DELIRIUM MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
WITH PAUL MASVIDAL

Cynic is one of Florida's prized talents incorporating thoughtful lyrics and brilliant musicianship to their music - The eponymous debut Focus (RoadRunner), heeds of all the above and beyond. More importantly, a spiritual overtone is present on the record from start to finish. An endless spiral interweaves within the complex musical structures and aural soundscapes. Although pleasing, melodramatic, and enticing, their music touches on a plethora of moods. The following interview touches on the spiritual side of Cynic - one many have not been endowed yet, but should nonetheless be enlightened with. Read on...

Explain how the album title Focus, and the origin of the band name Cynic relate to the spiritual in a universal sense.

"Crates, from ancient Greece who was one of the original Cynic philosophers believed in reducing all human experience to a common denominator of nature. Diogenes, considered to be the original Cynic, was represented as saying when asked where he came from "I am a citizen of the universe," also "the only true citizenship is that in the universe." These words show the parallels and universal truths to be found in many eastern religions. Buddhists teach that man is merely a fragment of the universe, with out individuality or separate identity. Since all men are fragments of the same universe they do not recognize distinctions of caste, race or nationality.

'He who is alike to friend or foe, as also to honor and dishonor, who is alike in cold or heat, pleasure and pain, who is free from attachments, to whom praise and blame are alike, who is taciturn and contented with anything whatever, who is homeless and is of a steady mind and full of devotion, that man is dear to me.'

(Bhagavad-Gita 12, 19)

"To focus is to bring about a clarity in the same sense where through discipline and self control, a refining or cleansing of the spirit takes place and all that is unnecessary melts away. Every form of life, the human form not excepted, is nothing more than a focus in which the energies of the universal principle of life are concentrated."

What spiritual beliefs do you hold, and how much of it plays a veritable role in the band?

"I see that all religions are based upon truth and although the ornamentation on the outside varies in character, looking below the surface of exterior forms, we find that this truth is in all religious systems one and the same. The only true religion is the religion of universal love. This love is the recognition of one's own divine universal self. Love is an element of divine wisdom, and there can be no wisdom without love. Each species of birds in the woods sings a different tune; but the principle which causes them to sing is the same in each. They do not quarrel with each other because one can sing better than the rest. Moreover, religious disputes with their resulting animosities are the most useless things in the world. For no one can combat the darkness by fighting it with a stick. The only way to dispel spiritual ignorance is to let the light of knowledge that comes from the center of love shine into every heart. I believe that through our own inner beliefs we create our own reality and that elevating our consciousness by freeing ourselves from the confinements of the selfish ego and intellect, and by opening our hearts to love we can attain realization of the true self and know the meaning of real joy and happiness."

How has your involvement and understanding of your spiritual nature helped you as a musician?

"It has opened me up like a flower as to where now I can see all the petals and each subtle aspect of its expression. There is greater meaning and understanding in its purpose. My love for it has increased because I see the divine in it."

How often do you meditate and do yoga, and how long have you been doing this?

"I've been studying and learning about spiritual concepts since childhood, but truly began a focused and concentrated path in the past 2-3 years where yoga and meditation share as much importance in my daily life as eating and sleeping."

Are your beliefs a big part of the conceptual aspect of Cynic, or is it more like an everflowing spiral of energy the whole band shares in?

"We each have unique spiritual paths that tie together, as in a spiral of energy. There is an awareness that is known to each of us, a state of consciousness we all wish to reach and a love that guides our hearts towards truth and magic through creating spiritual music."

In your thanks list you acknowledge Gurudev Paramahansa Yogananda, Self Realization Fellowship/Teachings, SRI Daya Mata and writers: Ken Wilbur, Alice Bailey, Walter Render and Krishna Murti. Briefly cite the relevance each has had in terms of your spiritual growth.

