Right, but I'm talking about experiences gained from your own efforts. Like the siddhis in eastern philosophies attributed to yoga practices. I agree. Theres an explanation for everything, although everything may not be explainable by our current understanding of things. Thats why I mentioned the philosophies that give you theories as a starting point, like all religions do, but then give you methods to follow in order to gain your own experiences and prove their claims for yourself. I said your taking a risk that its bullshit because everything should be taken with a grain of salt, even seemingly reasonable ideas. At least in my opinion.
I see, but I would consider this to be more psychological rather than mystical. I believe yoga is beneficial. I believe meditation is beneficial. I just see it as mentally-beneficial, rather than use the term "spiritual". I think it works, don't get me wrong, but psychologically without all the spiritualism. I agree. I love philosophy. Buddhism is really a philosophy that was transformed into a religion. I have no problem with self-exploration and philosophy, but when it introduces "entities" or "forces" for which there is no reason to believe in, that's when I get a little weary of it.:H
Most 'mystical' teachings are aimed at increasing your mental and intellectual capabilities, psychological well-being, and physical health. Its just that a lot of the 'mystics' writing down their experiences usually bring along some sort of religious background with them and they use the terms their used to in order to describe things they've had no previous experience with. If you look past that and follow their methods it supposedly leads you to experience something beyond physical existence. It just takes someone with a strong volition to do that without any previous experiences to warrant the effort. I love philosophy as well. I've had 'Beelzebub's Tales to his Grandson' by G.I. Gurdjieff sitting on my bookshelf for a month now, waiting for me to build up the courage to read it.
That depends on what you're talking about. In my last post I said "His character" so I don't know what quote you're refering to here.
Jatom- The thing is, until Libertine is shown the truth by God, he will continue his ignorance. There is no way that you can convince him without God providing the wisdom and experience necessary for his spiritual development. It won't come from you or me, although some of it comes through you and I.
Reason is capable of solving most disputes, but it is not capable of solving religious or ideological one's, because religion and ideology are wholly unreasonable to all but themselves. R. Buckminster Fuller