This is in no way meant to be an extensive look into the concepts, beliefs, principals or opinions presented herein, it is nothing more than a sort of introduction to a far broader spectrum of beliefs and practices. My purpose in presenting this, as well as all information on this blog is so that you have a better understanding of later works, which is always good as it alleviates a lot of questions down the line.

The term mysticism is often used when in association with beliefs or practices that stray from mainstream religious practices, whilst still maintaining a certain mainstream doctrine of beliefs. Mysticism is the practice in which the “initiate” seeks to have direct commune or contact with the Supreme Being, Presence, Divine Entity, God, or Spiritual Understanding/Truth. The traditional practice or tradition of the mystic is often centered on specific beliefs or practices aiding in the pursuit of achieving a “reunion” or re-identification with all that is, God, etc...

Mystics, commonly, through practice find themselves searching for an inherent truth that lies beyond that of traditional human perception and reasoning. The mystic inevitably views most common human daily activities as mundane and essentially artificial. The common belief is that through prayer, loss of previous self identity, contemplation, and association with the standard human views on the physical reality; one may achieve a union with the Divine, and the Truth about ones self, their relationships with others and of reality.

Despite the numerous mystic traditions, there is a common understanding between the various paths of choice. Ultimate unification with the Divine is often looked upon as a rebirth, awakening, enlightenment, Samadhi, etc… These states are a sort of “Nirvana” or heaven on earth, where the mystic relinquishes any hold on previous human assumptions with reality, bearing them egoless as they sit in union with the Divine and the God within.

Though the goals of mysticism are usually sought for or understood by those with religious affiliations, the transcendent experiences of the mystic may happen to anyone, regardless of the religious beliefs or spiritual paths the individual(s) take. Many of these events occur within individuals experiencing traumatic or otherwise intensely trying circumstances. It is also found amongst athletes, artists of virtually any form, etc… The occurrence commonly occurs when the individual momentarily loses contact with the world around them and is forced thereby to essentially be thoughtless in a state of being, whereby their total attention is on the present moment, or the Now, as commonly referred to.

The experience can be most closely related to that of a state of euphoria, where the individual, in being in the Now experiences a state of selflessness. Though the mystic, ultimately, seeks a constant state of consciousness, holiness, or otherwise self-knowledge and unification with the Divine to, not only learn about themselves and the fundamental truths of the world in which we live, but to discover their fulfilling purpose in this life. The true experience of the mystic is in effect, ineffable.

Another common mystic belief is that of a deep rooted belief in the fulfillment of karmic duties in ones life. The belief is that through previous incarnations, and the current one, whatever dues they owe another soul due to the mystic’s earlier life misdeeds; need to be repaid in entirety to complete the constant reincarnation process. It is believed that through connection with the Divine, they will come in contact with any soul they owe a karmic deed to in order for this occurrence to take place.

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This article was originally featured on http://www.perspectiveshift.net

Author's Bio: 

My name is Christopher Beards, I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., but moved around more than I would have liked for a few years before settling back down in the city. I am a college sophomore currently majoring in Computer Science with a Business Concentration. This is however set to change for the second time, as I continue to try to find a major that I actually feel comfortable pursuing and paying large amounts of money to learn about.

I worked with the American Red Cross for two years. For six months I was trained in the Youth Ambassador Program, participating in peer workshops before being certified as a Junior Ambassador, and Junior Ambassador Trainer. Within these positions my primary objectives were to educate the youth and peers about the dangers of STDs/STIs, and HIV/AIDS by means of lectures and skits, along with being a Peer Counselor. In working with them I was sent to the Tavis Smiley Foundation, where I was able to meet and talk with people such as Dr. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, and Hill Harper.

I was an participant in the Youth Empowerment Seminar given by The Art of Living Foundation for 2 years. Through this program I learned Yoga, Meditation, and Stress Management exercises. I was later given the opportunity to participate in a ten day retreat to an Ashram in Canada where we went vegetarian for ten days and partook in deep meditation twice a day. I was given the opportunity to further pursue this to become a certified instructor, but didn't pursue it due to lack of interest at that time.

I have been actively involved in meditation and spirituality since before I could remember. I also am a fanatic for music, books, poetry, and sports. I have been training in Muay Thai Kickboxing and Capoeira for roughly four years to date. I also had the great opportunities to train with people like former UFC Heavy Weight Champion Maurice Smith, and the pioneer Arjan Chai, who proudly announced in a seminar that I would turn out to be a great fighter (after making me do 75 push-ups because I did 50 too fast, all because I didn't say sir) I currently do not know exactly what I want to do in the future besides working for myself, writing, learning, and being given the opportunity to help others.

I've run several websites over the years but currently I'm running the blog http://www.perspectiveshift.net - That's just a little bit about me, without writing you an autobiography and getting into the deep little corners of my life. I'm a laid back, outgoing, relaxed person. I enjoy learning new things and sharing my feelings on pretty much anything. If you have any questions feel free to ask.