Mysticism is the philosophy and practice of a direct experience of God. Although it needs to be born in mind that 'experience' is a hotly debated term in the discussion on mysticism, and experience understood simply as a psychological state or event may be contested. In the Christian context it is traditionally practiced through pursuit of the three disciplines of prayer (including Christian meditation and contemplation), fasting (including other forms of abstinence and self-denial), and alms-giving, all discussed by Jesus in the Sermon on t ...

Including:

• Christian mysticism - Biblical foundations
• Christian mysticism - The Practice of Christian Mysticism
• Christian mysticism - Christian mystics
• Christian mysticism - Bibliography
• Christian mysticism - Classics

Read more here: » Christian mysticism: Encyclopedia - Christian mysticism

See also:

Christian mysticism, Christian mysticism - Biblical foundations, Christian mysticism - The Practice of Christian Mysticism, Christian mysticism - Christian mystics, Christian mysticism - Bibliography, Christian mysticism - Classics

Read more here: » Christian mysticism: Encyclopedia II - Christian mysticism - The Practice of Christian Mysticism

Christian mysticism - Classics. St. John of the Cross: Ascent of Mount Carmel, Dark Night of the Soul St. Teresa: Interior Castle Meister Eckhart: German and Latin sermons Jan van Ruysbroeck: The Adornment of Spiritual Marriage Anon.: Cloud of Unknowing Anon.: Theologia Germanica St.Ignatius of Loyola: Spiritual Exercises William Law: Works George Fox: The JournalSee also:

Christian mysticism, Christian mysticism - Biblical foundations, Christian mysticism - The Practice of Christian Mysticism, Christian mysticism - Christian mystics, Christian mysticism - Bibliography, Christian mysticism - Classics

Read more here: » Christian mysticism: Encyclopedia II - Christian mysticism - Bibliography

Mysticism, from the Greek μυω (muo, "to conceal"), is the pursuit of achieving communion with or conscious awareness of ultimate reality, the divine, spiritual truth, or God through direct, personal experience (intuition or insight) rather than rational thought; the belief in the existence of realities beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension that are central to being and directly accessible through personal experience; or the belief that such experience is a genuine and important source of knowledge. In the Hellenistic world, ...

Including:

• Mysticism - Types of mystical experience
• Mysticism - Mysticism and epistemology
• Mysticism - Subjectivity and mysticism
• Mysticism - Self-transcending self-discovery
• Mysticism - Mysticism and syncretism
• Mysticism - On the difficulty of defining mysticism
• Mysticism - Theosophy and Occultism
• Mysticism - Examples in major traditions
• Mysticism - Hindu mystics
• Mysticism - Chinese mystics
• Mysticism - Christian mystics
• Mysticism - Islamic mystics
• Mysticism - Jewish mystics
• Mysticism - Other mystics

Read more here: » Mysticism: Encyclopedia - Mysticism

Quietism is a term with multiple meanings and definitions. Quietism is a Christian philosophy that swept through France, Italy and Spain during the 17th century, but it had much earlier origins. The mystics known as Quietists insist with more or less emphasis on intellectual stillness and interior passivity as essential conditions of perfection; and all have been officially proscribed as heresy in very explicit terms by the Roman Catholic Church. Quietism, according to Schopenhauer ...

Including:

• Quietism - Christian philosophy
• Quietism - Origins of Christian philosophy
• Quietism - Theology
• Quietism - Schopenhauer

Read more here: » Quietism: Encyclopedia - Quietism

Esoteric Christianity refers to the occult study and the mystic living of the esoteric knowledge related to what adherents view as the "inner teachings" of early Christianity, seen as a Mystery religion. The term is thought by some to be originally associated with the Essenes and the Rosicrucians. Some modern-day practitioners believe that the foundational teachings of Esoteric Christianity were publicly presented to the world in the early 20th century (1) in an effort to establish a future universal religion as mankind, with a ...

