https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysticism
Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute,[1]but may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning. It may also refer to the attainment of insight in ultimate or hidden truths, and to human transformation supported by various practices and experiences.
Does non-dualism equal to mysticism? (ChatGPT, 2025-3-16)
Non-dualism and mysticism are interconnected concepts but are not synonymous.
Non-Dualism:
Non-dualism, or “advaita,” is a philosophical perspective asserting that there is no fundamental separation between the self and the ultimate reality. It posits that distinctions between subject and object, or self and other, are illusory, and that all is one unified existence. This viewpoint is prevalent in various spiritual traditions, including Advaita Vedanta in Hinduism, certain schools of Buddhism, and aspects of Taoism. For instance, Advaita Vedanta teaches that the individual self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman), emphasizing a singular, unchanging consciousness.
Mysticism:
Mysticism refers to spiritual practices and experiences aimed at achieving direct, personal communion with the divine or ultimate reality. Mystical experiences often involve a sense of unity, transcendence of ordinary perception, and profound inner peace. Mysticism is found across various religious traditions, each with its unique expressions and interpretations.
Interrelation:
While not all mystical experiences are non-dualistic, many mystics describe encounters that align with non-dual awareness, experiencing a dissolution of boundaries and a profound sense of oneness with all that is. For example, in Christian mysticism, the concept of divine union reflects a non-dual experience where the soul and God are perceived as one.
In summary, non-dualism is a specific philosophical stance on the nature of reality, while mysticism encompasses a broader range of spiritual experiences and practices, some of which may lead to or involve non-dual awareness.
