The Crisis of Modern Humanity: Mysticism, (Paperback)

This work is a suggestive enquiry into the trends within modern humanity. By 'crisis' is meant that a critical stage has been reached and a change in orientation is expected within a short period; whether it is consciously directed or comes under the compulsion of events, in either case it may be expected to occur in a more or less abrupt manner, with or without a catastrophe. It is a critical phase immediately preceding a solution, which should prove decisive in one way or another. The climax can be seen today, in that never before have events unfolded with such an increasing speed. The Hindu tradition specifies this as the final period of the Kali Yuga.Enormous literature on mysticism and philosophy has sprung up in modern times claiming originality and asserting the idea put forth. But what is of real interest in an idea is whether it is true and how far it is true. Further, it is not a question of proof but rather that of understanding, because only in understanding an idea can one know its truth. The current errors of interpretation and involuntary misconceptions actually serve the purpose of certain 'plans', for those who now aspire to recover the sacred order no longer know which way to turn, and are only too ready to accept the false ideas presented to them, in its place and under its name. This is clear enough from the growing quantity of literature containing the most pertinent criticisms of our present civilization, but measures suggested for the cure of evils so rightly denounced seem curiously disproportionate and insignificant. Such proposals are academic in nature for there is nothing in them that gives evidence of the least knowledge of a profound order. These efforts, while having some merit, most readily allows itself to be turned aside towards activities which ultimately only contribute to further the growth of disorder and confusion of the civilization whose reinstatement they were intended to bring about. The true dangers facing humanity today are clearly more serious, as they are unperceived by those from whom guidance is sought and expected.The presentation undertaken here is in preparation for this understanding and is an effort to divert, or at least minimize, the catastrophe which threatens modern humanity. It is prompted by something far deeper than mere criticism, and it brings with it no intention to 'satirize', for that does not suit its character. Instead of attempting an exposition of certain truths, quite the opposite has been done here by confining the attention largely to errors and false interpretations. The reason is if the ground is not cleared at the start there is a risk that all that is said may never be understood. Besides, even where only mistakes are being cleared away an opportunity has been taken to bring to light things that have a really positive significance.