What Does it Mean to Be a Mystic?

According to author Mirabai Starr, a mystic can be found in any profession, such as a gardener, bus driver, investor, schoolteacher, or journalist. It is not dependent on external circumstances but rather internal experience. Mystics are characterised by their dedication to truth-seeking and their commitment to establishing a firsthand connection with a higher power.

Starr emphasises that mystics directly experience the sacred without relying on conventional religious rituals or intermediaries. They transcend established belief systems, bypass the intellect, and dissolve identification with the ego self. Mystics are ordinary individuals who engage in everyday activities but occasionally encounter moments of profound union with the Source.

A natural affinity for nature often indicates a mystical inclination. The term “Mother Earth” resonates with many mystics, as they perceive the earth as a cherished loved one or a relative. This deep connection with the natural world is considered a mystical experience because it dissolves the separate ego self into the vast mystery of the One. To qualify as a mystic, one must let go of their individuated identity and simply be.

Various practices, such as meditation or contemplative prayer, can cultivate mystical experiences. These practices involve turning inward and creating a welcoming space for the sacred. The moment of union may manifest as a full-blown mystical experience akin to what Christian and Hindu mystics have described, where one enters a trance-like state. However, it is important to note that such experiences are not confined to these extraordinary occurrences.

Ultimately, a mystic is someone who has an experience of union with the One, which may be God, Mother Earth, or the cosmos. While such experiences may be rare for some, Starr believes that everyone has moments where they momentarily forget their separate ego and deeply perceive their interconnectedness with all that exists.

Understanding the Mystic’s Awakening: Insights from Various Traditions

The awakening of a mystic can be described in diverse ways, offering profound insights into the nature of transcendence and connection. Different spiritual traditions have their own terms and descriptions for this transformative experience:

• Hinduism and Buddhism: Terms like Samadhi or Nirvana depict the transcendence of the world of form and phenomena. These experiences involve realising one’s true nature, characterised by bliss and profound interconnectedness. It is a state where the individual merges with the ultimate reality, experiencing a profound sense of unity and liberation.

• Zen Buddhism: The experience is known as Satori or Kensho, denoting a moment of awakening to the deep intrinsic connection with the world. It is an experiential realisation of the interdependent nature of existence, going beyond conceptual understanding and directly perceiving one’s inherent unity with all things.

• Taoism: The awakening is described as attaining the Tao, which is the path or underlying principle of the universe. It involves aligning oneself with the natural flow of life, attuning to the harmony and interconnectedness of all phenomena.

• Christian Mysticism: Father Richard Rohr, an author and Franciscan friar, explores the realm of Christian mysticism and the development of a profound connection with God through prayer. According to Rohr, the names traditionally used for a higher power, such as “God” or “Jesus,” have historically been limited in their understanding and expression. In his book, “The Universal Christ,” Rohr suggests that by setting aside these names, individuals may open themselves up to a deeper and more expansive relationship with the divine.

• Quakers: Within their tradition, phrases like “Seeing the Light” or “that of God” in everyone express the mystic’s awakening. It emphasises the recognition of the divine presence within oneself and others, perceiving the interconnectedness and inherent divinity in all beings.

• Hasidic Judaism: It refers to the “absorption within God’s Infinite Light,” highlighting the mystical encounter with the boundless divine presence. The individual merges and becomes one with the infinite radiance of God.

These various descriptions and terms highlight the shared mystical experiences across different spiritual paths. They reveal a common thread of profound connection, transcendence of limitations, and the recognition of a deeper reality beyond the world of appearances.

For mystics, this awakening represents a profound shift in perception. The boundaries of the self dissolve, unveiling a direct and intimate experience of the sacred. It is a transformative encounter that transcends words and concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of the true nature of existence and our interconnectedness with the divine, a higher power and the world around us.

References

Rohr, R. (n.d.). What is a Mystic? What is Mysticism? – Fr. Richard Rohr

Starr, M. (2019). Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics. Sounds True.