mysticism
MISS-tuh-siz-um
/ˈmɪstɪsɪzəm/
The belief in or pursuit of direct, personal union with the divine, ultimate reality, or spiritual truth through contemplation or intuition.
Focuses on direct, personal spiritual experience rather than institutional dogma or analytical reasoning.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to ancient Greek mystery cults, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries. Initiates were called 'mystai', derived from 'myein', meaning 'to close'—referring to keeping one's mouth shut regarding sacred secrets or closing one's eyes to external reality to perceive internal spiritual truth.
Word relationships
- spirituality: Spirituality is broader and includes general personal belief, while mysticism specifically implies direct personal union with the divine.
- quietism: Quietism emphasizes passive contemplation and suppression of the will, whereas mysticism encompasses active spiritual seeking.
- rationalism: Rationalism relies strictly on reason and logical proof rather than direct intuitive experience.
- materialism: Materialism rejects spiritual reality, focusing entirely on physical matter.
Commonly confused with
- mystique: Mystique is an aura of mystery or charm surrounding a person or thing; mysticism is a spiritual tradition or philosophy.
Word family
- mystic (noun): A person who seeks or experiences direct union with the divine.
- mystical (adjective): Relating to mysticism or spiritual direct experience.
Collocations
- Eastern mysticism
- Christian mysticism
- practical mysticism
- mysticism and logic
Example sentences
- "Christian mysticism reached a historical peak during the Middle Ages through the writings of Julian of Norwich and Meister Eckhart." Spiritual Literature
- "The philosopher argued that Eastern mysticism and Western physics both seek an underlying unity behind superficial reality." Philosophical Analysis
Memory hook
Think of keeping your mouth closed in quiet MYS-tery to contemplate spiritual truth. Closed eyes, open soul.
When not to use
Do not use merely to mean 'irrational thinking' or 'confused nonsense' in general conversational contexts.
Fun facts
- In early Christianity, 'mystical' referred strictly to hidden interpretations of biblical texts before shifting to subjective interior experiences.
Related words
Explore more words
theology, metaphysical, intuition, experiential, animism, rationalism
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