Mystacism

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Mysticism

Introduction

There are a number of religions in the world today. The Western Religions include Christianity, Islam and Judaism, while the Eastern Religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism. It is interesting to compare and contrast the Mysticism found in each of these religions, as well as the impact it has on the Religions of today.

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Defining Mysticism

Mysticism is "the practice of putting oneself into, and remaining in, direct relation with God, the Absolute, or any unifying principle of life (unknown, mysticism)." Mysticism is always connected to religion. Students of mysticism find it difficult to find firsthand objective studies, due to its nature, and generally have study the accounts of mystics or experience it themselves. The English language has a broad representation of the terms mystic and mysticism, expanded it to mean magic, the esoteric or occultism.

To understand Mysticism influences, it is important to know how some of the different religions perceive its definition. Mysticism is defined by Christians "as the name of that organic process which involves the perfect consummation of the Love of God the achievement here and now of the immortal heritage of man (Brandon, 46)." Hinduism followers believe Mysticism is the quest of inner illumination and the union of ultimate reality. These traits are considered extremely important in the Indian Hindu tradition (Brandon, 46). The Buddhist interrupt Mysticism as an existential experience in the pursuit of knowledge of ultimate reality. This is illustrated as "loving adoration of God as personal Being (Brandon, 46)."

Understanding Mysticism

Many philosophers of religion are criticized for having an essentialist viewpoint. Those critics argue "for an understanding of mysticism as a socially constructed phenomenon that changed over time, and in ways that were intimately linked with struggles of power and gender a and therefore of justice (Dreyer, 751)." They note there are connections between God's mystical knowledge and authority claims making the mystical and spiritual experience "part of one's religiosity in direct proportion to the perceived decline of religion and mysticism in public and political importance (Dreyer, 751)."

Mystic Traditions

Some of the Great Mystics in Christianity include "Clement of Alexandria, Cassian, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Francis, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bridget of Sweden, and St. Joan of Arc. St. Theresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales and St. John of the Cross were responsible for mysticism in the Catholic church. Some types of mysticism were named for orders such as the Carhusians, the Cistercians, and the Carmelites. The founder of Quakerism, George Fox, was responsible for the mystical movement of the Protestants. Hermetic philosophers and Alchemists were also an important part in the mystic tradition (unknown, mysticism).

The mystical tradition represented by the kabbalah in Judaism continued into modern Hasidism. Islamic mysticism was represented by Farid ad-Din Attar, Hafiz, Jami and Jalal ad-Din Rumi, while Hindu mysticism was represented by yoga, Saraswati, Dayananda and Aurobindo Ghose (unknown, mysticism).

Creation of Mysticism in Christianity

There has been research into the genealogy of society's creation of mysticism. The mystery religions that formed Christian mysticism identified the initiation rites that had been kept concealed.

The early Christians were influenced by neo-Platonism, which connected the deep meaning of the Scriptures and sacraments with mysticism. During the Medieval times, the affective and cognitive mysticism focused on experiences such a visions, notably those of women. Bodily control such as denying sexuality and food was associated with mysticism during this period. The heretics were considered failed mystics because society barely tolerated intelligent women.

Recent Christian Mysticism

Recent mysticism philosophies have been criticized as "a presumption of neutrality and objectivity with its attendant lack of interest in postmodern concerns such as power, authority, and gender; and the failure to inquire about the social structures that generate anxiety and oppression from which many in Western society seek relief through engagement in various religious movements, while ignoring the ways in which mysticism came to be understood as privatized consciousness (Dreyer, 751)."

The individualistic trend states mystics were referring to God when they spoke of excellence, and not the human language and experience limits as many contemporary philosophers believe. While some of the analyses of mysticism may be true, those concerning the treatment of women during the medieval period are considered incorrect.

There is a renewed interpretation theory of the scriptural text concerning the reflective approach of mysticism. These ideas provide a fresh insight into how, as well as why, society's views have changed, while giving one a "deeper appreciation of the role of gender and power in these changes (Dreyer, 751)."

