MOQers: This is a brand (potential) thread. I hope to offer some
thoughts about mysticism that even an uninitiated rationalist can
appreciate. Its my view that mysticism is central to Pirsig's MOQ. FROM
LILA "Dynamic Quality and static Quality together may be called the
'mystic'." The validity of mysticism is nearly impossible to prove in
the classical scientific sense, that's one of the SOM ills Pirsig sought
to cure, but there is ample evidence.
One of the most attractive aspects of Pirsig's Metaphysic is that it
provides an intelligible framework for all my favorite thinkers and
writers. He and all the mystics, saints and saviors share a common
vision. There are many ways to express it and there are many facets to
explore, but these seperate travelers all describe the same territory.
(In my father's house there are many mansions)
I don't know if I could spell out all the similarities and congruities,
even if we had the time. But others have attempted grand unification
theories of the mystic, sort of. I'm thinking of Jung, Campbell and
Capra. Their views are extremely sympathetic with each other and with
the mystic view. There are mystics within every one of the world's great
religions. In spite of the religious wars waged by zealots and
fundamentalists, the mystics of every faith all share a common view. (If
the doors of perception were cleansed...) The mystical vision is the
source of this common view. The mystical vision defies the standards of
scientific inquiry, but there have been many reports, from many people
in all times and places. There is a lot of psychological, literary, and
archeological evidence that supports the same view and its
underpinnings. It really doesn't take a giant leap of faith to believe
that there's something to the reports.
Well, what is that common vision? What is the mystical view of reality?
And don't give me a bunch of psyco-babble. Forget about Theology and
poetry. Give it to me in a rational form that really makes sense! How do
mystics see the universe?! Read Pirsig. There are lots of descriptions,
but his is rich and clear.
David B
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