# X: The Mystical Life explained — Practical Mysticism

> Chapter companion for Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill.

## What happens

This chapter describes the mystical life as an active, transformative union with Reality, where contemplation and action are interdependent. The mystic becomes a tool for the Supreme Artist, contributing to the creative act of the universe. The practical man's question about utility is addressed, emphasizing that this path leads to a profound personal transformation and a harmonious will with the Whole, even amidst suffering and darkness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Union with Reality

The chapter defines the mystical life as actualizing union with Reality through active participation in the divine creative act.

### Contemplation and Action

Emphasizes that contemplation and action are not opposites but interdependent forms of a unified life, leading to transformation and service.

### Transformation and Growth

Describes the 'new man' born from the transforming union, where the whole personality is transmuted into an active servant of the Eternal Wisdom.

## Character check-ins

### The Practical Man

Reappears to question the utility of the mystical life, representing the skeptical, pragmatic viewpoint.

### Dante Alighieri

Referenced in the final paragraph, his vision of the blessed ones illustrates the ultimate harmony of the soul with the Enkindling Light.

## Key lines

> It is in action, then, that these find their truest and safest point of insertion into the living, active world of Reality: in sharing and furthering its work of manifestation they know its secrets best.

True knowledge of Reality comes through active participation in its ongoing creation, not through passive observation.

_Highlights the integration of contemplation and action as central to the mystical life._

> You are to be a living, ardent tool with which the Supreme Artist works: one of the instruments of His self-manifestation, the perpetual process by which His Reality is brought into concrete expression.

The mystic becomes an active instrument through which the divine reality is expressed in the world.

_Emphasizes the role of the mystic as a co-creator with the divine._

> Living in this atmosphere of Reality, you will, in fact, yourself become more real.

By immersing yourself in the true nature of existence, you will undergo a transformation that makes you more authentic and substantial.

_Describes the transformative effect of mystical practice on the individual._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/x-the-mystical-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters