Essays on Mysticism

Analysis of a news story

On February 7th, 2014, I read an article about an interesting religion phenomenon in China. A lot of temples and Buddhas are built in many places in China to entice tourists, and actually earn huge profits. “The statue helped the park earn more than RMB 1.2 billion ($194 million) in 2013 according to the South China Morning Post.” as it written in the news (Ma, 2014). The temple is a sacred place, where disciples can worship their God. It becomes one of the most scenic places for tourists to visit, and is a profit machine in contemporary society, isn’t ...

1. What is Normal hematocrit ranges?

The normal hematocrit ranges are dependent on two things which are the age and sex of the individual. However, it is only dependent on sex after adolescence. The normal hematocrit ranges are: 55%- 68% for Newborn babies, 47% - 65% for one week old babies, 37% - 49% for one month old babies, 30% - 36% for three month olds, 29% -41% for one year olds, 36% - 40% for 10 year olds, 42% - 54% for adult males, and 38% - 40% for adult women.

2. What is Occult blood?

An occult blood is defined as a negligible amount of blood present ...

The part three of the novel fictionalizes a real narration about Rumi a Muslim teacher who passes through a reflective transformation when the roving dervish shams of Tabriz, who has defected from wacky and scary powers arrives in town. Shams and Rumi becomes very close, and when Sham shares the invigorating “the rules of love,” Rumi transforms to a rebel mystic. He becomes an inventor of the whirling dervishes “ecstatic dance” and a fervent as well as a cherished poet. Ella also breaks of convention under the influence of Aziz and opens herself to celestial forces. Inculcated with Rumi’s incomparable lyrics and Sufi mysticism, ...

Comparison and contrast of Umbilical and Nuchal cord

Introduction Prolapse in umbilical cord occurs in very rare circumstances. This condition is manifested by removal of umbilical cord from cervix before the delivery of the foetus. This cord serves as a food pipe to the baby for the transfer of nutrients from mother to foetus and also collects the digestive waste products from baby. During prolapse, the cord twins around the baby which complicates the delivery. This disease condition occurs only 1% of pregnancies. Due to the higher risk of foetal fatality, umbilical cord prolapse is considered as a medical emergency during labor pain (Critchlow et al., 1994). There ...

Perhaps one of the greatest works in the entire orchestral and symphonic canon, Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets has stood the test of time. Holst’s mind was austere and disciplined when The Planets was composed, it is a work of the period especially by using an enormous orchestra to depict Neptune and the mystical disappearing female chorus creating a background of astrology and perhaps theosophy. ‘The Planets’ can also be compared to Rimsky Korsakov and Dukas whilst Lehar also makes a fleeting appearance. Holst was a composer who recognized that impressions have to be filtered and analysed, structured and fitted into unique ...

Introduction

Derived from a Greek adjective mystikos, the term mysticism refers to the hidden Christian meaning of the Old Testament, the presence of Christ as well as the experience of GOD Himself through His presence in the scriptures . From this meaning, one gets the notion that there is a reality obscured by exterior manifestation, but accessible to all Christians. On the other hand, Mysticism refers to distinctive practices or traditions meant for human transformation. In modern times, the concept has been broadly associated with religious traditions and practices. This paper seeks to discuss two contrasting spiritualists St. Clare and Von Bingen, who ...

Our love is not a fading earthly flower:

Its wingèd seed dropped down from Paradise,

And, nursed by day and night, by sun and shower,

Doth momently to fresher beauty rise. Nor winter's rattling boughs lack lusty green: Our summer hearts make summer's fulness where No leaf or bud or blossom may be seen: For nature's life in love's deep life doth lie, Love,--whose forgetfulness is beauty's death, Whose mystic key these cells of Thou and I Into the infinite freedom openeth, And makes the body's dark and narrow grate The wide-flung leaves of Heaven's palace-gate. LOVE BY JAMES RUSSEL LOWELL (ERASED TEXT) love ...