Is Christianity Better

Some critics feel that Christians act as though they are the only ones who are right, and everyone else will go to hell if they don't agree with the Christian view. These critics point out the religion should not be push on an individual, and everyone should have the right to choose what religion to believe in, as well as when to worship(Osborne).

There are companies that produce Bible tracts which are in fact small biblical lessons. These Protestant companies imply they can change erase the evil in the world by converting everyone to their religion. They have included the Muslims, Roman Catholics, Jews and homosexuals in their view of evil.

Critics are quick to point out they are not against Christianity, just the arrogance and ignorance displayed by some. They can't understand why some religions feel they are better than others, and therefore all should convert to their way of thinking.

Christianity is like the other religions in the world that are concealed in mysticism. "This theology is based on a creator you cannot see and a prophet/god who was crucified on a cross and rose from the dead to show his father's true power (Osborne)". Critics feel that to believe in Christianity or the other religions, a rational person would have to ignore science and reason and basically believe in a fairy tale handed down by generations of believers.

These critics also believe that "Christianity has lead more people to kill for the sake of a loving god than seem logical (Osborne)." They can't understand how one can pillage the Middle East during the Crusades, while fighting for a loving and forgiving creator. They argue that it is not a very forgiving or loving God who allows an individual to be burned at the stake during the Inquisition and Salem Witch trials.

Today, some Christians feel that men should control women, which is considered by many a backwards notion. Other Christians are quick to point out that homosexuals and liberals are causing the downfall of the United States. These ideas are leading many who believe in religious freedom to ask Christians to worship in silence and not push their beliefs about God and the Promised Land onto everyone else (Osborne).

Judaism

Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people and dates back to the time of Abraham 1800 BC The Jewish people were scattered when they left their homeland of Israel, and started to concentrate "more on ethics, observance, and worship than on sacrifice associated with The Temple (Mead, 158)." Judaism is biblical and therefore a religion of salvation in which the followers have lead a lifestyle which is personally insignificant and unworthy of God's human creation. The Jewish people feel Judaism "is their religious faith and practice, not a message to be taken to others (Mead, 158)." The religion focuses on the family unit which teaches the seasons of the Jewish year as well as the observing the weekly Sabbath. Therefore, Judaism is concentrated more in the home than the synagogue.

Mysticism for all Religions

The Karin Kabalah Center in Atlanta is a place where all religions can be observed. The walls feature "pictures of Jesus, Buddha and the Star of David all hanging together (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01)." Since 188, students of religion have been coming to the center looking for what the director feels, "a mysticism for all religions". Hollywood stars who have started studying Jewish mysticism have increased the recent interest in courses offered there. Those at the center feel kabbalah is gaining in popularity because individuals are tired of mainstream religion confines and are looking for something which is superior.

It is estimated that over 80 percent of the people who attend the center have been turned off by religion. They are encouraged to honor the religion they have practiced, and not to be discouraged by it. By doing this, kabbalah is enhanced and better understood. The instructors then select what traditional religions teach and apply this to human nature.

Cabala

Cabala or kabbalah, "is a medieval system of Jewish teaching based on a 4-volume Aramaic work called the Zohar, which means light (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01)." Many students of Judaism believe the Zohar was written by a Spanish Jew in the 100s named Moses de Leon. de Leon claimed, however, an ancient rabbi had written it as a way to win acceptance. The Zohar "teaches that although God is unknowable, it is possible for an individual to make contact with God through a series of 10 steps (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01)."

One of the major attractions of the cabala is that it is uniquely versatile. Over half of the students now studying it were taught Christianity, while others include those who were taught Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Some instructors understand why people are attracted to cabala, but feel it is mainly due to its Jewish roots. They explain Judaism as tree with branches, twigs, roots, flowers and fragrance. They feel the cabala is the fragrance of Judaism since it is the most noticeable and hardest part to grasp about the religion, or tree. The religion, like the tree, would not exist without the roots, which feed it and provide the fragrance, or cabala. They believe the fragrance attracts one, encouraging the individual to learn more about the tree, much like the writers of the cabala intended for those who studied it (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01).