Including:

• Esoteric Christianity - Biblical foundations
• Esoteric Christianity - Biblical counterpoints
• Esoteric Christianity - 20th century Writings

Read more here: » Esoteric Christianity: Encyclopedia - Esoteric Christianity

The Zohar (Hebrew זהר "Splendor, radiance") is widely considered the most important work of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. It is a mystical commentary on the Torah (the five books of Moses), written in medieval Aramaic and medieval Hebrew. It contains a mystical discussion of the nature of God, the origin and structure of the universe, the nature of souls, sin, redemption, good and evil, and related topics. The Zohar is not one book, but a group of books. These books include scriptural interpretations as well as material on the ...

Including:

• Zohar - Origin
• Zohar - Acceptance of authenticity
• Zohar - Rejection of authenticity
• Zohar - Mysticism
• Zohar - Pardes and Biblical exegesis
• Zohar - Effects on Judaism
• Zohar - Influence on Christian mysticism
• Zohar - Appendices and additions

Read more here: » Zohar: Encyclopedia - Zohar

Flagellation is the act of whipping (Latin flagellum, "whip") the human body. Specialised implements for it include rods, switches, and the cat-o-nine-tails. Flagellation - Disciplinary use and torture. Flogging is an approximate synonym that was probably derived from flagellum in the British navy, where flogging was a common disciplinary measure that became associated with a seaman's manly disregard for pain. Flagellation probably originated in the Near East, but quickly spread ...

Including:

• Flagellation - Disciplinary use and torture
• Flagellation - Australian penal colonies
• Flagellation - Slavery
• Flagellation - Association with religion
• Flagellation - Christianity and Islam
• Flagellation - Ecstatics and Mystics
• Flagellation - Erotic use
• Flagellation - References and further reading

Read more here: » Flagellation: Encyclopedia - Flagellation

Mystic may refer to: Mystic BBS, a bulletin board software with integrated telnet capabilities. Mysticism, the belief in realities beyond perceptual and/or intellectual understanding. Christian mysticism Mystic (rapper), a rapper. Mystic (Mustang), a uniquely colored 1996 Ford Cobra. Mystic, Connecticut, a historic seaport and tourist center. Other related archivesChristian mysticism, Mystic (Mustang), Mystic (rapper), Mystic BB

Read more here: » Mystic: Encyclopedia - Mystic

Christian meditation is a form of quiet (but not necessarily silent) contemplation often associated with prayer or scripture study. It is rooted in the Bible, which directs its readers to meditate. In Joshua 1:8, God commands his people to meditate on his word day and night to instill obedience. The psalmist says that "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). The Bible ...

Including:

• Christian meditation - History
• Christian meditation - Theology of Christian meditation
• Christian meditation - Christian meditation: many strands

Read more here: » Christian meditation: Encyclopedia - Christian meditation

Alan Richard Griffiths (1906-1993) was a British-born mystic who lived in an ashram, called Shantivanam, in south India. He originally studied literature in Britain. One of his professors was famed Christian writer C. S. Lewis, who became a lifetime friend. He was also known as Swami Dayananda. He wrote twelve books on Hindu-Christian dialogue. Griffith's form of Vedanta-inspired Christianity is called Wisdom Christianity. Bede Griffiths - External link. Bede Griffiths websiteIncluding:

• Bede Griffiths - External link

Read more here: » Bede Griffiths: Encyclopedia - Bede Griffiths

Christian Bernard (born November 30, 1951), F.R.C., is the current (as of 2005) Imperator of AMORC, a mystical Rosicrucian order. He became Imperator on April 12, 1990. Christian Bernard was the Grand Master of the French speaking jurisdiction from 1977 to 1993. Before that, he was Grand Secretary. He began working with the Grand Lodge in 1970. Christian Bernard - Interesting Facts about Christian Bernard. Astrological sign: Sagittarius Rosicrucian since the age of 15.Including:

• Christian Bernard - Interesting Facts about Christian Bernard
• Christian Bernard - Other AMORC Imperators

Read more here: » Christian Bernard: Encyclopedia - Christian Bernard

The Rosicrucian Order is a legendary and secretive Order dating from the 15th or 17th century. It generally is associated with the symbol of the Rose Cross, which is also found in certain rituals beyond "Craft" or "Blue Lodge" Freemasonry. The Rosicrucian Order is viewed among earlier and many modern Rosicrucianists as an inner worlds Order, comprised of great "Adepts." When compared to human beings, the consciousness of these Adepts is like that of demi-gods. This "College of Invisibles" is regarded as the source permanently b ...

