Mysticism is Not a Philosophy or Belief System

Photo Credit: Academia.Edu Mysticism is Not a Philosophy or Belief System The term "mysticism" often conjures images of ancient cults, esoteric rituals, or abstract philosophical debates, leading many to mistakenly categorise it as another belief system or an intellectual framework. However, a deeper understanding reveals that true mysticism transcends these classifications entirely. It is not a philosophy to be debated, a doctrine to be believed, or a set of rules to be followed. Instead, mysticism is fundamentally an experiential path, a direct, unmediated encounter with Ultimate Reality, whatever name one chooses to give it – God, Consciousness, Truth, or the Absolute. It is a journey that moves beyond the realm of concepts and into the realm of direct perception and being. Unlike philosophy, which engages primarily with the intellect to construct logical arguments, analyse concepts, and theorise about the nature of existence, mysticism seeks to dissolve the intellec...