History of Jewish Mysticism

Researchers have revised the understanding of nature of authorship of the Zohar. They feel the historicity of the text lies "within the context of a new understanding of the historical development of Judaism (Roemer, )." It is believed the history of the Jewish religion was a three-part development "which began with the age of a mythical union between man and God; this was followed by the age of religion, which signifies the creation of the gulf between man and God. This process then culminates in a third stage, when mysticism attempts to recapture the original mythical union (Roemer, )." The final stage is thought of as the romantic period of religion and is representative of the argumentative union of the first and second stages.

Search for Jewish Mysticism

"Mysticism functions as a regenerating force within Judaism (Roemer, )." This thought is argued by opposing forces which feel "the Kabbalah was the principal agency of the spiritual decline of medieval Jewry (Roemer, )." It is felt that a vital inner historical power was the Jewish mystical tradition. These mystical speculations come from "Hekalot literature, the Kabbalah, the Sabbatian movement , the Haskalah, the Reform movement and finally Zionism.

Some followers concentrated on the Zohar's theosophical plan instead of the impression made by the practices of the Kabbalah. The practical points of the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism are de-emphasized by providing a definition of mysticism as "the experimental knowledge of God. By defining the Kabbalah as a mode of intellectual cognition based on prior mystical experience rather than as a set of teachings or practices, scholars render the study of the Kabbalah a more respectable academic enterprise, while promoting it as a legitimate form of Jewish self-understanding and self-expression (Roemer, 6)." Scholars stress the fact that an authentic portion of Jewish tradition is represented by Jewish mysticism.

Reconstructing the History of Jewish Mysticism

Some researchers have been studying records in an effort to reconstruct Jewish mysticism history. They look into the development of the theory of promised land as described in Jewish mysticism, as well as the owl of Minerva, which is supposed to fly out at dusk, bring wisdom. These researchers feel that "only in its decay does the greatness of mysticism become apparent to the historian. In the decay of its mystical component, the Jewish traditionwhich was represented as consistent, unified, closed, and therefore essentialis rendered back unto history, to appear diversified, multivalent, and full of contradiction (Roemer, 6)." Other scholars, however, believe the only way to stimulate Jewish mysticism in its decay, is through philological analysis.

Changing Religions

Some individuals have enrolled in cabala classes because they "felt dissatisfied with the limits of Christianity (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01)." They point out that Christianity is beginning to comprehend cabala, but acknowledge that although no specific religion processes all of the truth, every religion has a little truth in it.

Some who have been raised Catholic have had trouble dealing with the idea of spending eternity in hell paying for their sins. These concerns have lead them to question this theory and explore over religions. These people "are seeking spirituality, a nurturing quality they haven't been able to find inside the main religious structures. Jewish mysticism fits the needs of many of these individuals, even those who are not Jewish (RiCharde-Kreiner, JA01)."

Hinduism

Hinduism has its roots in Hindu mystic and gurus. The nineteenth-century mystic Ramakrishna was seen as an outrageous figure in Hinduism by the indifferent and common observer. Meanwhile the other gurus of India provided the positive psychological healing of Hinduism known as the gurusisya or masterdisciple (McLean, 654) .

The Muslim emperor Akbar, who foresaw the virtues of a modern Indian state, tried to encourage his Hindu and Muslim subjects a spirit of toleration (Seekins, India). He not only married a Hindu Rajput princess, but he appointed Hindus to high governmental offices, while abolishing a special tax that was paid to the Islamic state by unbelieving Hindus (Seekins, India).