Including:

• Rosicrucian - Origins
• Rosicrucian - History
• Rosicrucian - Influence on Freemasonry
• Rosicrucian - Rose Cross: Alchemy and Divine Sciences of Healing & of the Stars
• Rosicrucian - The Manifestos
• Rosicrucian - Modern groups
• Rosicrucian - Esoteric Christianity groups vs. Para-Masonic groups
• Rosicrucian - List of 'Para-Masonic' groups
• Rosicrucian - List of 'Esoteric Christianity' groups
• Rosicrucian - Reference literature

Read more here: » Rosicrucian: Encyclopedia - Rosicrucian

The term Western mystery tradition (also Western Esoteric tradition) refers to the collection of the mystical esoteric knowledge, such as Kabbalah, of the western world. Western mystery tradition - History. The Western mystery tradition traditionally started in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome and Israel, while it contains many characteristics from the Pagan people of Ancient Britain and Scandinavia, such as the Celts. Ancient figures associated with the Western tradition include Plato, Pyt ...

Including:

• Western mystery tradition - History
• Western mystery tradition - The Dark Ages
• Western mystery tradition - The European Enlightenment
• Western mystery tradition - The Second World War
• Western mystery tradition - The Collapse of the Soviet Union
• Western mystery tradition - Today
• Western mystery tradition - Philosophy
• Western mystery tradition - Initiation
• Western mystery tradition - The Main Themes
• Western mystery tradition - The Teachings
• Western mystery tradition - Organisations
• Western mystery tradition - People
• Western mystery tradition - Texts

Read more here: » Western mystery tradition: Encyclopedia - Western mystery tradition

The tradition of Christian Mysticism is as old as Christianity itself. At least three texts from the New Testament set up themes that recur throughout the recorded thought of the Christian mystics. The first, Galatians 2:20, says that: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV) The second impo ...

See also:

Christian mysticism, Christian mysticism - Biblical foundations, Christian mysticism - The Practice of Christian Mysticism, Christian mysticism - Christian mystics, Christian mysticism - Bibliography, Christian mysticism - Classics

Read more here: » Christian mysticism: Encyclopedia II - Christian mysticism - Biblical foundations

The enthusiasm felt for the Zohar was shared by many Christian scholars, such as Pico de Mirandola, Reuchlin, Ægidius of Viterbo, etc., all of whom believed that the book contained proofs of the truth of Christianity. They were led to this belief by the analogies existing between some of the teachings of the Zohar and certain Christian dogmas, such as the fall and redemption of man, and the dogma of the Trinity, which seems to be expressed in the Zohar in the following terms: "The Ancient of Days has three heads. He reveals himself in three ...

See also:

Zohar, Zohar - Origin, Zohar - Acceptance of authenticity, Zohar - Rejection of authenticity, Zohar - Mysticism, Zohar - Pardes and Biblical exegesis, Zohar - Effects on Judaism, Zohar - Influence on Christian mysticism, Zohar - Appendices and additions

Read more here: » Zohar: Encyclopedia II - Zohar - Influence on Christian mysticism

CHRISTIAN, PAUL

French occultist (1811-1877), best known for his Histoire de la Magie (1870). He regarded the "Book of Thoth" as containing, in its 22 arcana, "The Science of Will, the principle of all wisdom and the source of all power."

(See also: CHRISTIAN, PAUL, Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul, )

TRINITY, CHRISTIAN

The Trinity derives from the Neoplatonic, Gnostic understandings of ancient philosophy in which 3 basic facts prevail:

a) There is one Immutable, Ineffable, Pre-manifestational Reality.

b)  Everything is periodic or cyclic.

c) The cosmos is a hologram in which each  part is a reflection of the whole.

