Difference between Mysticism and Spirituality
Key Difference: Mysticism is generally associated with the belief of experiencing union with the ultimate Divinity, Reality, Spiritual Truth or God. However, the word is also used in negative connotation describing the non-rational worldviews. Spirituality is associated with the quality or condition of being spiritual. It signifies the human spirit or soul as opposed to materials and materialistic interests.
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Mysticism can be defined as the search and pursuit of communion with the ultimate Divinity, Reality, Spiritual Truth or God. A mystic is a person who attains this union. The term has been expressed in various ways due to the differences in the religious, social and psychological traditions. The experience of such communion is often described by mystics. These kinds of beliefs are often considered to be beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension. Mysticism is defined to be spiritual in nature. It has been described as an organic process which includes the perfect consummation of the love of god. The definition of mysticism is so wide that it can not be limited to any one religious tradition. It is considered as the origin and fountainhead of various religious teachings. It is important to note that in the modern world, the word ‘mysticism’ is often used for non-rational worldviews. See: Spirituality Vs. Religion
In the words of Plotinus, a major philosopher of the ancient world, spirituality is the soul’s solitary adventure. Spirituality is associated with the quality or condition of being spiritual. It signifies the human spirit or soul as opposed to materials and materialistic interests. It is very difficult to explain spirituality as it is a very broad term that consists of several spectrums of perspectives. It has been defined quite differently by monotheists, polytheists, humanists, followers of the new age, Native Americans, etc. Spirituality deals with the spirit within, which can also be referred to as an absolute master and controller of the body. Spirituality and mysticism are considered to be interconnected as both deals with transcendent or ecstatic experiences. However, the in-depth meanings may be regarded as two different concepts. Also see: Ego Vs. Self
Comparison between Mysticism and Spirituality:
Mysticism | Spirituality | |
Definition (in positive context) | Mysticism is generally associated with the belief of experiencing union with the ultimate Divinity, Reality, Spiritual Truth or God. | Spirituality is associated with the quality or condition of being spiritual. It signifies the human spirit or soul as opposed to materials and materialistic interests. |
Definition (in negative context) | Vague or ill-defined religious or spiritual belief, especially as associated with a belief in the occult. | Generally used in positive context only. |
Origin | The English word is considered to be derived from the Greek noun mysteμrion (“mystery”) and the adjective mystikos (“mystical”), both related to the verb myein, which means “to close” (e.g., to close the eyes or lips) and accordingly conveys a sense of what is hidden or secret. | “Spirituality” has a Latin root. The Latin verb spirare means “to breathe,” while the corresponding adjective spiritualis means “of or belonging to breathing or to air.” |
Practitioners | Mystics | The spiritual person or people |
Types | Ecstatic mysticism – is totally absorbed in a universal cosmic unity. Instatic mysticism – it experiences the Absolute in the nethermost depths of human existence. Theistic mysticism – it knows itself united in love with the Absolute Others. | Ascetical spirituality – liberty from material preoccupations. Mystical mysticism – it refers to the quest for communion with the Almighty. Active Practical – it emphasizes on finding the God in the midst of everyday existence, Prophetic-critical Spirituality – this kind of spirituality is deeply rooted in moralism. |
Also see: The difference between physics and metaphysics
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