Introduction

Many novels have been enjoyed by many book readers as they contain interesting story that made book fanatics keep on reading the succeeding books. There are even books that were adapted by film producers so to provide enjoyment to moviegoers. Similarities of the story between the book and the film are comparable enough to distinguish by its readers and watchers. However, even if the film version was successfully produced and adapted what is on the book version, there may still have some contrasting scenes and parts between the two versions that can be distinguish by critics. This will respond ...

Introduction

Hidden in mystery and practices that challenges human understanding through its complex relations, occultism is considered as the domain of obscure practices, defying science and religion. Being widespread in many African countries, occultism is believed to be practiced in secret within various circles, performed by witch doctors or other insiders of occult practices, as a solution for healing but also for generating certain benefits or advantages. This paper analyzes the influence of occultism and witch doctors in Africa, by examining if and how occult practices are used for healing or as a remedy for treating ailments or “magical illness” (such as ...

In Roszak’s text, he seeks to discover exactly why religious mysticism has disappeared from modern society. According to him, the “energies of transcendence” have vanished from our culture, which has incredible effects on how we live our lives. He states that religions sensibilities have been excised in order to make room for urban industrial development and the advancement of technology. The increasing secularization of our culture has stemmed from an idealism stating that we can do things on our own, and that we do not need pie-in-the-sky figures to help us along the way. There is no feeling ...

Religion in China and Japan

China and Japan have often been hailed as Asia’s pioneer nations when it comes to their overall development, contribution to history and rich tradition and culture, which not only transcended to nations they made contact with, but also featured the unique ideologies that shaped their respective nations. While both nations today are at odds in several key issues on politics, territory and even in ideology, their religious movements remained the same despite the changing world that challenges these beliefs. For the uninitiated, they would claim Chinese and Japanese religion is one at the same considering they share several ...

Introduction

Saint John of the Cross Influences of Saint John Darkness Darkness in Ps- Dionysius Mystical Theology : The negative theology Negations versus privations Ascension of Moses and Ascent of the soul Ps-Dionysius central concern The Darkness as the summit “Unknowing” Divine Darkness versus Nether Darkness Divine Darkness The concept of beyond-being Darkness in John the Cross John’s Writings : Dark Night of the soul Ascent of Mount Carmel Total purification through denial of everything The place of silence in union ...

Islam - Sufism

Sufism can be traced back to its origins to the Qur'an. The opponents of Sufism – Salafi do object to certain doctrines and practices of Sufi, but cannot make claims against its authenticity. In fact, it is easier to make claims that Sufism is the more authentic as its traditions are more dependable with the historical outlines of Islamic thought. Many Sufis arose from their retreats and became an active part of the society. The substance of Sufism is based on Truth and realization of Truth by love and devotion. This is a spiritual path towards God and Sufi is a ...

Trokosi in Africa

The modern world faces the evil of slavery which still remains as one of the paramount socio-cultural and legal hindrances that threatens the advancement of the human civilization. A close study would make one comprehend the intricate situation of the African society which reflects the problematic geographical clump in regard to slavery. A close study in respect to the practices of trokosi would reveal the present state of occultism and slavery that are prevalent in Africa. The history and the nature of the practice need to be taken into account to understand custom. It comes as an acute ...

Ti West’s 2009 horror film The House of the Devil is more than just a simple crackerjack Satanic-panic thriller about a scared housesitter – it is a deliberate throwback to the occult horror films of the 1970s and 1980s, where the media was beset by stories of Satanists terrorizing communities and performing untold acts in the name of dark forces. At its core, House of the Devil is a tremendous debut, a horror film that wears its influences on its sleeve while honoring what was so fascinating about the subgenre’s subject matter. Through stellar cinematography that honors the type of film it is ...

Introduction

Writings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux On Loving God Sermons on the Song of Songs Role of homilies in spirituality with reference to Saint Bernard’s writings. Love as Reverence or worship Serve to instruct Penetrate the scriptures Function as communication images and language Bring pure and easy intuition Temper the intensity of the Scriptures facilitating understanding Discussion prompt 1: Cistercians (Later Benedictine traditions) The Role Homilies Play in Spirituality. The commentary or spiritually based reflection that comes after the reading of scripture is referred to as a ...

