Mysticism

Etymology and Meaning:

“Mysticism” derives from the Greek “mystikos,” meaning “secret” or “hidden.” It refers to the pursuit of achieving communion or identity with the ultimate reality, the divine, or God through direct experience, intuition, or insight.

Who Coined It:

The concept has roots in ancient religious practices and has been developed by various mystics across cultures.

Usage and Influences:

  • Old Authors:
  • St. John of the Cross: A Spanish mystic who wrote extensively on the mystical journey and the “dark night of the soul.”
  • Teresa of Ávila: A Carmelite nun whose works on spiritual ecstasy and union with God are foundational in Christian mysticism.
  • Rumi: A Persian poet and Sufi mystic who explored divine love and mystical union through his poetry.
  • Modern Influencers:
  • Thomas Merton: A 20th-century Trappist monk whose writings bridge Eastern and Western mystical traditions.
  • Eckhart Tolle: Author of “The Power of Now,” promoting living in the present moment as a path to spiritual awakening.
  • Marianne Williamson: A spiritual teacher and author who discusses mystical principles in the context of contemporary spirituality.

Current Usage:

Mysticism is prominent in spiritual and religious contexts, focusing on direct personal experience of the divine. It is practiced through meditation, contemplation, and various spiritual disciplines aiming at deep inner transformation and enlightenment.

Abuses:

The term can be trivialized or commercialized, losing the depth of true mystical experience. Some exploit it to market superficial spiritual experiences or products without substantive value.

Summary

Mysticism refers to the pursuit of direct communion with the divine through deep personal experience, spanning ancient and modern spiritual traditions.

Influential Figures:

  • St. John of the Cross: Explored the mystical journey and “dark night of the soul.”
  • Teresa of Ávila: Wrote on spiritual ecstasy and union with God.
  • Rumi: Celebrated for his poetry on divine love and mystical union.

Modern Context:

  • Thomas Merton: Bridged Eastern and Western mystical traditions.
  • Eckhart Tolle: Promotes present-moment awareness.
  • Marianne Williamson: Discusses mystical principles in contemporary spirituality.

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