Akbar proclaimed himself the " Divine Monotheism, the ultimate arbiter of religious questions (Seekins, India)." This title was a universal combination of Islamic mysticism and Hinduism, and Akbar hoped by using religion, he would be able to unify his empire. Later emperors did not share Akbar's ideas and the union did not last. Instead, they persecuted the Sikhs, "whose gurus, like Akbar, had sought a common ground between Islam and Hinduism (Seekins, India)."

Hinduism is considered to be a religion that is polytheistic or pantheistic, which means "embracing a belief in many gods or nature as a god (Witham, A1)." Today Hinduism accounts for approximately 1 percent of the religious population.

Hindu Spirituality

There are distinctive features of Hindu spirituality, while many "Hinduisms share few features that are common to all (Clooney, 5)." Hindu communities placed themselves against the larger groups of Indian spiritual movements. Instead, they recognize " in traditional Kashmir Saivism, there are four spiritual ways individual experience, divine energy, divine identification, and a way that is no-way. They also believe in the four pathways of Swami Vivekananda detached action, love for God, religious reasoning and yogi practice (Clooney, 5)." Hindus use these ideas to organize, as well as distinguish their spirituality.

Islam

One of the great philosophers and mystics of Islam is Al-Ghazali. He was a professor in Baghdad, but left his career to become a mystic after having a spiritual crisis. He began to instruct others in accordance to his mystical intuition and orthodox Islam after drifting for 10 years. Al-Ghazali wrote "The Revival of the Religious Sciences, which outlined a complete and orthodox system of the mystical attainment of unity with God (unknown, Al-Ghazali)." Al-Ghazali made an important contribution when he tried to harmonize mysticism with orthodox Islam.

Islam, which means submission in the Arabic language, is one of the world's major religions. This religion was founded by an Arab named Muhammad after he said God had spoke to him and instructed him to start a new religion. The Arabs belonged to the Semites, a nomadic race who felt they were descendants of Shem, who was the son of Noah. After Muhammad had his divine revelation, he was able to convert many of these nomads to Islam. The Semites attacked the Romans and the Sassanids in order to convert them to their religion. By 640 AD, the Arabs controlled most of Western Asia and all of the southern Mediterranean countries and attempt to convert all of these lands.

To become a Muslim and convert to Islam, an individual must strengthen his or her will and say the testimony of faith or Shahada. This testimony states "there is no true god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God (Susanti, Islam)."

Muslims "should also

· Believe that the Holy Koran is the literal word of God, as revealed by Him.

· Believe that the Day of Judgment (Day of Resurrection) is true and will come, as God has promised in the Koran.

· Accept Islam as his religion

· Not worship anything nor anyone except God (Susanti, Islam)."

The Koran is the sacred scripture of Islam and contains the revelations God presented to Muhammad. Many stories from the Old Testament of the Judeo-Christian bible are included in the Koran. Another important source of Islam is the sunna, which contains the sayings and deeds of the Prophet.

The mysticism of Sufism is an important element in the Islam religion. Sufism "emphasizes personal devotion and often blends local practices into its worship (Susanti, Islam)." Sufism strives to internalize the ritual acts by "emphasizing rigorous self-assessment and self-discipline (Sachedina, 6)." When Sufism began it was primarily a type of puritan devotion, in which one was freed of all dependence of self-desire, so that he could be completely devoted to God. Sufi masters created mystical practices which included "a moral process to gain the relative personal clarity that comes at moments of retreat and reflection (Sachedina, 6)."

They believed that through the reflections, one could experience an increased level of awareness, and rapturous love of God. Traditional Muslims disagreed with this theory since they emphasized "active obedience to God as the highest goal of religious meaning and purpose (Sachedina, 6)."

Islam Today

The Islamic religion and culture is observed by over a billion people worldwide, who are willing to "go beyond one's self-centered existence to establish a just society that will reflect submission to God's will (Sachedina, 6)." The visions of the religion have been eclipsed by the numerous political problems in the Muslim community. However, Islam is working toward an approach of fellowship among the religious communities.