Barth, Emmy. An Embassy Besieged: The Story of the Christian Community in Nazi Germany. Eugene, Or: Cascade Books, 2010. Print. This book elaborates the efforts of Adolf Hitler and its political system while trying to eliminate Christianity in Germany. The book uses relevant sources of information making it reliable for the study of the history of Germany in relation to the dictatorship of Hitler against Christianity. This is of the essence in ensuring that the historians have relevant facts pertaining to the acts of dictatorship perpetrated by Hitler. The author of this book is an experienced lecturer of ...

Summary:

Introduction: The report provides an insight into the Middle Age theological teachings, by focusing on the spiritual teachings of Meister Eckhart, which later became controversial to the then church doctrines. Eckhart was one of the most influential theologians within the 13th Century. Having studied Christianity doctrines within the Dominican Priory, by 1302 he was conferred the title of a Master for his profound theological knowledge. His religious inclination and mysticism was based on absolute imageless transcendence, such as the Divine Indwelling, which later became the foundation for the free eternal spirit.

His works and sermons were put to ...

Modern art includes many elements from Asian and African art. The works chosen here have elements of modernism in them especially the Seated Couple sculpture whilst the Senyu Kannon work depicting Buddha has influenced several artists such as Paul Gauguin and Francis Bacon.

Senju Kannon’s The Thousand Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion (circa 1200AD)

Senju Kannon’s The Thousand Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion is a seminal work in the history of Japanese art but is also an important milestone for Buddhist thought and religion. The work is colourful and emanates a certain sense of peace and calm which demonstrates the prevalent revival in Japanese art of the late 19th century. The Bodhisattva ...

It cannot be denied that Edgar Allan Poe made important contributions to the literary community. Poe effectively made his place in the literary community by always altering it using dark themes, Romanticist aspects, and strong imagery. Poe’s lyrical poem, “The Sleeper,” which was first published in 1831, gives readers a chance to retain a conclusive idea of his mysterious intentions. Poe establishes his ideas in his work using imagery. Poe creates an uncanny and weird environment in his poem that is inhabited by his characters. Poem portrays a lady in a long dress in his poem. Poe’s dark and deep romanticist intentions ...

Introduction

The Tempest is a play that was written by Shakespeare. When this play was written, it was not instantaneously known as the work of post-colonial theatre as know today. However, after a careful look at the native island such as Caliban conflicting with settlers like Prospero, it is clear that there are features of post-colonialism that run throughout the play. This paper will explore some of the elements of the post-colonialism presented in The Tempest. Some of these elements that the paper shall exclusively look at include Prospero declaring himself as a leader of a strange island.

Discussion

On reading the tempest book, it ...

Dowsing is a method used to locate underground objects of interest such as water, valuable minerals, and unmarked graves. Early dowsing was also referred to as water witching since it was mostly used to locate the presence of underground water. Dowsers use a forked divining stick when locating underground minerals and water. The stick is gripped inflexibly in each hand with the forkedend pointing upwards. As they walk over the ground, the stick is twisted suddenly as though moved by a powerful unseen energy. The stick is turned, and the forkedend points down to indicate the location of the water. Different types ...

Voltaire identifies various flaws in the society that he lived. The scenario in the Voltaire’s world is analogous to the situation in the modern society. In his book, Voltaire highlights the problems in his society. He uses satire to express his discomfort about various issues in his society. The paper highlights how Voltaire’s approach of the use of satire can successfully be employed in building a better future. The paper suggests the plot of the book, which Voltaire would most likely write in today’s world. Essentially, the paper highlights how Voltaire would present these issues ...

The American Gastroenterological Association in 2007 defined the terms that we use to describe chronic blood loss. Occult bleeding is defined as a positive fecal occult blood sample on initial evaluation; or it is defined as iron deficiency anemia, without any signs of physical bleeding. The term obscure bleeding is defined as; bleeding that persists even after evaluation following an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and radiograph imaging. Obscure bleeding accounts for approximately 5% of all GI bleeds; 75% occur in the small intestines while the rest are associated with lesions of the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.,, Depending on the location ...

