Hermitix Christian Mysticism, Poetry and Silence with James Harpur
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Aug 27, 2025 Join James Harpur, a celebrated British-born Irish poet, as he delves into the depths of Christian mysticism and its poetic expressions. He shares insights from his book 'Dazzling Darkness,' exploring the transformative power of poetry sparked by his own mystical experience. The conversation weaves through the complex identity of Jesus as a mystic, the interplay between suffering and enlightenment, and the importance of embracing the noise of life. It's a captivating journey that reveals how contemplative practices can lead to profound self-discovery.
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A Sudden Ecstasy Changed His Life
- James Harpur described a sudden 1981 ecstatic experience where his body felt filled with light and his ego dissolved.
- The episode transformed his compassion for others and launched his lifelong study of mystics.
Mysticism As Ego-Transcending Encounter
- Harpur defines mysticism around experiences that overwhelm the ego and reveal a sense of oneness beyond self.
- He notes scholars distinguish visionaries from mystics and that many mystics wrote to explain such occurrences.
Poetry Mirrors Mystical Silence
- Harpur argues poetry often conveys mystical experience more faithfully than prose because it remains impressionistic and close to silence.
- He cites John of the Cross, Blake, and Traherne as poets who channel mystical states through verse.
