Interpreting a Mystical Perspective

The mystical perspective is developed through a process that is comprised of a series of five steps. The process starts with illumination, which is largely characterized by the awareness of a divine being or energy, and ends with the union with the object of love or God.

The major hindrance to correctly interpreting a mystical perspective is largely due to the fact that it is subject to different interpretations of different mystical experiences. This is made worse by the poetic and esoteric nature of mystic texts. The words used by mystics may seem to be opaque, simple yet full of hidden meanings which can be a source of confusion for novices and the unenlightened. An important theme present in most mystical perspectives is the admonition to stay separate from the influences of the world. This is largely due to the idea that unquestioned belief on the world can serve as a hindrance to the effort to reach the divine state. In contrast, most mystics place great importance on focusing on the self, on the inner center. Other interpretations of mysticism places more importance on the transcendent self as opposed to the learned self who is deserving of punishment and neglect. Mystics and scholars on mysticism agree that mysticism can hardly be explained in simple and easy-to-understand terms, especially when the explanation is directed at beginner mystics.

A thorough and more efficient interpretation of the mystic perspective can be done through frequent and detached self-evaluation in order to reach the stage of enlightenment. Self-examination that is detached allows for greater awareness of one’s own feelings without being controlled by them.

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