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Mysticism and How It Differs From Religion

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It is said that all great religions were inspired by a "mystic" who had reached enlightenment. This is true of Jesus and Christianity, Gautama the Buddha and Buddhism, Lao Tzu and Taoism, Shiva and Hinduism and so many others. But the mystic's profound influence declines dramatically as the teaching becomes "organized" into a religion, and control and rigidity creep into the group's hierarchy.

By contrast, mystics and "seekers" strive to unite with God on a personal level. The desire to commune directly with the Creator without requirement for a minister, imam, priest or rabbi is an essential quality defining mystics and mysticism.

Examples of mystical traditions include: Sufism (common in Muslim cultures), the Yogic tradition (Indian and Hindu cultures), Christian mysticism (Christianity), Taoism (China), Kabbalah and Hasidism (Judaism), Zen Buddhism (Buddhism).

It is interesting to note that, throughout history, various mystical traditions have exhibited many common characteristics. This is because, as one practices a mystical tradition and reaches personal contact with the Divine, there are common truths that are discovered. To many people, this independent evolution of common truths in diverse mystical traditions through different parts of the world, suggests a deep source of wisdom, fueled by our Divine Creator.

Here is a sampling of themes and truths that are common to the world's many mystical traditions:

• As emphasized above, mysticism emphasizes direct and personal contact with the Divine.

• All that exists in the physical world is really one entity. This has been universally confirmed by the world's physicists. The illusion that we are separate from others, from plants and animals, from inanimate objects, is only that, an illusion.

• To extend this further, all that exists is a portion of God/of our Creator. This has been tenderly expressed by Hafiz, a renowned Sufi poet of 14th century Persia:

"Because there is nothing besides God's body, I try to show reverence for all things."

• Humans are Divine beings, who will ultimately express that divinity in their earthly lives, or at the end of their physical existence. That God-presence exists inside of us. As Jesus has said, "Rather, the Kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you... When you come to know yourselves... you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father" (Gospel of Thomas).

• Union with God is almost always achieved through personal experience, rather than learning from others or sacred scriptures. Spiritual practices such as meditation, Yoga, chanting, and breath work are invaluable tools to accelerate spiritual growth. These practices prepare us to be receptacles for the Divine. Our being and behavior is shaped from within and change effortlessly.

• Mystics are "seekers" for whom it is important to be in a state of "unknowing." This attitude remains until one attains a state of merging or union with that which created him or her. This merging is commonly called enlightenment, wherein access to Divine truths is gained.

• It is not unnatural for humans to be blissful. When one focuses on spiritual growth, continuing periods of happiness or bliss are often a natural outcome.

"Any real ecstasy in a sign you are moving in the right direction.

Don't let any prude tell you the mystical christ ."

- St Teresa of Avila, 16th century

Mysticism can compliment organized religion. Many mystics work together with religious groups. And some followers of various religions seek to retain the mystical heritage that inspired their faith. Others seem to become steeped with dogma that is shaped more by man than God. Likewise, some "mystics" lack the understanding or integrity to practice mysticism in a responsible and authentic manner. The choice is always up to the congregants/clergy and the mystics.

If you are inclined to explore a mystical path, it can be advantageous to work with an established group or spiritual master. As emphasized above, the group or teacher is not an authority figure, but is there primarily to recommend spiritual practices that are designed to accelerate one's spiritual growth. The student of mysticism retains authority to evaluate whether the practices are moving him or her ahead on the spiritual path. If they are not working within a reasonable time, it may be best to find another path that brings noticeable results.

You will have your own intuition in seeking a mystical path. If you could use a few places to start looking, the following are some of the many mystical groups available in the US. Of course no guarantees can be made as to their effectiveness. You will have a sense of what works for you, and as you investigate your options, you will better your chances of finding a good match.


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