What is mysticism?

Answer 1

There are many misunderstandings about mysticism & mystics, especially by traditional christians. Sometimes they are under the mistaken impression that mysticism & the occult are the same, they are not. Neither is it new age in any form. There are mystics in almost every major religion. Mystics seek direct experience of God, it does not matter what name they call God. The practice of learning to achieve that end is mysticism. They walk a path drawn out by others before them, most do not become hermits, although they probably require more alone time than most. They do not have their heads in the clouds, it is a practical spirituality. You may live next door to one, they do not thrust their knowledge on anyone, but usually live quiet lives. They usually have a peaceful calm presence to themselves. Amystic is someone who desires union with God, a Saint desires nothing else.

Answer 2

the beliefs, ideas, or mode of thought of mystics. (dictionary.com)

In Hinduism and Buddhism - the ancient sages concentrated and meditated upon the Ultimate Truth and Reality, God.
They renounced the materialistic world and led an extremely austere and disciplined life (There are still many that do today) Years and years they focused upon God, clearing their minds of evil thoughts and transcending ordinary understanding. Many such sages wrote texts on meditation and how to live life and understand God. Such texts include the 700 verse Sanskrit poem - The Bhagavad Gita (The Song of The Lord - Which is part of the Mahabharata [Longest Poem in the World]) - Written by the Sage Vyasa. Also, The Upanishads and The Vedas are foremost works in Hinduism. The Buddha was also a "mystic" or sage that profoundly influenced many ideas. I can say a lot more, but I'll stop here =)

Answer 3

Mysticism has nothing whatsoever to do with belief. It has everything to do with direct knowledge.
It is the use of subtle levels of the mind, characterised by alpha brain wave activity, to investigate and experience spiritual reality.
Mysticism is verifiable in that mystics from all faiths report the same phenomena as they progress through the layers of their endeavour, though they may use different terminology. Finally they all report the same 'result' .
Odd though it may seem, mysticism has little direct relation with religion as commonly practised. Religion tends to be pre-rational and mysticism trans-rational. (Ken Wilber).

EDIT,
Rena's paragraph, above, shows her to be a mystic.
Good on yer, girl!

Answer 4

MYSTICISM - A belief in the existence of realities beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension that are central to being and directly accessible by subjective experience It is the Spiritual quest for union with the divine. Forms of mysticism are found in all major religions. Hinduism, with its goal of absorption of the soul in the All, is inherently predisposed to mystical experience. -

Answer 5

(Jon C Baggins: I think you are becoming quite the Speaker)

Mysticism involves an exploration of the greater realities within and beyond physical reality. Amazingly enough, we begin with our own inner world which by itself is actually more vast than the physical world. This inner path will also lead to other inner worlds and 'larger' identities more vast than our own. We are intimately part of them, and it's because of this relationship that we are able to consciously 'connect' with them and experience reality from their perspectives. There is no end to the within of things. Consciousness is the only true vehicle. It expands, contracts and is capable of blending itself with other consciousnesses. The same with identity.

Answer 6

when knowledge is backed by Direct experience, it become mysticism

Answer 7

The things you belive but can't Prove.

You believe God but ca't prove His Existance even then belive.

Answer 8

Is the Spirtual discipline of communion with God....

And it is not easy to discipline ones self on this earth plane but we must.....

God speaks to us in the silence moments of our lives if we all tuned in regulary we would hear what he has to say I hear him always & each day I get closer and closer to him....to follow gods way we can all become perplexed and bewildered but WE MUST listen and learn this is so key in Universal thought for all the souls that have past that are and will be.....in eternity one with all :)))

Answer 9

It's knowing the truth behind everything.

It is *direct* knowledge, not dependent upon beliefs.

Answer 10

Another word for nonsense or pretend "knowledge." It includes all religion and other superstitions in its scope.