These 3 facts are symbolized in Hinduism by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; in Egypt by the Uas, the Ank and the Djed and in Xtianity by "Father, Son and Holy Ghost." In my own system, I sometimes refer to them symbolically as Abraxas, Khronos and Isis.

Spiritus Sanctus est Spiritus in Materia. Id Est Aqua Hydor Theon Hypostatis Metres. The sanctified spirit is that which has been made into matter, that is put into water. Mary impregnated by the Holy Ghost is just another way of saying that many are conceived naturally. To be baptized is to be born into the body, i.e., to manifest.

Speaking out of the "Holy Ghost," which is apparently what all masses, communions, oblations and sacrifices refer to, any sexual act itself joins or reaffirms the "hologram" to the Unity. In the embrace of another, the Holy Ghost re-connects, in a physical way, its separations. The two, formerly separate and opposed, have created a third thing, which is their union. (What happens on the physical level is simple reproduction and is of no metaphysical concern, except insofar as it paralyzes spiritual "reproduction"). The Xtians prefer to do all this symbolically, what with their "brides of Christ" and all. Moreover, when we speak of Mary as "conceived by the Holy Ghost," we simply mean metaphorically that she has conceived "naturally." The Satanists, therefore, assume (incorrectly) that overt, gross public copulation or multiple orgies constitute a defilement of Christ, when in fact, the Son is hardly involved with sex at any level and the Holy Ghost, actually, is exalted by "publicity." The true "sin against the Holy Ghost" is not blasphemy per se, but commercial advertising (including Church propaganda) or special interest exploitation which seeks to use, abuse, pollute, destroy, subvert or pervert the unity, ecology or collective holo-mind/body/spirit of the world for the sake of personal, private gain.

The "sacrifice of the child" -- that is, not the actual, living child, but merely the protoplasm of conception --which is what takes place in redirected or deferred heterosexual orgasm (can we refer to this as "tantric" sex?) should be especially appealing to us in today's crisis of pathological Mega-Birth. That is, it has much needed Neo-Catharist overtones. But the creation of a Moonchild (described by Crowley, Grant, Parsons, et al.) would apparently be the opposite goal, resulting in the "psychic foetus" of an astral entity.

We mustn't overlook the meaning of homosexuality and masturbation, however, since these lead to culminations without any question of issue from outset, and so, constitute refinements on sex magick. Grant, in his Nightside of Eden says that the "qliphotic" version of Arcanum XIII, "Death," is sodomy. In other words, sex which avoids the production of life is absolutely restricted to physical re-union of Self with Other. And the only other "physical" way we can "reunite" is to pass through the gates of Death. Thus heterosexual "tantric" sex and homosexuality are exactly the same thing so far as the physical plane goes. The union of homosexuality, however, extends beyond Eros into brotherhood and thus is closer to the "spirit" of the "Holy Ghost."

Since the union of self with other is specifically what we're concerned with, masturbation would seem to be pointless until we recall that the purpose of union is not orgasm. Orgasm merely affirms the authenticity of the union. Whether the "other" is another person (or thing!) or one's own body, scarcely matters. Mind and body are reunited in all cases. The physical is simply the mirror of the spiritual. For the solitary union of self with other, the orgasm is not just the ultimate and most subtle link, its the only link between the physical and spiritual planes. As a device for astral impregnation, moonchildren aside, masturbation obviously ought to be considerably more effective than sex with a physical partner (provided it doesn't degenerate into sense-gratification). But as a substitute for "transcendental sodomy" it is much less satisfactory.

Finally, I'm bound to say that those who have closed and forever locked the sexual door may still be able to unite self and other in a number of asexual, exotic and abstract ways, some of which may have a certain limited but unique value.

