"Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute..."
The study of ecstatic and mystical experiences of individual believers, including the role of meditation, prayer, and asceticism.
Religious history: This covers a wide range of religions and how they originated, developed, and changed over time. Understanding the history of religion is crucial in comprehending the mystical and spiritual aspect of different faiths.
Mythology and symbolism: Mythology is an essential part of mysticism and spirituality. Symbols used by religions and their significance are significant subjects to study.
Meditation and contemplation: Meditation is a spiritual practice found in many religions. It involves focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity, spiritual insight, and a sense of tranquility.
Spiritual leaders and teachers: Spiritual leaders such as gurus, prophets, and mystics have had significant impacts on different faiths. Learning about these individuals and their teachings is often a crucial component in grasping mystical and spiritual practices.
Spiritual practices: There are several mystical practices prevalent in different religions, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Understanding these practices is crucial to fully comprehend the mystical aspect of faiths.
Philosophy of religion: Philosophy and religion have been interlinked for centuries. Various philosophical approaches exist regarding religion, such as existentialism, humanism, and naturalism.
Esotericism and the occult: Esotericism and the occult examine mysteries of existence and spirituality, which are not usually revealed to the general public. It covers topics such as divination, spiritualism, and magic.
Comparative religion: Comparative religion involves a study of multiple religions, examining their similarities and differences. This practice provides a broader understanding of diverse mystical and spiritual practices.
Mystical experiences and supernatural phenomena: Mystic experiences and supernatural phenomena have been experienced and recorded in various religions. Studying these experiences gives unique insights into the spiritual aspect of faiths.
Ethics and morality: Ethics and morality are essential components of religion that relate to the spiritual and mystical practices. Understanding the moral and ethical aspects of various faiths is crucial in understanding their spirituality.
Christian Mysticism: The belief in direct experience with God or the divine through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, and through practicing virtues such as humility and charity.
Islamic Mysticism (Sufism): The path toward achieving unity with God, based on the practice of devotion, contemplation, and self-discipline.
Jewish Mysticism (Kabbalah): The belief in the direct experience of God through contemplation of the divine nature of the Hebrew alphabet, angels, and other divine forms.
Hindu Mysticism (Yoga): The path to self-realization and unity with the divine through physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
Buddhist Mysticism: The path to enlightenment and awakening through meditation, mindfulness, and the practice of the eightfold path.
Taoist Mysticism: The belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of harmonizing with nature to achieve spiritual awakening.
Shamanism: The belief in a spiritual connection with all things, including the natural world and ancestors, often achieved through ritual and trance.
New Age Spirituality: The belief in a holistic, individualistic approach to spirituality, incorporating aspects of various religious and spiritual traditions.
Indigenous Spirituality: The belief systems and practices of indigenous peoples, often centered around a connection to the land, ancestors, and spirits.
Mystical Christianity (Gnosticism): The belief in direct experience and knowledge of the divine, often viewed as secret knowledge or wisdom.
"...may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning. It may also refer to the attainment of insight in ultimate or hidden truths, and to human transformation supported by various practices and experiences."
"...mysticism referred to the biblical, liturgical, spiritual, and contemplative dimensions of early and medieval Christianity."
"...meaning 'to close' or 'to conceal.'"
"During the early modern period, the definition of mysticism grew to include a broad range of beliefs and ideologies related to 'extraordinary experiences and states of mind.'"
"In modern times, 'mysticism' has acquired a limited definition, with broad applications, as meaning the aim at the 'union with the Absolute, the Infinite, or God'."
"...valuing 'mystical experience' as a key element of mysticism."
"Since the 1960s scholars have debated the merits of perennial and constructionist approaches in the scientific research of 'mystical experiences'."
"The perennial position is now 'largely dismissed by scholars'..."
"...most scholars using a contextualist approach..."
"...which considers the cultural and historical context."
"The biblical, liturgical, spiritual, and contemplative dimensions of early and medieval Christianity."
"A broad range of beliefs and ideologies related to 'extraordinary experiences and states of mind.'"
"The attainment of insight in ultimate or hidden truths, and to human transformation supported by various practices and experiences."
"...meaning 'to close' or 'to conceal'," hinting at the hidden nature of mystical experiences.
"...various practices and experiences" support human transformation in mysticism.
"...meaning the aim at the 'union with the Absolute, the Infinite, or God'."
"...valuing 'mystical experience' as a key element of mysticism."
"The definition of mysticism grew to include a broad range of beliefs and ideologies related to 'extraordinary experiences and states of mind.'"
"...most scholars using a contextualist approach, which considers the cultural and historical context."