Although Sufism was disbanded in the early 0th century since many felt it was totally un-Islamic, there is a re-growth of the religion many countries today, and "thrives as a bastion of religious tolerance and free-spirited religiosity (Sachedina, 6)."

Taoism and Buddhism

Taoism is a mystical and individual centered Asian faith, which is part a trilogy that includes Buddhism and Confucianism. Buddhism "stresses acceptance of life's circumstances for the benefit of the afterlife, while Confucianism offers teachings appropriate for daily concerns and is considered the philosophy of life (Weiss, 14)." Confucius tried to find a device that all could understand, especially during times of war and violence. He settled on harmony and the idea "that everything has its equal opposite in a natural balance (Weiss, 14)."

Taoism is considered a religion since it is centered on the relationship between man and creator. Tao, or the Way, instructs followers on disciples and that "the Tao abides in inaction, yet nothing is left undone (Weiss, 14)." The religion of Taoism is actually over a century older than Confucianism and teaches individual salvation, while asking the believer to embrace a type of mysticism. Tao means life force, which is "the result of complementary forces, yin and yang (Weiss, 14)." Purification is extremely important to Taoists, who mainly eat healthy foods and strive to perform good deeds.

The doctrine of Taoism was drafted by Lao-tzu, or the master. As this doctrine was being proclaimed, a prince named Siddartha Gautama was offering his own path to existence, known as Buddhism. These two religions share several similar ideas such as "sincerity and effort are required to abandon worldly desire and strive for righteousness. Differences include the fact that Buddhism insists the self should be a nonentity, while Taoism preaches belief in an immortal soul with a distinct personality (Weiss, 14)."

Confucius was a teacher and philosopher who felt harmony could exist in society if the leaders and harmless overlords would govern with "the Mandate of Heaven" (Weiss, 14)." In these religions, there is no separation of church since all aspects of one's personal, community and social life are involved. Reverence for social order and a desire for harmony are encouraged.

Taoist and Buddhist believe a number of gods and spirits exist together in life and common reality. They feel the balance between yin and yang are essential for the creation of energy in the universe. These faiths also believe in ancestor gods and have a deep respect for past generations, as well as the patriarchal clan. This clan is "held together by an invisible chain extending through time (Weiss, 14)." These beliefs cause the three faiths to accept the theories of an afterlife and semi-immortality, and thus require the living to provide sacramental gifts to the dead.

A Guru for Today

A scholar and mystic from the ancient Tamil Siddha tradition of southern India named Baskaran Pillai, is providing Westerners a chance to study his religious customs. Pillai studied mediation in Rishikesh which is located in the Himalaya, and then moved to southern India, where he was raised.

Pallai is teaching his tradition through lectures worldwide, due to the fact that the actual manuscripts are currently in government archives and temples awaiting publication (Bala, PG). Pallai is not only an inspirational and compassionate spiritual educator, he also teaches mysticism of the Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetans traditions. Baskaran Pillai provides lectures on "the nature of human consciousness and the power of mantras in transcending the ordinary mind (Bala, PG)." Pillai prepares his students to receive shaktipata, which is the transmission of spiritual energy from guru to student, as a means to awaken the kundalini; which is the coiled serpent of energy at the base of the spine. Afterward, the student is exposed to higher levels of consciousness (Bala, PG). The practice and theories of the mantra, which involves using sacred sounds as a means to achieve higher consciousness, the mudra, which are the hand gestures used in meditation and rituals, and the nyasa, which is the placing of mantras in the energy body, are also taught by Pillai (Bala, PG).

Mysticism in Hong Kong

The art of Falun Gong is outlawed throughout mainland China. In contrast, Hong Kong, which has been under Chinese rule since July 17, still permits it to be practiced there. Falun Gong which is a mixture of exercise and spiritual practice, is performed after meditation that is blended with Buddhism and Chinese mysticism (unknown, Reuters).

