Religious mysticism (/rɪˈlɪdʒəs ˈmɪstɪsɪzəm/) is a term used to describe the spiritual practices and beliefs of various religions. The first syllable of "religious" is pronounced with a short "i" sound (i as in "it"), followed by a soft "g" sound. The second syllable has a long "i" sound (i as in "eye"), and the stress is on the first syllable. "Mysticism" has the stress on the second syllable and features a soft "s" sound and a "k" sound at the end. Together, they create a complex yet meaningful term used to describe the spiritual journey of many people around the world.
Religious mysticism refers to the pursuit and experience of a deep, personal, and direct connection with the divine or transcendent reality. It is a spiritual practice characterized by a sense of union or oneness with the divine or an ultimate reality that extends beyond the confines of ordinary human perception.
At the core of religious mysticism is the belief that there are higher truths and levels of consciousness that can be attained through personal exploration, often involving meditation, contemplation, prayer, or other forms of spiritual exercises. These practices aim to transcend the limitations of the rational mind and access a realm of deeper insight and understanding.
Religious mystics often describe their experiences as a state of heightened awareness or consciousness, where they feel a sense of unity with the divine, transcending the boundaries of individual selfhood. This mystical union is often described as a feeling of bliss, ecstasy, or profound love, as well as a deep sense of interconnectedness with all living beings.
Within various religious traditions, religious mysticism may have different names and approaches. For example, in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, it is referred to as "tasawwuf," while in Hinduism, it is known as "bhakti" or "yoga."
Religious mysticism has long been a significant aspect of many religious traditions, providing individuals with a means to deepen their faith, seek spiritual enlightenment, and find solace, guidance, and a sense of purpose in their religious beliefs.
The etymology of the word "religious mysticism" can be traced back to two different roots: "religious" and "mysticism".
- "Religious" comes from the Latin word "religiosus", which means "devout" or "pious". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "religio", meaning "obligation" or "bond", and it originally referred to the feelings of obligation and reverence towards the divine.
- "Mysticism", on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word "mystikos", which means "secret" or "hidden". It is connected to the Greek noun "mysterion", which referred to secret rites or rituals in ancient Greek religions.
Combining these two roots, "religious mysticism" refers to a devotion and piety toward the divine that encompasses the pursuit of spiritual experiences or connections to a hidden or secret realm.