− | '''Mysticism''' (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] {{lang|grc|μυστικός}}, an initiate of a [[mystery religion]], {{lang|grc|μυστήρια}} meaning "[[initiation]]"<ref>The [[Eleusinian Mysteries]], or [[mystery religion]]s in general, do not necessarily involve mysticism; the present meaning of the term arose, rather, via [[Platonism]] and [[Neoplatonism]], which made reference to the Eleusinian initiation as a [[metaphor]] for the "initiation" to spiritual truths.</ref>) is the pursuit of achieving communion, [[Unio Mystica|identity]] with, or conscious awareness of ultimate [[reality]], the [[Other]], [[divinity]], [[Spirituality|spiritual truth]], or [[God]] through direct experience, intuition, or insight. | + | '''Mysticism''' (from the Greek μυστικός, an initiate of a [[mystery religion]], μυστήρια meaning "[[initiation]]": The [[Eleusinian Mysteries]], or [[mystery religion]]s in general, do not necessarily involve mysticism; the present meaning of the term arose, rather, via [[Platonism]] and [[Neoplatonism]], which made reference to the Eleusinian initiation as a [[metaphor]] for the "initiation" to spiritual truths is the pursuit of achieving communion, [[Unio Mystica|identity]] with, or conscious awareness of ultimate [[reality]], the [[Other]], [[divinity]], [[Spirituality|spiritual truth]], or [[God]] through direct experience, intuition, or insight. |
| In many cases, the purpose of mysticism and mystical disciplines such as [[meditation]], is to reach a state of return or re-integration with the [[Godhead]]. | | In many cases, the purpose of mysticism and mystical disciplines such as [[meditation]], is to reach a state of return or re-integration with the [[Godhead]]. |
| A common theme in mysticism is that the mystic and all of reality or God are a unity, termed '''Unio Mystica''' "mystical union". | | A common theme in mysticism is that the mystic and all of reality or God are a unity, termed '''Unio Mystica''' "mystical union". |
| The purpose of mystical practices is to achieve that oneness in experience, to achieve a larger identity and re-identify with the all that is. Terms for this fundamental experience occur with various connotations in most or all religious traditions, | | The purpose of mystical practices is to achieve that oneness in experience, to achieve a larger identity and re-identify with the all that is. Terms for this fundamental experience occur with various connotations in most or all religious traditions, |