Mysticism and Brahman

So today in Mysticism class we were talking about Hindu Mysticism and mainly on the Brahman. The Brahman is the overwhelming theme that is "the Universe". It says that everything that exists is a reflection of the Brahman (almost Godlike/but rather a massive, infinite, perfect state of being that is ALL) includes mankind and anything on the planet like rocks to animals. It also says that the world that we exist in is an illusion one that hides the fact that the Brahman unites everything and that our individual divisions are all simple illusions. Well people asked why does the Brahman need to hide it self and the best answer was the Brahman is infinite and naturally creates the (illusion) world and it is when a rational being sees through the illusion on to the oneness of the universe that the circle is completed between Brahman and the World. Well that is hard to swallow but it still the best answer that we had to use. Well through intense meditation people can come into contact with Brahman and experience the 'oneness' of the universe or rather see a "reflection" of Brahman, because to unite with something that 'you' are technically part of already is impossible. Basically when people reach a certain plain they realize the 'oneness' of the universe and all things and that is Brahman. Well at some point the various ways common people not practicing meditation interact with the hidden Brahman was brought up.

The ways some interact with it (Brahman) is mainly when ever you are indulged in something so much that concept of time is lost, or overwhelming joy is felt when in the activity. It is on various degrees but it can be felt through watching a movie, tv, reading, playing games, having fun really many aspects of life reflect a small glimpse into the Brahman at times(according to the Hindu mysticism). Well the aspect of intoxication also is said in some cases to create a way to Brahman through various drugs or alcohol. Well this got me thinking about how these elements that i find rather 'lame' could create a channel to the ultimate 'oneness' with the Brahman. Well its often the consensus that this is a easy way to the Brahman and is never as complete the way meditation can get you there. But as i reflected on it i realized that this 'oneness' that mystics experience could simple be mistaken in some ways as being 'high', 'buzzed' or 'that feeling people strive for when they are intoxicated. Because i know most people don't drink and smoke to reach Brahman but rather it could be that being high is a small piece of what the Brahman is to mankind. Well either way i know that i am content with that various ways i lose my self and may at times feel this 'oneness' without even knowing it, but it did make me reevaluate my harsh view on these things for a bit. Rather i know it can help people feel better but i rather not go down that path. And one day if i ever want to feel this 'oneness' (be it Brahman or simple a unique feeling) i know i will do it through meditation and not any incomplete way to this realization. Either way this class session was great i just thought about what it means if everything is an illusion and that we are all 'one'. It honestly made me feel good for what ever reason, i think its just a feeling i get when im driving alone looking up at the sky, a feeling of happiness or just a good feeling. Either way some say how do the mystics return to an "illusion' basiclaly how could they continue on with a life that is an illusion. Well the reasoning i understood and pondered was one that concluded that man can only see this reflection of Brahman for limited amounts of time(many mystics only stay in it for less then 2 hours). So it is clear that our minds are ment for the illusionary construct that is "our world". The main idea of how we could continue on in this 'illusion' is that, the world may be an illusion but the illusion itself (of the world) is real, we live in it and have the values we have in it. Well either way i like this class alot but this particular class discussion but me in a good mood.

I went on to my economics class and we had a test today. Luckily we would take this test in our groups but i dread the group i was in. Well i sat down with the girl who is nice and another girl and the two jerks were missing. I was fine with the group at the moment and then the others showed up. But i didn't 'hate' them like i thought i was going to. I mean they weren't terrible, they told me random stories when the conversation veered that way but either way i was just helpful and nice. I'm not sure why, it may have been that i was in a good mood from the earlier class or maybe i was in a terrible mood other days. Either way one girl told us about how her friends and her got high and went to walmart and played with all the toys and coloring books, she said is was so fun and that normally 'we' would never do that. And i smiled, i wasn't annoyed like i usually am, i actually liked the rather innocent way they acted when they were high. I just thought to my self that i have no problem playing with toys and acting young (and if you ask me life is much better when your not worried with basic appearance/not saying i disregard them). Rather i think most people, including this girl, think of life as progressing in a way that once you reach a certain age aspects to life like "playing"and being 'care free' and having kid like fun are shed and titles like "college student" 'adult' 'responsible' must be incorporated. I think this may be another reason why drinking and drugs may seem even better because it lets you shed those titles for awhile and 'have fun'. I like to think that you don't become something new but you grow and when you grow you retain some of the aspects of you childhood. I think its a good thing to relax with yourself and not always follow those titles that society seem to place on certain ages. Well they all had some story about being high and acting in similar ways and i just thought i have so much fun when i do ridiculous (its only ridiculous b/c of society anyways hehe) things like playing with toys ect, and i don't have to get high. I wasn't angry or proud of my "better' way of doing things (nor did i know if it was better/just needed some word to relay how i felt) but rather just interested in how things like that work. Either way i wasn't instantly annoyed but rather okay with their stories, i know that i will barely know these people in a few months and for now i might as well be friendly with them because honestly they are a pretty nice (i mean friendly, not good at economics lol) group.

I don't know where my views on drugs and alcohol will stand tomorrow or even later today but at the moment i am not as aggressive about it as i usually am. It may be the discussion about Brahman or those kids and their stories. All i know is i shouldn't be so aggressive towards it because its the same view people who drink and ect have towards those who don't "have a good time" and 'relax'. Often times i feel like they think i have hit a emotional barrier like i cant get by it and "grow up". Like im afraid of experiencing new things. But hey, i know what i feel and for now that is all i need. Its alot like how 'reason' attacks 'faith' as aggressively as 'faith' attacks 'reason' (well back in enlightenment days but either way). Now im getting off topic, i had alot to explain today and i know ive missed alot of what i wanted to say either way i hope you got some of what i was trying to talk about.