The Role of Mysticism in World Religions

Mysticism is an element of all major religions that is neither well-understood nor widely talked about.

hough modern monotheistic religious leaders may shy away from the term "mysticism" in describing any aspect of their given faith, the reality is that every major world religion exhibits, almost at its very core, elements of mysticism that largely define the religion itself. The negative connotation of "mysticism" is perhaps the reason for religious leaders' unwillingness to embrace the terminology. The term, after all, has often been associated with a sort of ineffable quality and has been borrowed so liberally from various sects and cults that mainstream religions hesitate to associate themselves with the term. Nonetheless, their religions embrace basic mysticism in many of the rituals and basic tenets that define the religions themselves.

At the very basic level, mysticism is a pursuit of identifying with or becoming consciously aware of some ultimate reality, divinity, spirituality or, for some, God. This process is an active one, by which individuals specifically seek to attain a certain communion or enlightenment through a direct experience. All major religions possess such elements, though this is sometimes lost on adherents.

Mysticism in Judaism

Hassidic Jews in particular adhere to a concept of self-nullification via a focus upon a so-called absorption within Ein Sof Ohr. In simpler terms, those of this faith attempt to become absorbed within God's Infinite Light. It is a manner of communing with God ina way that goes well beyond the standard ritual associated with Judaism.

Mysticism in Christianity

Perhaps the most well-known instance of mysticism in Christianity is the concept of "theosis," whereby God comes to earth in the form of Jesus Christ so that man himself may become divine. The concept of the holy trinity - God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (or Spirit) - is central to Christianity, as is the divinity of Jesus on earth. Christians believe that Jesus died for our sins, with Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians believing that Jesus did so in order that man could become divine and, thus, worthy of heaven.

Mysticism in Buddhism

Of all major world religions, mysticism has been the core of Buddhism. Mahayana and Tantric Buddhism, specifically, have overwhelming elements of mysticism and Buddhist monks, perhaps the symbol of Buddhism throughout the world, practice a sort of stoicism and minimalism that is given to discovering peace on a separate plane from that typically said to be experienced on earth. In Mahayana Buddhism, one is said to seek a connection with ultimate reality, referred to as "Satori."

Mysticism in Islam

The concept of God's love is not specific to Islam, as it is a concept that is central to Christianity and Hinduism as well. However, Islam is built largely on this concept, making it a religion with a strong mystical bent.

Mysticism in Hinduism

Brahma-Nirvana is the term that Hindus use to refer to a union with God that goes beyond mere ritual and dogma. It is this concept of Nirvana that guides the Hindu in his daily actions, indicating a deep mysticism in the daily practice of this major world religion.