Mysticism from the Greek μυστικός "an initiate" (of the Eleusinian Mysteries, μυστήρια meaning "initiation"The Eleusinian Mysteries, or mystery religions in general, do not necessarily involve mysticism; the present meaning of the term arose, rather, via Platonism and Neoplatonism, which made reference to the Eleusinian initiation as a metaphor for the "initiation" to spiritual truths.) is the pursuit of achieving communion or identity with, or conscious awareness of, ultimate reality, the divine, spiritual truth, or God through direct experience, intuition, or insight; and the belief that such experience is an important source of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Traditions may include a belief in the literal existence of realities beyond empirical perception, or a belief that a true human perception of the world trancends logical reasoning or intellectual comprehension.

The term "mysticism" is often used to refer to beliefs which are outside of a mainstream religion, but related to or based in a mainstream religious doctrine. For example, Kabballah is the dominant mystical sect of Judaism, Sufism is the mystical sect of Islam, and Gnosticism refers generally to various mystical sects which arose as alternatives to Christianity. While Eastern religion tend to find the concept of mysticism redundant, non-traditional knowledge and ritual are considered as Esotericism, for example Buddhism's Vajrayana.

Overview

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Mystical doctrines typically refer to religious texts that are non-canonical to the major branches, as well as more mainstream canon. Within particular religious frameworks, mystical traditions are by nature controversial, and may be considered heretical belief. Most mystical teachers typically have some type of history or connection with a mainstream branch—controversial or otherwise.

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