Every culture is blessed with mythology and mysteries. Mythology as defined by Nwankwo is, "legends of the people's history, religion, stories of how the world was created, traditions of origin and their heroes and they are meant to describe the structure of the world's people live in and the force that operate in it." (Nwankwo). The Igbos have diverse versions of their myths, and it is imperative to consider that these myths shape their form of cultures, traditions, socio-cultural activities, economies, and polities. Each culture has its uniqueness and differs from other cultures in a profound way. ...

Senju Kannon’s The Thousand Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion is a seminal work in the history of Japanese art but is also an important milestone for Buddhist thought and religion. The work is colourful and emanates a certain sense of peace and calm which demonstrates the prevalent revival in Japanese art of the late 19th century. The Bodhisattva is also a crucial figure for Buddhism which also attempts to create an oasis of calm and peace but at the same time delves into the deep questions of existentialism which is part and parcel of the whole religious concept. Actually the word bodhisattva ...

Scientific Revolution

Scientific revolution is something that has influenced all of the people no matter what age or ethnicity they are. The great value for the correct understanding of the processes which are seen in public life has the analysis of modern scientific and technical revolution. According to Dr. Robert A. Hatch, scientific revolution is a high-quality transformation of productive forces, transformation of science into productive force and the basic change of social production, its form and content, nature of work, and public division of labor that refers to it. Scientific revolution has an impact on all the structure of production and ...

Introduction

The central element and aspect of the Christian Faith is the divinity of Jesus Christ, the founder of the religion. Acceptance, belief and confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world and humanity is the most basic element that distinguishes a Christian from a non-Christian. This shows that Jesus Christ is the foundation on which the entire Christian faith is built. As such, every Christian must give reverence to Him and to His position as the pivot around which every other thing in the spiritual world revolves. The idea of Jesus being God ...

Madonna and Child with Book, c. 1502-03

Raffaello Sanzio also called Raphael Italian, 1483-1520Oil on panel21-3/4 x 15-3/4 in. (55.2 x 40 cm)Norton Simon Art FoundationM.1972.2.P This painting by Raphael is probably one of the best known icons of the Italian Renaissance, and brings together several of the artist’s characteristics. Raphael’s work is singularly well known both for its considerable clarity of form as well as the ease with that the composition of his paintings are viewed. The painting’s title is Madonna with Child and Book and was completed in around 1503 for Pope Julius II and was initially located ...

Introduction

Critique and revision are concepts which are employed to critically examine text, speech or ideas presented by other people. These concepts have been employed widely in the areas of activism and education. In the feminist movements, for example, various women critiqued men and patriarchy. They also critiqued and revised other feminist thinkers in their effort to make their movement more effective. Patriarchy is the general societal structure where men have exceedingly more power than women in social and financial terms. During the birth of the feminist movement, many women arose against patriarchy and its ills. One of the ways ...

The ministry for adult faith formation within my parish has evolved over the years with transformations that reflect the basic needs of an adult faithful currently around the world (Huebsch Page 12-24). Even though the transformations have seen some developments in the approaches the ministry has used in its activities, much still remains to be desired in that most things are still pegged on the old age doctrines. I would rate my parish’s adult faith formation as a moderate one that has systematically avoided extreme stands in its approaches. It has been slow in embracing fast moving changes in ...

Article Analysis

Article # 1: The Doctor Who Starved her Patients to Death Health is important to everyone who wanted to have long and healthy life. Health is what majority of the people think is the kind of wealth which no one can take it away from the owner. Health is something that we should always put priority on because this is what we need in order to normally live our daily lives. Dr. Linda Hazzard, a doctor from the small town of Olalla near Seattle, has been accused of first class murder after the death of a dozen of people who ...

The vision behind forming the Mystic Monk Coffee is that Father Daniel Mary wants to help setup the business that would help them with the purchase of the Ranch that Father Daniel Mary wants. He is achieving this by serving a niche market of the coffee drinkers. This niche market is very large with more than 150 million consumers. There are also expansion plans that Father Daniel Mary has in mind. He wants to increase his sales and wants to buy a bigger Roaster to meet the demand. His marketing techniques are aggressive, but only limited to word of mouth and ...

