Although quantum mechanics is firmly based in mathematically quantifiable observations, the implications for causality are sometimes so bizarre as to violate common sense. The famous Shrödinger’s cat paradox, where the cat is neither dead nor alive until the box is opened, is an example. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that the observer has to be considered an integral part of the experimental apparatus when an observed quantum mechanical system is being observed. The further one descends into the subatomic realm, the less possible becomes a precise description of “reality.” Chance and uncertainty rule the game. The rules of the subatomic realm appear to be vastly different from the rules those of our own macroscopic realm only because the of the minuteness of quantum effects. By its own rules, science is restricted to the investigation of empirical phenomena that are observable by more than one individual. Mystically-derived information, by contrast, is inherently non-reproducible, subjective, and unique to the observer. At present there are no methods of objective verification of such information. However, there are numerous well-tested techniques for bringing on mystical experiences such as meditation, tantra, magic, ritual, dreaming, entheogenic compounds, fasting, physical ordeal, martial arts, isolation tanks and praying. High fever, torture and near-death experiences, which fall in the physical ordeal category, can also induce mystical states of mind. The common theme is weakening of the ego’s censorship of the unconscious mind so that Truth can be glimpsed. I suspect that the great majority of readers of this have had some sort of mystical experience of spirit in matter, otherwise you would not be reading it.Perhaps you reacted strongly to a crystal or fossil, experienced the numinosity of a special place, felt the power within a consecrated magical tool, or sensed the uncannyness of an ancient artifact, to name a few possibilities. For every individual, the specific visions and sensations in each mystical experience will be unique and profoundly conditioned by the physical and mental state and belief systems of the participant. Mysticism is not inherently anti-materialistic (although many mystics are). Indeed, once you have conversed with an animal, tree or a rock, it’s difficult to deny the spiritual aspects of Nature. Fundamentalist Christians would probably judge that I had been talking to demons, but that certainly was not my experience. Nothing I can say will convince a skeptic of the existence of the spiritual dimensions. The only compelling proof is to have an experience of one’s own. My initial visionary experiences were absolutely mind-blowing for me, but when I told my rationalist friends about them they took them as evidence of a delusional frame of mind. It was like trying to describe television to someone from a pre-technological culture:
“Invisible vibrations fill the air with information that can be displayed as moving pictures and sound if you use an electrically-powered receiver to amplify them.” “Electricity, what’s that? Just calm down. We have a special place for you.”
