Mysticism
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Mysticism is the belief that people can directly experience God or true reality, rather than experiencing them only through books, rituals, or other people. People who practice these beliefs 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). 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)
