that is retained, in expanse, for several hours in a single sitting.

Master the mind so that it focuses only on what information one sends it to. Send it to the solution to the question of the will of God.

Explore the solution to the question of the will of God until ready to live it.

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