Concepts in Mysticism

Enlightenment is perhaps the most important concept in mysticism. The ultimate union with a Supernatural force, energy or Being is the goal of mysticism and is referred to in various forms in the different forms of mysticism. Enlightenment is the final stage of mystical attainment. In Buddhist mysticism, this stage is more popularly known as nirvana, and as satori in Japanese. The concept of enlightenment revolves about being aware of the self and of one’s emotions without being attached to them. A detached observation of one’s own feelings is essential to avoid being controlled by them.

Perhaps two of the most important concepts in mysticism are the two theories on Divine Reality: immanence and emanation. The concept of immanence refers to the universe as being immersed in God. The concept of immanence, on the other hand, refers to all things in the Universe as overflowing from God.

Important concepts in Buddhist mysticism include ahimsa, dharma, dukkha, and karma. Ahimsa is the concept of non-harming or non-violence, which is the basis for the vegetarianism of the followers of Buddha. Dharma encompasses the whole of the teachings of Buddhism while the concept of dukkha refers to pain and misery which is characteristic of the unenlightened life. Karma refers to the actions of the body and the mind which could result to positive and negative consequences. A popular concept in Taoist mysticism is the concept of Yin and Yang, which refers to the male and female principles which are united in the Eternal Tao or Way.

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