Language of Mysticism

The language of mysticism is symbolic and difficult. The Song of Songs in the Old Testament, the book of Revelation in the New Testament, and William Blake's writing provide examples of the language. Roman Catholic and Islamic mystics use a terminology which they derived from common human love.

An analysis of the language is "The soul undergoes a purification (the purgative way), which leads to a feeling of illumination and greater love of God (the illuminative way); after a period the soul may be said to enter into mystical union with God (the unitive way), which begins with the consciousness that God is present to the soul; the soul progresses through a time of quiet and an ecstatic state to a final perfect state of union with God (spiritual marriage) (unknown, mysticism)." In the late stages of this process, the individual experiences what is termed the dark night of the soul. During this time, which actually may last for years, the person feels deserted by God and hope, and can not find the power to pray. The individual may have visions or hear voices during the stages of contemplation prior to the ultimate union. These manifestations have created the incorrect belief that all impulsive and obtuse religious movements are mystical (unknown, mysticism).

A Search for a Relationship

People in today's technological society continue to search for ways to be close God (Beck, 6). Members of the Christian church talk about their relationship with God, but few are able to offer advice on developing this relationship. Because of this, people are currently trying to regain the aspect of mysticism which involves a strong personal connection with God.

Many are exploring the literature of medieval mystics after being unable to find a transcendental experience in traditional churches. Members of churches feel they've lost their roots due to the focus on organization.

There is a difference between spirituality and mysticism. Spirituality, as a rule, includes all aspects of one's personal religious life. Mysticism, however, is "an intuitive awareness of spiritual reality and longing for a direct union with God (Beck, 6)."

Some religious leaders believe that people who are mystics value the spiritual realities over the physical ones. These people avoid emotions, and seek a peaceful relationship with God. For one to become a mystic, the individual must have dedication and perseverance.

These leaders also feel that mysticism is a terrifying concept " since it means letting go of control of your life, and letting what matters to you be radically changed as you live in an intimate relationship with God (Beck, 6)." They look upon it as a journey to get as close to God as possible to fully experience his being. In mysticism, an individual must be prepared and ultimately accept the times spent with God. They point out that everyone has had mystical experiences, but the mystic actually wants to be close to God, and will make the effort, since the reality of pain or joy is with him.

Acceptance of Mysticism

Although the church does not teach individuals how to develop a close relationship with God, some believe it is due to a matter of acceptance, rather than a direct omission. During the most of the 0th century, Western society refused to accept anything mystical, and the clergy would be have been thought of as crazy if mysticism was taught. However, society is now open to the concept of mysticism, therefore forcing the church to change.

Several churches are now encouraging members to " exhibit a profound awareness of others, as well as seeking to serve God in their daily lives through prayer, study and work (Beck, 6)." Some churches instruct members on the importance of acknowledging the fact that the person beside you is your brother or sister, while others teach mysticism as "an awareness of something or someone far greater than the self, and being grateful (Beck, 6)." These churches all believe that there is a monk or nun inside everyone which longs for silence and a time for prayer, mediation and study (Beck, 6)."

Philosophers and Mysticism

Many Philosophers feel people need to slow down, take their time and become aware of the world around them. They encourage individuals to "discover the contemplative, questioning part of his or her own mind (Kavaloski, 11A)."

When asked why one would choose to make philosophy a way of life, some say "it was a spiritual awakening to the wonder of the world, an inarticulate sense of something unasked and something unanswered (Kavaloski, 11A)." Others say it was a search for an alternative to religion after they became skeptical of their childhood faith, or a book or class which made them question the strangeness of the world. The things that are common include "the sense of philosophy as beginning in sheer wonder- a mixture of intrigue and perplexity, a congealed sense of awe, the sense that there is much more to life than meets the casual eye (Kavaloski, 11A)."

