Episode #215 ... How Mysticism is missing in our modern lives. (Critchley, Heidegger)
Oct 30, 2024
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Dive into the intriguing discussion on achieving freedom from the will, exploring how modern life stifles our connection with Being. Discover the misconceptions surrounding mysticism and its vital role in creating meaning in our lives. The conversation critiques the limitations of rational thought and suggests embracing vulnerability for transformative experiences. Uncover alternative paths to mysticism through poetry and music, offering refreshing insights into reconnecting with the spiritual essence often overlooked in contemporary culture.
31:16
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Quick takeaways
Heidegger's philosophy encourages embracing a freedom from the will, prompting a deeper connection with existence beyond self-optimization.
Contrary to misconceptions, mysticism is a rational practice, accessible today through mediums like poetry and music, fostering transformative experiences.
Deep dives
Heidegger's Concept of Releasement
Heidegger introduces the idea of releasement, or letting be, as a crucial evolution in his philosophy, moving from the traditional subject-object framework to exploring a more profound connection with existence. This shift emphasizes the necessity for an individual to not only will themselves onto situations but also to embrace a freedom from the will. In contemporary society, there's a tendency to frame everything in terms of manipulation and efficiency, leading many to overlook the potential richness of existence outside relentless self-optimization. By asking whether individuals should prioritize understanding their own being over constantly attempting to change the world, Heidegger challenges listeners to consider what may be missing in their modern experiences of existence.
Mysticism: Misunderstandings and Insights
The podcast delves into the often-misunderstood realm of mysticism, addressing various misconceptions that frame it as irrational or delusional. Contrary to this perspective, historical mystics typically did not label themselves as such and were often serious practitioners committed to rational engagement with their spiritual practices. For instance, medieval mystics like Saint Teresa and Jewish Kabbalists dedicated extensive time to contemplative prayer and textual analysis. By examining Simon Critchley’s arguments, the discussion aims to highlight mysticism as a valuable gateway to experiences that transcend conventional rationality, reshaping our understanding of mystics and their practices.
Consciousness and Subjective Experience
Critchley prompts listeners to reconsider how we frame experiences of consciousness, arguing that the subjective nature of these experiences warrants study independent of materialist interpretations. Consistent with Heidegger’s concerns, the podcast highlights that rational language often fails to encapsulate the depth of profound experiences that transcend ordinary understanding. The podcast raises questions about the validity of mystical experiences, emphasizing that while they may not correspond to tangible material causes, the subjective transformation elicited by such experiences holds intrinsic value. This perspective allows for a more nuanced appreciation of the mystical experience, focusing on the subjective nature of the transformation rather than its objective validation.
Accessing Mystical Experiences Today
In contemporary society, the barriers to accessing mystical experiences are often heightened by distractions and prioritization of rational thinking over deeper connections to self and existence. Critchley suggests that while religious pathways traditionally facilitated these experiences, modern avenues such as poetry, music, and deep philosophical engagement can also unlock such transformative states. He emphasizes that these experiences may not be immediate but can unfold gradually through dedicated practice and openness to vulnerability. By viewing modern artistry and philosophy as legitimate pathways, the discussion highlights the democratization of mysticism, making it accessible without strict adherence to religious doctrine.
Today we talk about whether it's possible to achieve not just freedom of the will, but freedom from the will. The technological enframing of reality from the perspective of Heidegger. Misconceptions about Mysticism. The ways that modern life prevents us from having more of a connection with Being. Some ways to start practicing mystical types of experiences using the resources that we have available to us. We do all of this via some points made by Simon Critchley in his new book On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy.