Expertise:  I'd prefer to answer questions from seekers rather than those wishing to get into in an academic debate. I do, however, have a considerable degree of scholarly knowledge that may be applied to the inherent complexities - or simplicities - of the contemplative life. But the key word here is "applied."

I tend to agree with these sentiments as expressed by the woman writer on mysticism, Evelyn Underhill:

"Now meditation is a half-way house between thinking and contemplating: and as a discipline, it derives its chief value from this transitional character."

Source: Practical Mysticism: A little book for normal people (1914), p. 46.

Moreover, I strongly believe that all persons possess an essential individuality--not just a superficial, conceptual or constructed sense of individuality. So if you're looking to lose your essential self in 'nothingness,' please ask another expert. I don't believe in that idea.

Experience in the area: As a kid I grappled with the idea of infinity while stargazing. My interest in the inner life grew as a teenager. In college I was a Tai Chi instructor and studied C. G. Jung and Oriental Phil. I did my M.A. in Comparative Religion in India, where I practiced hatha-yoga and studied with an Indian teacher. At the same time I explored various facets of the New Age (e.g. Tarot, I Ching, numerology, channeling, psi, ufo phenomena) and several traditional religious paths. I converted to Catholicism in 2001. Today, I find myself blending faith, reason and science to pursue my contemplative life. I also run an educational website earthpages.org that touches on meditation and related topics.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Religious Studies
M.A. in Comparative Religion
B.A. Hon. in Psychology/Sociology
For more info, please see my CV and letters of recommendation and my blog at michaelwclark.com.