There is also the questioning of the major points of ultimate meaning and truth. These individuals relentlessly demand and explore logical arguments.

The exploration of arguments is "what distinguishes philosophy most sharply from mysticism and religion (Kavaloski, 11A)." Philosophers are suspicious of obscure and easy answers to important questions. Instead, they insist on logic and evidence, while delighting in "seeing arguments link up with each other, brave and venerable and going somewhere (Kavaloski, 11A)."

Philosophers are seeing greater exposure as more people become interested in matters of the soul. People are starting to read more writings by philosophers, as evidenced by the fact that "over half of the books on the New York Times bestseller list in 15 were in the spiritual-religious-philosophical category (Kavaloski, 11A)." However, most of the books are not written by philosophers, but instead psychologist or spiritual teachers.

Socrates was a great philosopher who explored matters of the soul. Many feel there has been an "absence of a rich and skeptical ,500-year tradition of wisdom-seeking (Kavaloski, 11A)." Today there is a rediscovery of the sacred, but there is fear that is taking place in a philosophical void.

Speculation of Mystics

There are currently two preferences in the contemplation of mystics. They are "to regard God as outside the soul, which rises to its God by successive stages, or to regard God as dwelling within the soul and to be found by delving deeper into one's own reality (unknown, mysticism)." Most mystics believe in the idea of transcendence, which is the essence of the ancient mystical system, Neoplatonism, and of Gnosticism. These mystics have produced an epoch-making explanation in contemplation philosophy concerning the connection between God and humans by emergence. The Quakers and school of Vedanta are among those who believe a Supreme Reality exists within the soul (unknown, mysticism).

Women and Mysticism

There has been exploration into the "problems of immanence and transcendence in relation to women and their bodies (Hollywood, 158)." Some believe women are seen as Other, "as immanent and as body, the material base for man's transcendence of the limitations inherent in embodiment, the support of male subjectivity (Hollywood, 158)." In cultures without gods, man's materiality is reasserted by negation and excess of women's transformation. However, in divine cultures, it can be a connection with a god or gods that both mirrors and destabilizes male subjectivity.

Christian mysticism is a "realm in which, historically, women have claimed access to transcendence and in which they have exploited the ambiguities of feminine alterity (Hollywood, 158)." Researchers use this example to illustrate the relationship between women as nothing and as excess, as well as the association between their immanence and their virtue in relation to male subjectivity (Hollywood, 158).

A woman's mystic experience is primarily characterized by embodiment. Some believe their mysticism is illustrated by the different appraisals of female piety, as well as neutral historiography. Others believe women's mysticism is based completely on masculine subjectivity. There are those who feel a "woman's mysticism is an attempt to embrace immanence and embodiment, thereby disrupting male systems of valuation (Hollywood, 158)." Female authors wrote texts in the later Middle Ages about mysticism in an attempt to undermine women's association with the body. Prior to the fourteenth century, only male-authored texts centered on suffering and redemption of flesh.

Although females wrote mystical texts about the concern for the body and its welfare, they rarely mentioned miracles. These women mystics "associated themselves with the humanity of Christ, understood as a route to sharing his divinity; yet the sufferings of this humanity are described in primarily spiritual terms (Hollywood, 158)."

Writings of Mystics

Many Churches include the literature of mystics in their histories. These mystics believe it is important to share their close relationship with God. Some of the most moving writings include Margery Kempe's relationship with God, and Ramon Lull's "The Lover and the Beloved". These stories are balanced by the reflective tone of Julian of Norwich's "Revelations of Divine Love" and the methodical instruction of "The Dark Night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross (Beck, 6)."

Some mystics spent their lives alone, praying, writing and providing spiritual advice after writing about their visions or personal prophecies from God. Others remained active by composing music and painting. They also tried to persuade the church to "return to a deeper morality, based on a strict following of the Gospel message to love and care for one another (Beck, 6)."

