Overview

Mysticism can be found in every spiritual tradition on earth, but I have only been able to study a few of these in depth. Below are a few that have had the most profound impact on me. Perhaps one or more of these will speak to you and your path to meaning.

World traditions

Shamanism: 

Broadly defined, shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves a practitioner reaching “altered states of consciousness” (a mystical experience) in order to perceive and interact with a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world. Shamanism is practiced all over the world, from Siberia to the Amazon, and each region has its own unique techniques and beliefs. I personally am most familiar with the Peruvian Ayahuasqueros as well as the West African Ifa traditions. In addition it appears in all forms of Native American spirituality.

Eastern Traditions

Hinduism:

Indian culture has been familiar with the mystical experience longer than most religions have existed. There are many traditions within Hinduism that have strong mystical connections. However, Advaita Vednata is the best known of the mystical traditions. This non-dual philosophy makes up a large part of my own spiritual journey. There are many techniques within the Hindu traditions, such as japa, chanting, and, of course, yoga.

Buddhism:

In one sense, the whole of Buddhism is mystical in nature. This is the sense in which I’ve come to know Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is known as the meditation school or the mystical branch of Buddhism. I’ve spent a great deal of time at Zen temples and with Zen meditation teachers, so I am most familiar with this branch. The other tradition I’ve worked with and that is known for its mystical connection is the Tibetan Bon tradition, which deals with many of the themes of shamanism. Meditation is the main technique that I take from these traditions, and I’ve found it to be the most powerful tool of the spiritual or mystical path. 

Taoism:

Taoism, or “The Way,” is a spiritual tradition from China that provided a framework for mysticism in a way that no other faith can match. Its emphasis on flow and harmony with all of nature matches up with the mystical experience so perfectly that it’s hard to put into words. Like the Christen or Islamic traditions, Taoism, once understood, allows us to see the everyday in a new, mystical light. 

Western traditions

Christianity:

I wrestled with Christianity right up until I found out about mysticism. The mystical tradition runs deep in Christianity, but it seems to remain on the fringes. From the Gospel of Thomas to Meister Eckhart, mysticism will show you a side of Christianity you never thought possible. Christian mysticism reveals the power of mysticism to change the everyday world we know into something far more transcendent.

Judaism:

As someone with a Jewish background can tell you, Jewish mysticism speaks to the intellectual at heart, as much as any mysticism can. The Kabbalah is the mystical tradition that most people are familiar with, including myself. Personally, my interest in Jewish mysticism was piqued when I began to read the Dead Sea Scrolls translations. The contemplation of philosophical truths from this tradition can be a powerful tool for us Westerners.

Islam:

Islam has become a pretty loaded term in most Western minds, but the mystical tradition within Islam, Sufism, is still mostly unknown in the West. Its most notable mystic, Jalal as-Din Muhammad Rumi, produced some of the most beautiful poetry ever written. Personally, outside of the mystical experience itself, my most powerful connection to spirituality has been Sufi poetry.