REFLECTIONS ON THE STUDY OF MYSTICISM AS A CATEGORY
March 25, 2018 M. Roy
This philosophical paper examines mysticism as the experiential dimension of religion, tracing how the term originated in the West, was adopted by Christianity, and only in the nineteenth century expanded to include encounters with ultimate Reality across religions. The author argues that a comparative category of mysticism has emerged and that studying it raises various questions and perspectives. Although mystical experiences involve states of mind beyond rationality, which fosters skepticism, the author contends this skepticism must be overcome. Given the growing global popularity of mystical practices, the author proposes that comparative and partly direct study of mysticism is both necessary and possible.