Global Spirit Season 1 Episode 7 The Mystical Experience

Global Spirit season 1 episode 7, titled "The Mystical Experience," delves into the spiritual phenomena of individuals who have experienced a connection with the divine through meditation, prayer or other religious practices. The episode spans across different parts of the world, such as the U.S, India, and Japan, where it covers the experiences of a diverse cast, including religious leaders, scientists, and artists.

The episode begins with host Phil Cousineau emphasizing how mystical experiences cannot be expressed in words, since they transcend cognitive understanding. However, the episode attempts to explore this ineffable realm by sharing the accounts of individuals who have been touched by the divine, giving viewers a glimpse into different cultural backgrounds and spiritual practices.

Throughout the episode, Cousineau interviews several specialists well-versed in mystical practices, including Zen Master Roshi Joan Halifax, who emphasizes that mystical experiences are not exclusive to any one religion but rather are part of the human experience. She discusses how communities around the world use contemplative practices as a means of quieting the mind and finding inner peace.

The episode also follows the story of Indian guru, Swami Muktananda, and his disciple, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, who shares her experience of sudden enlightenment, called "satori," which helped her to break through the barriers of her self-limiting beliefs. She explains the significance of the experience in terms of living a life full of happiness and bliss and giving back to others.

The show also covers the story of Buddhist Soto Zen Master, Shunryu Suzuki, who was a prominent figure in bringing Zen practice to the West. Suzuki speaks about the importance of having a profound understanding of silence as a way of experiencing a mystical connection with the universe.

The episode explores the changes brought about in people's lives after a mystical experience occurs. Sister Mary Margaret Funk, a Benedictine nun, talks about how she was drawn to the monastic lifestyle due to an intense mystical experience she had. The episode also delves into the poetic interpretations of mystical experiences through the work of famous poets such as William Butler Yeats and Rumi.

The episode examines the scientific aspect of mystical experiences with the help of neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, who studies the neural activity during meditation and prayer. He emphasizes that mystical experiences are not exclusive to spirituality but rather are found in many aspects of human life, such as falling in love or experiencing a sense of awe.

Through the various accounts of mystical experiences, the episode offers a glimpse into the ambiguity and complexity of the ineffable realm. It highlights the transcendental nature of mystical experiences, implying that they are not exclusive to any one practice or belief system, but rather inherent in the human experience. The episode brings together different spiritual and religious backgrounds, providing a platform for individuals to share their unique mystical experiences.

“The Mystical Experience” explores the question of what it means to have a connection with the divine through different practices such as meditation, prayer or silence. The universal nature of the mystical experience makes it fascinating to explore and potentially meaningful to anyone regardless of religious or spiritual background. The episode offers a glimpse into the mysterious realm of the human experience and may inspire viewers to deepen their connection with their spirituality or explore new practices.