Mysticism

Mysticism is the supposed experience or exploration of a transcendental realm beyond our Universe. In theistic, pantheistic, and panentheistic metaphysical systems this is understood as direct relation with God.

Elements of mysticism are present in many religions and philosophies. Some mystics claim that there is a common thread of influence in all mystic philosophies that is traceable back to a shared source. Many mystical philiosophies thus exhibit a strong tendency towards Syncretism.

Examples of major traditions and philosophies with strong elements of mysticism are Vedantic Hinduism, Tibetan and Zen Buddhism, the Christian Gnostic sect(s), the Sufi school of Islam, the Judaic Kabbalah and many aspects of the New Age movement. Quakerism also has a strong mystical element to its theology.

The 19th Century saw an increase of interest in Mysticism linked to an interest in Occultism and Eastern Thought. Major figures in this movement were Madame Blavatsky and Gurdjieff. See Theosophy for more information on this movement which had a later influence on the New Age.

Some examples of Christian mystics are:

Clement of Alexandria,

St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Gregory I

St. Anselm

St. Hildegard of Bingen

Hugh of Saint Victor

St. John of the Cross

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Bridget of Sweden

St. Joan of Arc

St. Gregory Palamas