mysticism

American  

[mis-tuh-siz-uhm] / ˈmɪs təˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. the beliefs, ideas, or mode of thought of mystics.

2. a doctrine of an immediate spiritual intuition of truths believed to transcend ordinary understanding, or of a direct, intimate union of the soul with God through contemplation or ecstasy.

3. obscure thought or speculation.

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mysticism British  

/ ˈmɪstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. belief in or experience of a reality surpassing normal human understanding or experience, esp a reality perceived as essential to the nature of life

2. a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving direct intuitive experience of the divine

3. obscure or confused belief or thought

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mysticism Cultural  

1. In religion, the attempt by an individual to achieve a personal union with God or with some other divine being or principle. Mystics generally practice daily meditation.

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Other Word Forms

• antimysticism
  noun
• nonmysticism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of mysticism

First recorded in 1730–40; mystic + -ism

Explanation

Mysticism is a religion or religious belief based on union or communion with a deity, or divine being. Mysticism is what lets you transcend the physical to experience enlightenment — let's just say you'll recognize it when it happens. Mystical, mysterious, and filled with wonder, mysticism is easily associated with crystals, New Age theories, or the occult (the supernatural). The truth is that many faiths, including Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity, have their own forms of mysticism, placing an emphasis on spiritual connection and union, and the mysteries of religion over dogma or rigid rules. Outside of religion, mysticism is applied to cryptic, obscure, or irrational thought — leaning toward mystery and wonder, rather than logic.

Example Sentences

Mysticism and orientalism aside, I appreciate what he says about letting go.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2023

But Prof Nash cautions against the "Welsh Mysticism" which has been created around the Red Lady over the years.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2023

I didn’t tell the story of our meeting in Rational Mysticism, but I’m going to tell it now, because I find Batchelor’s version of Buddhism appealing, and I think others might too.

From Scientific American • Oct. 29, 2017

Mysticism, humor and action surround a unique Marvel hero.

From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2016

Mysticism vanished from the realm of mathematics and logic ruled once more.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife