A mystic is a person who seeks firsthand experience of Ultimate Reality. Evelyn Underhill clarifies, “Mysticism is the art of union with Reality. The mystic is a person who has attained that union in greater or less degree; or who aims at and believes in such attainment.”
Different traditions give different names to this Reality: for Buddhists, it is Nirvana; for Christians, God; for Muslims, Allah; for Taoists, the Tao; for Vedantists, Brahman; for many Native traditions, the Great Spirit.
Historically, most mystics have flourished within the religions into which they were born, since all major religions contain a mystical core. At the same time, the mystic’s direct experience of Ultimate Reality often pushes boundaries, and they are sometimes viewed with suspicion.
Most believers simply accept the doctrines of their religion. They are taught what to believe, what rituals to perform, and how to act—and this is sufficient for them. They believe, but they do not know.
For the mystic, however, there comes a point when the transcendent breaks through. They encounter something higher, deeper, and profoundly compelling. Once they have tasted this, the things of the world begin to lose their hold. In Buddhist terms, the mystic becomes disenchanted with the world—the spell has been broken. The illusion is revealed, and the delusion fades.
