mysticism is as old as homo sapiens. basically mysticism concerns religious ecstasy (i.e., altered states of consciousness). yes, it's psychological, thus neurophysiological.* it's found in all traditions. it's real. they happen because we need them.
1- mystics are likely to be great poets (in trying to explain the inexplicable, not an easy feat).
2- mysticism is redemptive, i.e., saving oneself.
3- mystical experiences tap into the otherworldly understanding of human existence (ineffability).
4- the mystic is devoted to a life of spirituality, i.e, the inner process of re-formation, to recover the original self from oneself.
5- because they're so different, they become suspicious for institutionalized religions.
here are five mystic poet/masters:
Rumi, (Islam)
Lao Tzu, (Taoism)
the amazing Hildegard, (Christian)
Teresa of Ávila (Christian)
Swendeborg,
Sandu Tudor,
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* 1- neurophysilogists deem the temporal lobe as crucial to mystical experiences as well as the change of personality results from such experiences. 2- epilepsy may be a factor since some mystics may have had temporal lobe epilepsy.
3- The anterior insula may be involved in ineffability, a strong feeling of certainty which cannot be expressed in words, which is a common quality in mystical experiences.
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