> > Do we dismiss what these cultures have contributed to arts, > > sciences, and mystic schools because the present culture is in such a shambles-at least in some respects. I think it's a fair question to ask, what can mysticism > contribute to making people's lives better? Has it done that in > the countries it came from? Has it made people more empathetic and more willing to help others? It seems, in some ways at least, > that mysticism in New Age circles has become the new > fundamentalism.
All I can say is that in the quest for "who", "what", "why" the path led to the eastern philosophies. Whether it is the answer to making people empathetic, more willing to help others, I don't know. But for me it was an important discovery that put me on the path of what I will call spiritual awakening. And I feel fortunate to be on this path, even if it is the "path less traveled by", which assuredly it is.
