Mysticism
/ˈmɪs.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/noun
A spiritual practice that seeks to achieve direct communion with the divine or ultimate reality.
Did you know?The term 'mysticism' traces back to ancient rituals where initiates would seek hidden truths through enlightenment—often involving profound spiritual experiences.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μυστικός (mystikos)
“Of secret rites or mysteries, often related to initiation into the divine.”
1st Century
Greek
μυστήριον (mystērion)
“A secret or hidden thing, particularly one pertaining to divine truths.”
Late Latin
Latin
mysticus
“Pertaining to the mysteries, especially those of religion.”
14th Century
Middle English
mysticism
“The practice or belief in attaining communion with the divine through mysterious or transcendent experiences.”
Modern English
English
mysticism
“A spiritual belief system centered on the pursuit of direct experience of the divine.”
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