This is the first of a series of key Wilberian concepts
The mystical experience is indeed ineffable, or not capable of being entirely put into words; like any experience – a sunset, eating a piece of cake, listening to Bach’s music – one has to have the actual experience to see what it’s like. We don’t conclude, however, that sunset, cake and music therefore don’t exist or aren’t valid. Further, even though the mystical experience is largely ineffable, it can be communicated or transmitted, namely, by taking up spiritual practice under the guidance of a spiritual master or teacher (much as Judo can be taught but not spoken; as Wittgenstein would have it, the mystical ‘can be shown but not said’.
One of the great challenges is to legitimize spiritual experience in the eyes of those who feel the concept to be alien. Sunsets, cake and great music are pretty good ways to bridge understanding.
I wonder if Wilber has read the great poet-philosopher of the ineffable – Abraham Joshua Heschel – I do hope so, they are comparable masters, same hymn-book but slightly different styles.
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Author: Roger - Dr Roger Prentice
Now I write, teach and coach mainly self-understanding. At advanced levels About 21stC 'interfaith as inter-spirituality' - and how we can grow closer to our True Self.
In the past I :
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1) I ran courses and give talks at conferences and in universities and colleges in the UK, China, USA, Canada, Scandinavia etc.
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2) I provided materials, outlines and lessons for Schools.
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3) My range of interests include personal development, learning and teaching, photography and film, the arts generally, spirituality and educational practice and theory.
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4) At the same time I continue developing the human-centred studies SunWALK PDS (People Development System) - a whole-person, high-achievement model for individuals, and for use in, NGOs, schools and other organizations.
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5) The key question that continues to animate me and my work remains, "What is it to be fully and positively human?"
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Contact me via onesummit AT gmail DOT com (replace At with@ etc.).
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All good wishes
Roger (Dr Roger Prentice)
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For those interested;
My first degree is in English and Education.
My masters is in Adult and Community Education.
My doctorate presented a new holistic meta-model of education called SunWALK.
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Soul Needs - One Garden 