"Paramahansaji for the way to God, enlightening teachings, meditation techniques and indescribable guidance and strength. SRI Daya Mata for her loving guidance, intuitive powerful convictions and inspiration, she radiates the purest love; both include the SRF Teachings. Ken Wilbur for his scientifically spiritual exploration of consciousness "the Einstein of consciousness research." Alice Bailey for her genius understanding of the relationship between eastern and western concepts, and also her insightful perceptions and incredible diversity. Walter Render for his gracious loving poems and ability to love unconditionally without limitation, and the beloved Krishnamurti for his straightforward approach and logical explanations in the understanding of spirituality in our lives."

The lyrics on the song "Veil Of Maya" come from Emerson's poem. What made you use it for lyrics and does he have other works that have deep felt interest to you?

"I used Emerson's poems on Maya in the song because it was perfect. He is a very inspirational writer and thinker, and was extremely aware and in touch with himself. I find great pleasure in reading his literature of depth and vigor. He is truly one of a kind...I enjoy his essays most."

Explain your concept In the song "Eagle Nature" and how it affects our culture?

"The concept of The Eagle Nature was taken from an interpretation of the great myth of Eros and Psyche. It is of Psyche's third task assigned to her by Aphrodite where she must fill a crystal goblet with water from the River Styx. Psyche realizes the difficulty of this and feels a bit overwhelmed, but an eagle of Zeus appears by magic and asks for the crystal goblet. It then flies to the center of the stream, lowers the goblet into the dangerous waters and fills it bringing it safely back to Psyche. The river symbolizes life, the current is fast and treacherous if we are to approach too closely one could easily be swept off and drowned. The task tells us how one must relate to the vastness of life. To do things one step at a time. Culture today says if a little is good, more is better. Following this creates a life which is never fulfilling, while engaged in one rich experience we are looking about for another. There is no contentment because future plans are always intruding on the present. We must learn to live in the now. A little of quality, experienced in high consciousness, is sufficient. We can focus on one aspect of life, or one experience, concentrate on it, drink in it, and be satisfied. Then move on to whatever may follow. Almost every person is overwhelmed by the too muchness of modern life, even on a day to day basis. That is the time for the eagle view and one goblet at-a-time mentality."

The Great Mother (Goddess) is present in the lyrics of the ethereal song Sentiment. How did the lyrics come about?

"I wanted to write a song with a more general application, a "we" kind of tune. The compassionate Cosmic Mother immediately came to mind. The Divine Mother is the aspect of God that is active in creation; the shakti, or power of the transcendent creator. "We" are all connected to this state of creation. The song begins with words from a poem by Paramahansa Yogananda which brought about much inspiration."

The album cover depicts an angel manifesting. This cover also captures the etheric and transcendent feel of the music Cynic creates. What is the actual overlying message you are portraying, and how does this cover reflect the songs?

"There is that symbol of birth in the angel's manifestation as was for Cynic, a spiritual birth with the release of Focus. Its wings symbolizing flight, something we are strangely seeking as artists, the freedom to express unconsciously, beyond the conditioned self. Could the songs possibly have helped induce its manifestation on some more etheric, astral plane?"

What other spiritual teachings are of interest to you?

"The teachings of Zen Buddhism, Tao Te Ching by Lao-Tzu and Channel Guides such as Seth, Emmanuel and Ramtha. There are many different forms of spiritual literature and teachings, each share different specifics though eventually leading to the same path or goal."

What do you feel is lacking in a lot of today's music?

"Depth, originality, quality and integrity, but who am I to judge them for the way they are. Music as any other art form is a direct reflection of the artist, an extension of themselves and the means by which they choose to express in particular to themselves, and we can't condemn them for their voice no matter how lost it may seem. But I guess there is nothing wrong with wishing for certain elements to be predominate in contrast to others."

What other journeys do you see Cynic venturing into?

"We will continue to explore many other modes of expression through the medium of music and wholeheartedly continue on our path of spiritual growth and transformation."

If you had a time machine where would you go and who would you be?

"Krishna's disciple, Arjuna in ancient India."

Is there anything specific you care to share with those who listen to and appreciate Cynic as a musical and spiritual ensemble?

"Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and in thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate towards yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world."

(excerpt from the Tao Te Ching)

Thanks for the wonderful interview and thanks to those who have taken the time to read it.