A mystic is someone who seeks firsthand experience of Ultimate Reality, and that experience is bigger than any religion or philosophy. This can be a problem.
Mystics have a tendency to color outside the lines, and this often creates tension with the religious establishment. The first mystics in Christianity were the Gnostics, but their extreme independence led to persecution. Some learned to have their experiences while keeping them private; these became the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
In most ages, a mystic has identified with the dominant religion. Yet they pushed its boundaries, because reality is greater than what limited minds can conceive. This, again, often led to their being labeled heretics.
In modern times, many mystics have chosen to become spiritually independent. They have joined the “spiritual but not religious” movement. It makes sense to separate spirituality from religion: religion is the organization; spirituality is the reality.
Rami Shapiro offers us this manifesto: “Be your own authority. Determine for yourself, what is true. Take responsibility for your actions and the quality of your life. There is no one to turn to; there is no one to follow; there is no one to blame; there is just you in this moment.”
