Mysticism
Mysticism is the belief that people can directly experience God or true reality, rather than through books, ritual or other people. People who practice this are called mystics.
Mystics exist within most religions, though not all people who practice religions are mystics. Mystics may experience visions or dreams, or hear God as a voice.
Hindu mystics
Some examples of Hindu mystics:
Christian mystics
Some examples of Christian mystics:
- Augustine of Hippo (354–430)
- Gregory I (590–604)
- Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373)
- John of the Cross (1542–1591)
- George Fox (1624–1691)
- William Blake (1757–1827)
- Thomas Merton (1915–1968)
Islamic mystics
Islamic Mysticism is known as Tassawuf (or Sufism) and a detailed list of Muslim Sufi mystics is given on the Sufism page.
Jewish mystics
Some examples of Jewish mystics:
- Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994)
Buddhist mystics
Some examples of Buddhist mystics:
- Siddhartha Gautama (563 BC-483 BC)
- Bodhidharma (440-528)
Mysticism Media
The Appearance of the Holy Spirit before Saint Teresa of Ávila, Peter Paul Rubens
The main shaman of Olkhon - Valentin Hagdaev; Olkhon (Baikal)
Life of Francis of Assisi by José Benlliure y Gil
Portrait of Abraham Abulafia, Medieval Jewish mystic and founder of Prophetic Kabbalah