“God dwells in creatures, in the elements, giving them being, in the plants vegetating, in the animals feeling in them, in men giving them to understand: and so in me, giving me being, animating me, giving me sensation and making me to understand; likewise making a temple of me, being created to the likeness and image of His Divine Majesty”

St. Ignatius Loyola, “Spiritual Exercises”

I remember my conversation with one priest, which influenced on my world view. We were talking about our doubts of the existence of God, and how strong is his faith. The priest’s answer was that he knows that God is ...

Taoism – is the Chinese traditional doctrine, which contains elements of religion, mysticism, divination, shamanism, meditation and traditional philosophy and science. The followers of Taoism are called Taoists. Yellow Emperor (the ancestor of all Chinese) is considered as the founder of the Taoism. In the history of Taoism is a separation doctrine in philosophical Taoism (dao chia), developed in neo Taoism and religious (dao jiao), which included alchemy, demonology, treatment. Since its inception Taoism has not created a single church, and his doctrinal position orthodox referral is formed in particular, common to all believers of dogma. This was reflected on Taoist doctrine ...

Introduction

The life and death of Grigori Rasputin has become something of a legend. Its historical significance and truthfulness is not fully authenticated, with some stories embellished or plainly misremembered. There are little facts between the night he disappeared and the day his body was retrieved from the river (King, p. 10). The official police investigation reported a solved murder case even when it was not the real case. Hence, the world is left with Rasputin’s memoirs and the names of his killers, Felix Yusupovand and Vladimir Purishkevich (Trounev, p. 12). As the Soviets came into power, most of the documents ...

“Secret” is a 2007 Taiwanese film which tells us a dramatic story of love between two young people who are parted by 20 years. This film is an impressive debut of a Taiwanese musician Jay Chou, who moreover composed the soundtrack for it (along with Therdsak Chanpan), and also stared as an actor and a co-writer of the screenplay for it. “Secret” was awarded “Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year”, “Best Visual Effects”, “Best Original Song” (for “Secret” by Chou) at the 44th Golden Horse Awards in 2007. It was also nominated for “Best Asian Film” at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards ...

Introduction

The Protestant Reformation was one of the most earth-shattering moments in European religious history; the split of the Christian Church between Catholicism and Protestantism started out small, with Martin Luther’s thesese, and quickly spread and developed throughout Europe. The impact of the Reformation on European life and religion was vast and widespread, as well as far more complex than anyone could have anticipated – different regions had different reactions to the Reformation, leading to distinct reactions to the huge religious change in different parts of the continent. The work of Pettegree (1992), Dickens (1993) and Duke (2000) strives to ...

Hinduism identifies four stages to the human life cycle. Define and explain the cycle. In Hinduism, there are four stages of human life. The Hindus refer to the four stages as the ashramas. The Hindus believe that in the life cycle, every man has to pass through each of the stages. These stages include; “Brahmachrya”, “Grihastha”, “Vanaprastha”, and “Sannyasa”. The first Ashrama is also referred to as the student stage. The second stage is the householder stage; the third is the Hermit stage whereas the fourth stage is also referred to as the Wandering Ascetic stage. Brahmacharya ...

Analysis of a quote by Simon Critchley on love and its relation to the novel ‘Wuthering Heights’by Emily Brontë - Reflections on the quote and the extent to which its truth is experienced through the reading of the ‘Wuthering Heights’ – Examples of the quote’s demonstration in the context and plot of the novel [The author’s name]

Abstract

This paper will present you with the demonstration of a quote. The quote is written and said by Simon Critchley and it is about love. Simon Critchley is an English philosopher who serves the field of philosophy. Critchley (2009) states that ...

Philosophy

Thales was one of the philosophers predeceasing Socrates who served as one of the Seven Sages in Greece at the time. He was identified by Aristotle as the first person who investigated the basic principles questioning the originating substances of matter and hence the founder of natural philosophy. Although most of his works were known only by report and not by hard evidence, a glimpse of his ideas is found in the works and writings of Aristotle. Aristotle had statements he sought to investigate that echoed and commented on the principles of Thales. Some of his four basic ideologies ...

