Weaving colourful threads: A tapestry of spirituality and mysticism
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies January 27, 2016 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v71i1.3023 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key findings | The article reviews recent trends in spirituality and mysticism, including the rise of Contemplative Studies, inter-religious approaches, natural mysticism, and neurotheological research, while emphasizing the value of mystical silence. |
Abstract
Given the plethora of research conducted in the field of spirituality and mysticism over the last 30 years, it is almost a superhuman feat to keep up with the explosion of information. Of necessity, in a limited article of this nature, it is possible to discuss only a few salient aspects of the spirituality and mysticism phenomenon and by so doing contribute to ongoing research in this important domain. Contemporary spiritualties encompass the whole range of human experience and new variants are emerging; for example, the relatively recent Contemplative Studies, a cognate and close companion to Spirituality. Crossing inter-religious boundaries enhances studies in Mysticism; natural mysticism is clearly in the foreground; and breaking research in neurotheology sheds light on the nature of the ‘mystical mind’. Discussion of the value or otherwise of techniques and methods of the mystical journey continues unabated. Of great value for today’s frenetic, Internet-crazy world is the path of mystical silence. By contributing to a discussion of these issues, it is hoped that the threads of spirituality and mysticism will continue to share their colour in a world desperate for beauty and peace.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on mysticism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics? | 2024 | Review | |
| The Beyond Within: The LSD Story | 1965 | Book review | |
| Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences | 2020 | Narrative review | |
| Ecstasy research in the 20th century – an introduction | 2019 | Review | |
| Predictors and potentiators of psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences | 2022 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience Choice Reviews Online June 1, 2000
- On the Emerging Field of Contemplative Studies and Its Relationship to the Study of Spirituality Spiritus September 1, 2014
- Mysticism and mental health: A critical dialogue HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies August 12, 2010
- Reading Scripture through a mystical lens Acta Theologica December 15, 2011
- Mysticism Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: The Intersection of the Timeless With Time Tattva - Journal of Philosophy May 13, 2011
and 1 more in the library