Event Description

Rosicrucian Book Review - The Sanctuary of Self by Ralph M. Lewis

You are cordially invited to join us in reading and discussing one of our foundational Rosicrucian texts, The Sanctuary of Self by Ralph M. Lewis. 

This evening we will be completing our journey into the wisdom of this book with Chapter Twenty-Three: Cosmic Consciousness (pages 160-167).

1. This final chapter opens with the thought that the world needs “all religions and systems of philosophy” that lead humanity closer to the Divine to encourage “the spiritual aspects of the inner self.” What are your thoughts about this statement?

2. The author suggests that one “true mystical experience” is that of inspiration, that is, having sudden insight or “enlightenment” beyond reason or study. He goes on to suggest that such an experience is not just a revelation of new truths, but rather can be a “consecration, the incentive to devote one’s life to an ideal.” What are your thoughts about the meaning of receiving an “inspiration”? What inspires you?

3. The author states that “incoherence and obscurity” are not signs of a mystical experience. He tells us that to think so is “a mistake.” Why might the author suggest such an important point?

4. The author lists four points that determine whether we have attained the state of mystical consciousness. The first is “ineffability.” What is meant by this term, and how is it not the same as “incoherence and obscurity” mentioned in question 3?

5. The second point regarding mystical experience is described as a “noetic quality.” What is meant by this term?

6. The third point regarding mystical experience is “transiency.” Can you speak to this point? Can you confirm this sense of “transiency” from your own experiences?

7. Although such experiences may be transient, can you confirm that “mystical consciousness” never goes backward, but rather is progressive in development?

8. Finally, the author describes recipients as being in a state of “passivity” when experiencing Cosmic Consciousness.  From your own experience, do you find that passivity is important in seeking to attain mystical states? What do you recall regarding either the Rosicrucian teachings or other wisdom teachings on the importance of passivity or receptivity in attaining higher states of awareness?

9. Humility is one of the operative human characteristics emphasized in this chapter, especially regarding our attaining Cosmic Consciousness. How can we learn to cultivate humility in ourselves?

10.  In our Rosicrucian studies we learn techniques and practices that teach us to harmonize ourselves with Cosmic laws and principles thus leading us to an awareness of Cosmic Consciousness. The author indicates that these teachings are a “synthesis” of those of various mystics and spiritual traditions over time. What are some techniques that you have used that have assisted you in attaining higher states of mystical consciousness?

11. The author refers to Sufism and the idea of meditating upon certain phrases in sacred text in the search for inner experiences. Have you ever used this technique—of meditating upon words or phrases from which you have sought inspiration?

12. Rumi is often considered the father of Sufism from his experiences of being absorbed in “an ocean of love.” Have you ever had such an experience yourself?

13. The author affirms with Sufism that “substance or matter” is “an actuality” and not just “an illusion—a product of our receptor senses.” In this regard, matter has both a positive and negative quality or duality of expression—that the positive aspect is invisible and found within us. What are your thoughts about this Rosicrucian teaching based on Sufism?

14. Ralph M. Lewis describes a three-fold “method of attainment of mystical consciousness, as advocated by the Sufis.” The first step is as follows: a realization of self as an “independent expression, not as an independent existence.” Can you explain what he means by this statement?

15. The second step for attaining mystical consciousness is that we realize that the Divine exists “without lip tribute to religion, dogma, or creed.” Can you explain?

16. The third realization is that the Divine or Absolute is one unity “of self and substance” but that these are also distinct. Can you confirm or further explain this concept?

17. The author describes the “progressive rewards” that mystics attain when they follow a spiritual path toward enlightenment. These include “charity, enduring patience, trust in the Divine, humility, and Peace Profound.” Can you think of any others?

18. The author explains that “for the true mystic” one should not reject physical existence “in favor of permanent absorption into the Cosmic.” Why not?

19. The author makes note of Meister Eckhart who suggests that physical existence is a mirror or “image”—a reflection of the Divine, but that our sensory picture of existence is incomplete or imperfect. However, mystical illumination or Cosmic Consciousness “reveals a true image of existence.” What does the author suggest that we do with this knowledge—that is, what sort of use can we make of such experiences in the world?

20. The chapter ends with a profound statement about how we can recognize a true mystic, someone not necessarily found in a monastery or temple. By what characteristics, then, can we know a true mystic rather than by profession or walk of life

We look forward to seeing you at this book review!

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/6528596718