MYSTICISM IN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

Authors

  • Pio de Sousa

Keywords:

Mysticism, Traditions, Religion, Personal God, Divine Life, Bhakti Marg, Yoga, Zen-Buddhism

Abstract

In various cultures and in various ages through myth and mystery mystics have struggled to put into words the strange insights they received. Thus have developed the great religions of the world. To the common man these insights were hardly intelligible. The paths traced by the mystics were too difficult, and so some disciples developed rituals to give some experience of the divine to common folk, whose credulity was unfortunately exploited by vested religion. However, many have always been experimenting for themselves (perhaps not so many in the Christian tradition because of its strong regimentation, except among monks and the religious). Their experiences and writings I have been very valuable guides to other seekers. Most of them pointed to the need for quiet silent introspection - in Indian terms antaradrishti, which is not the same as an introspection. Introspection is examining one's thoughts, feelings and mental processes. Antaradrishti emphasizes looking inwards, not so much examining as seeing, experiencing and learning, being aware of one's true interiority.

References

Ishanand Venpeny, S.J. Inspiration in non-Biblical Scriptures, (Theological Publications in India, Bangalore, 1973), p. 196.

Swami Ghananada, Shri Ramakrishna and His Unique Message, 5th edition, Advaita Ashram, Calcutta, 1987.

William Johnson, The Inner Eye of Love-Mysticism and Religion, (London, Font Paperback, 1981), p, 31.

Shri Yogendra, Guide to Yoga Medition, (The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz, Bombay, 1986).

The author of the Cloud of Unknowing, (Penguin Books Ltd., reprint 1976, article 50).

Lawrence Le Shan in "How to Meditate," (Bantam Books, New York reprint 1981, p, 83).

Johnson, William, S.J., in "Silent Music" (William Collin & Sons, Glasgow, reprint as paperback, 1977, p. 92).

Huxley, Aldous, The Doors of Perception (Chatto and Windus, London, 1954).

Nicholson R. A" Studies in Islamic Mysticism, (Cambridge, 1921), p.91.

The Cloud of the Unknowinq, Editor E.B. Rieu, The Penguin Classics, publ. 1961, reprint 1976.

C. Zaehner, Mysticism Sacred and Profane, (Oxford University Press, London, 1961), p, 148.

Bede, Griffiths, "The Mystical Dimension in Theology," Indian. Theological Studies, 14, 1977, p, 246.

Vat II. Gaudium et Spes. para 36.

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Published

1988-06-30

How to Cite

de Sousa, P. (1988). MYSTICISM IN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS. Journal of Dharma, 13(2), 105–115. Retrieved from https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/jd/article/view/1328