Plotinus: The Origin of Western Mysticism

“...Great mystics, such as Plotinus, write to let us know that they have actually known the ultimate Truth, experienced it, “seen” It, with a subtle sight that is directed inward; and that we too— following upon them, attending to their directions—we too may obtain that direct knowing of whence we came, and who we truly are. We cannot come to this knowledge by discursive thinking, nor by the study of philosophy, though both are valuable insofar as they lead us in the right direction. The words of those who have “been there” can, however, inspire us, and resonate within us to awaken us to the truth of that pure Divine Self that is the perennial object of our quest. Plotinus had, on numerous occasions, attained intimate “vision” of the universal creative process through contemplative union with the One, but as he himself declared, “The vision baffles telling.” What is “seen” in that mystical revelation, while it must be forever etched into the soul in perfect clarity, cannot be explained so as to show it to others; one can only hope, by suggestion, to evoke some inner recognition in one’s hearers, inspiring them to obtain that vision for themselves...”