(See also: TRINITY, CHRISTIAN, Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul, )

ANTI-CHRISTIAN STRATEGIES

"My earlier views of the unsoundness of the Christian scheme of salvation and the human origin of the scriptures have become clearer and stronger with advancing years," said Abraham Lincoln, a century and a half ago. "What are the fruits of Christianity? Bigotry, superstition and persecution," said President James Madison some two centuries ago. "For seventeen hundred years the Christian sect has done nothing but harm" said Voltaire 230 years ago. Quotations of this sort by the wisest of thinkers and leaders, extending as they do back through the millennia, should serve as a skull and crossbones over the door of the church.

Xtianity, obviously, is the worst of all worlds (with the possible exception of Islam). On the one hand, it exhorts its believers to live vicariously, to reach for nothing, inasmuch as Christ has done all the work of redemption for them. In this way it thoroughly discourages individualism, especially in its most creative aspects. On the other hand, it pledges salvation to the dregs of mankind - the lowest ranks of morality - to the mindless and the vicious. Thus it espouses egoism at the cheapest level.

Arrogant Xtians are fond of saying, "You can't have it both ways." By that they mean that you can't accept the interconnectedness of everything and at the same time believe in the separation of the individual. But Xtianity, founded as it is on the veneration of stupidity, has always confused paradox with inconsistency.

The wise man leans neither on belief nor on non-belief. The whole issue of God/Not-God is unnecessarily dichotomous, as is our analysis of morality/immorality. The Either-Or world is dangerous. Indeed, it is so dangerous that even to proceed in a line midway between this Scylla and Charybdis is to hem oneself in by unwanted limitations. "God" is a word that has yet to be defined and even the certainty of divine singularity vs. plurality is debatable. It is a common conceit that monotheism is a step is a step forward from polytheism and one which some serious metaphysicians are finally beginning to question. The initiate may declare that there is but one "God", but he means that in a quite different sense from the common notion of exclusivity.

Monotheism (see MONOLATRY) always leads to monolithism. We are one another only be differing from one another. It is uniqueness that makes us divine. It is quite possible to deny the existence of "God" without elevating man (in his present condition) to apotheosis. There is, for example, the teaching of Pantheism, in which all plants, animals and, in fact, matter itself, are all equally God. This is also one God.

Anti-christians are admittedly defensive about "Salvation through Christ". First of all, non-Christians insist, there can be no salvation without one's own immolation - not the crucifiction of some 2000 year old personage of legend. Secondly, Christ is a type of supraconsciousness already potential, but undeveloped, in all men and women. It must not be confused with the self-pitying figures depicted in stained glass windows. The Christ level of consciousness is, in fact, certainly not available to the average, plastic-coated, postmodern illiterate, whose vision scarcely extends beyond that of an insect and whose tenacity is no firmer than a worm's pull. Therefore, to make salvation available to all men on a believe-as-you-go basis is idiotic. And finally, the Galilean mode is only one of many modes of consciousness - most of which are a lot more interesting. (See 666.)

(See also: ANTI-CHRISTIAN STRATEGIES, Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul, )

Examples of major traditions and philosophies with strong elements of mysticism are: Christian Gnosticism Christian mysticism Eastern Orthodox Hesychasm Javanese mystical movements Judaic Kabbalah Mormonism, being founded on visions, revelations, and angelic ordination Mystery religions and cults Native American Ghost Dances of the late Nineteenth Century were mystical in origin The New Age movement Near Death Experiences Quaker ...

See also:

Mysticism, Mysticism - Types of mystical experience, Mysticism - Mysticism and epistemology, Mysticism - Subjectivity and mysticism, Mysticism - Self-transcending self-discovery, Mysticism - Mysticism and syncretism, Mysticism - On the difficulty of defining mysticism, Mysticism - Theosophy and Occultism, Mysticism - Examples in major traditions, Mysticism - Hindu mystics, Mysticism - Chinese mystics, Mysticism - Christian mystics, Mysticism - Islamic mystics, Mysticism - Jewish mystics, Mysticism - Other mystics

Read more here: » Mysticism: Encyclopedia II - Mysticism - Examples in major traditions