Thales was one of the Greek philosophers predeceasing Socrates. He also served as one of the Seven Sages in Greece at the time. He was the first philosopher of Greek tradition. Thales is also the father of science. The most renowned place in philosophy held by Thales was his thesis on cosmology. This cosmology descends via a path from Metaphysics by Aristotle. In his work, Aristotle clearly conveys Thales’ nature of matter hypothesis. The hypothesis states that a substance of a single material (water) is nature’s inaugurating principle. Aristotle went on to give further speculations whose basis was his own ...

Introduction

Bag of Bones of Stephen King is a most fascinating and impressive story of misery and a vanished love's lasting connections which the readers deeply feel, that of the new love emerged by the disclosures of the history, of the guiltless child seized in a awful crossfire. The readers of the story analyze that in the Maine area King has created mythic, so Bag of Bones relates the dilemma of 40 years bestselling novelist Mike Noonan, who is incapable to end grieving still 4 years after the abrupt death of his wife, Jo, as well as who could no longer stand to ...

This sculpture which is one of the most original in African works of the time. It is dated from 1800 to 1850 and comes from a period of intriguing self-discovery for the African continent. The common theme that the figures explore is the familial one where the man is carrying a quiver on his back while the woman is carrying a child on hers. In a sense these are the roles which have to be followed in African society where the man carries out his work as a hunter which provides for the family while the woman is left to raise the children according ...

Art and Architecture

The Representation of David in the Sculpture by Bernini

Gina Lorenzo Bernini was born in Italy in 1598. His artistic talents were recognized when he was very young. Lubow (2008) reports that Bernini was only eight years old when he “carved a stone head that was ‘the marvel of everyone’ who saw it” (p. 77). Throughout Bernini’s life he accomplished great works of art, including paintings, sculptures and the creation of great fountains throughout Rome. Bernini was always involved with making art from an early age until he died at the age of 82. One of his great sculptures ...

“Because I Could not Wait for Death,”

and

Tennyson’s “In Memoriam”

This is an essay comparing the similarities and differences between Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I Could not Stop for Death,” and Lord Alfred Tennyson’s “In Memoriam.” Both poet suffered bereavement of people who were very close to them and from this pain they produce their masterpieces.

The Theme of Death in Emily Dickinson’s

“Because I Could not Wait for Death,” and

Tennyson’s “In Memoriam”

Lord Alfred Tennyson and Emily Dickinson are legendary poets. They had both experienced the sting of death and write from deep within their souls about it. In Tennyson’s “In Memoriam,” and Dickinson’s “Because I Could not Wait for Death,” ...

Introduction

Since the old days, many people have longed to know what the future holds, how it will look like and exactly what will happen. Due to the persistent search of the unknown, people have developed the knowledge and different ways of looking into the present and past and relating it to what will happen in the future. Through this, many different methods of telling the future have been found and they include among others, psychic readings, crystallomancy, numerology, tarot card reading and astrology. Thus the findings of the different methods of telling the future has enabled selected individuals to ...

Modern life of an ordinary member of human society is quite organized, predicted and planned in a certain way. Of course there are various unexpected situations and surprises from the future and destiny if you want to call it that way. I would say in the modern world, there is no place for magic and spontaneity, but everyday magic of sensation and simple pleasures of life used to make the world go round and make people happy, healthy and satisfied in the ancient times. Nowadays, our lives are planned from the rise to dawn and from birth to death. Being a ...

Sacred violence took place in the seventeenth to eighteenth century in Early America. According to Susan Juster the word sacred refers to all that exists outside or transcends the human sphere. In Early America, Christianity had taken deep root as was the case in Europe. Many of the Christians at that time believed that they were supreme over other forms of religion and that no other religion was considered Godly. As a result of this frame of mind Christians took it upon themselves to rid the world of “evil” people, this being non-Christians by and large. The method use to ...

Free will is the ability of agents to make choices free from certain kinds of constraints. According to the historical views, the constraint of dominant concern is the metaphysical constraint of determinism. The opposing positions within various debates are metaphysical libertarianism, the claim that determinism is not true and thus free will exists and hard determinism, the claim that determinism is true and thus that free will does not be there. These positions, which agree that causal determination is the relevant factor in the question of free will, are classed as incompatibility. Those who do not believe that determinism ...