Mysticism: The Path Less Traveled

 

Mysticism is one of the least traveled spiritual paths. The reason is simple–the journey of the mystic begins where all paths end–entering uncharted territory and traveling alone.

The mystic is not satisfied with intellectual answers to the basic questions of human existence–those are called “philosophers.” Mystics, as the name implies, want to dive headlong into the mysterious experience of existence. The philosopher looks at the ocean and speculates about its nature, the mystic jumps in with both feet and isn’t afraid to get wet. Religious philosophers or theologists debate orthodoxy. But mystics go where no orthodoxy exists.

This is why the Buddha–a mystic–said not to take anything to be true on anyone else’s authority (even his own), but to discover the truth for one’s self. Mystics are like scientists in this regard, which may be one reason why many mystics and scientists (particularly quantum physicists) often appear to be describing the same reality. Perhaps when mysticism and science go far enough, they meet each other traveling in different directions.  

But does this mean the mystic must start the journey as a completely empty vessel? No–the mystic needs to prepare his/her mind by first building a foundation of intellectual understanding. This is why, quite often, mystics are older and (hopefully) wiser when they begin their journey. After years of study–when the answers found elsewhere are no longer enough and armed with a framework of knowledge to help guide the way–the mystic journey begins.