An individual who chooses to read the writings of the mystics needs to be well grounded in theology. It is important to know the scriptures, as well what the church was like at the time of the writings, to understand not only what the mystic was saying, but also it's meaning today.

Books of Religion

Every religion has its own spiritual text. These books include the Jewish Zorah, "the Hindu Vedas, the Buddhist Dhammapada, the Christian Bible, and the Muslim Holy Koran (Raman, 08)." Spiritual followers find they do not have to rely on science to achieve the inner peace that is offered in these texts.

Symbols of Mysticism

There have been symbols of mysticism throughout history. The "pearl's attributes have been associated with goddesses, mysticism and religion because in earlier days men were awed by the mystery of its creation (Cruz, PG)." The fact that the pearl came from the sea encouraged theories of magic.

Rivers had been an important in human development and civilization. The Ganges River has inspired Hinduism, mysticism and Sufism in India's civilization and culture. However, the river is dying due to pollution and human intervention in the catchment area (Moudud, water).

Scientists and Mysticism

Mysticism and old-time religions are enjoying a resurgence in this time of scientific theories. Scientists are trying to prove profound intuitive visions which have long been associated with mysticism. At the same time, individuals are searching for " a public consciousness with enriching dimensions of the human spirit, as well as competing modes of knowing and perceiving (Raman, 08)." Some scientists recognize and support the current trend toward spirituality, while others insist on having solid proof before they will accept any idea of a higher being.

Some scientists are beginning to realize that " physics has shown that Hindu mystics were right in picturing the cosmos as the Dancing Divine, that Chinese philosophers were on target when they spoke of yin and yang, for these referred implicitly to the conservation of matter and energy, and that the Book of Genesis formulates the principle of evolution in metaphorical meters (Raman, 08)." Scientists have also discovered that "the quantum hypothesis of Plank has been used for propounding a theory of consciousness, microcosmic indeterminacy has served as a springboard for a physics- based proof of resurrection, the receding galaxies provide experimental confirmation of what cabalists had already recognized in medieval times, and that inklings of the esoteric formulations of quantum physics have been detected in Buddhist sutras (Raman, 08)."

Genetics and Mysticism

Evolutionary biology changed humanness to the non-human animal realm, and now computer technology and cognitive science are beginning to reduce the conscious and subjective aspects which form one's mental life to a mechanism of computational abilities. Some are concerned that human subjectivity, along with the culture and society associated with it, will be reduced significantly. Others feel that since they are actually outside science's realm, they should be thought of in terms of humanism. They are not arguing in "defense of religion or mysticism or ignorance, but a case for saying that human reality needs humanistic approaches with their own concept and vocabulary (Grayling, 70-71)." Today there is a major debate between the science of genetics and the spirituality of mysticism, as each side attempts to illustrate the aspects of their beliefs.

Current Fallacies

Current fallacies about mysticism state "that mystics are not practical and that they are revolutionary. However, many of the greatest mystics have been both intensely active as well as submissive to authority of whatever sort (unknown, mysticism)." Another fallacy that exist is that a solitary thinker is a mystic, when in actuality, the reverse is generally true.

Today there is no recognized explanation of mysticism. There have been several philosophers who have studied the nature of mysticism, and though many have not come to satisfactory conclusions, Henri Bergson did make a significant evaluation of mysticism.

Conclusion

Mysticism, "the practice of putting oneself into, and remaining in, direct relation with God, the Absolute, or any unifying principle of life (unknown, mysticism)" has been present in a number of religions for thousands of years. Over the years, religions, as well as the role of mysticism, have endured numerous changes. While these religions have their own specific beliefs, many share similar theories and ideas of mysticism.

There are a number of writings by mystics which deal with what they believe, as well as how they feel about their spirituality. Each religion has its own spiritual text and some even have symbols of mysticism.

Today, mysticism is still a vital part of many religions. By looking at religions of the Eastern and Western world, scholars are able to gain a better understanding of the role mysticism currently plays in each one.

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