Michael Steffen

Beyond Spirituality: Thoughts on the David Lynch Talk

I enjoyed hearing David Lynch speak on Wednesday night. He is an inspiring individual, and had a lot of good things to say on the topic of transcendental meditation. Now I am a Christian, as many of you know, though I don't believe there is anything inherently incompatible between meditation and Christianity. In fact, I wonder whether the kind of enhanced state of consciousness that Mr. Lynch speaks of could enhance one's spiritual life--one's faith as well.

That said, I wanted to add a few thoughts--personal opinions, which may change as I think through them more:

"Self-Seeking"?

Though I've never actually performed transcendental meditation, I do often spend time trying to get in closer touch with myself. Lynch and especially John Hagelin seemed to suggest that being completely in touch with "self" is the highest awareness one can achieve. But such a view, I believe, is incomplete because it does not acknowledge God, the One who is greater than ourselves. In fact, the Abrahamic faiths teach that we must deny ourselves in the face of God who is greater than us--submit to Him, rather than ourselves. Only then are we truly free.

Oneness or Duality?

Hagelin talked about achieving "oneness." Again, I think opening oneself up to a higher level of consciousness through meditation is an interesting idea, though I think caution is advisable. For I think that there is not a "oneness" to everything, but rather a duality. That is, good vs. evil. If one opens oneself up to a higher level of consciousness, I would think that would make the person susceptible to influences both good and evil. I haven't meditated transcendentally though, and perhaps I am comparing meditation too closely to prayer.

Beyond Spirituality

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens;
As close as a heartbeat or a song on our lips. - Jars of Clay

Spirituality is a wonderful thing--and I would much rather have everyone just be spiritual than not at all. Though a defining element of my own faith is a belief in a personal God--a God who chooses to personify himself for our benefit--one that we can each have a personal relationship with. I just feel that spirituality, religion, whatever you like to call it, is incomplete without this one important element.

Don't get me wrong. Lynch and Co. are onto something--and it many areas, I am sure they know far more than me. But without God directly in the equation, I question whether Mr. Lynch ever will fully reach enlightenment.

But again, these are merely my personal opinions and should be taken as such.