The Mystical Experience, or the Way to Transformative Union
Religion and Theology January 1, 2020 Puiu Ionita
Mysticism is a way of knowing based solely on direct experience, described as knowledge through love. Despite visible differences among religions, mysticism is essentially one path. The yogi, Kabbalah worshiper, Sufi, hesychast, and Western mystic all follow the same route, behavior, and purpose. Unlike other ways of knowing, the mystical way transforms the subject rather than focusing on the object, proceeding inward through asceticism, unceasing prayer, and progressive enlightenment to reach ecstasy, revelation, and unitive purpose (Unio Mystica). Though often secret and initiation-based, mysticism has sometimes attracted masses and had strong social impact. In 20th-century Romania, Eastern mysticism, particularly hesychastic teaching, sparked two phenomena: the "Army of God" revival movement within the Romanian Orthodox Church and the intellectual movement of the "Burning Bush" group.