By Muaad Sucule

1. Definition

By mysticism, I mean having an intuitive grasp of what life is truly about. I mean seeing, with suddenness, the facts that surround us. The word mysticism is a loaded word which I find unfortunate but I believe many people have an experience where they suddenly see things for what they are and not what they want them to be. They realise that they are connected to the outer world (not in the sense that they are one with it) but in the sense that they are a link in a chain that has existed thousands of years prior and will exists centuries after. This is a liberating feeling.

2. Practice

The path to mystical insight begins with the annihilation of the self. When the ego dissolves, one connects with the ultimate reality and naturally turns toward it in devotion. You taste the will of reality and rest content in it, like a flower fully opened to the sun.

This state emerges through deep contemplation of reality. True contemplation is not limited to formal meditation; it can unfold even as you work, as long as your attention penetrates the present moment. It is this sustained, mindful observation of life that awakens the mystical state.

Life’s difficulties naturally accelerate this process. Struggle erodes the ego, forcing humility and surrender. Those who face hardship with awareness often find themselves closer to the mystical experience than those untouched by challenge.

3. Experience

When one enters this state, the world reveals itself anew. Everything fascinates you, and you develop a profound desire to observe, understand, and worship the ultimate reality in all its manifestations.

This observation is peaceful and appreciative. You begin to love the world — not sentimentally, but because all creation is part of what shaped you. You recognize the sacredness of the Now, the eternal presence in which all things exist.

4. Philosophical Considerations

Can mystical knowledge be trusted?

Yes. Mystical insight is a valid form of understanding the human experience. It is not merely subjective; across cultures and ages, mystics have documented remarkably consistent experiences. The creative mystic, having transcended rigid identity, is often less prone to bias when observing others.

Furthermore, having such an experience makes you more creative. You are able to think outside the box, reflect deeply, contemplate deeply, analyse details longer and negate your ego so you can be a better imaginative mind. Such an experience heightens your attitude, increases your enthusiasm and drive thereby making you a better student.

Relationship to reason:

Reason is part of creation — it belongs to the mind and the intellect. Mystical insight does not compete with reason; it transcends yet complements it. One does not need to measure mystical knowledge against intellect, as they operate on different planes. The mystical insight improves reason the way a healthy body improves a healthy mind.

The ego problem:

The ego is not an enemy. It is part of who we are, and through mystical experience, it naturally transforms. There is no need to exaggerate or resist this process; it unfolds as life itself unfolds. Having positive pride in yourself is good, it is arrogance which is bad. Having confidence and excitement is good it is thinking you know everything, being fanatical and narrow minded which is wrong.

Universality:

All mystics touch the same ultimate reality. Some lose themselves in conceptual frameworks, sectarian views, or struggles to explain what they experience. Yet beneath all differences lies the same direct encounter with the source of existence. The mystical experience is like the body, so the minds of the mystics throughout time are different and therefore they would explain this experience differently.

5. Conclusion

Mysticism is a journey of direct encounter, deep contemplation, self-surrender, and worship of the ultimate reality. Life’s difficulties, far from being obstacles, are teachers that erode the ego and bring us closer to the divine source. Through awareness, observation, and appreciation of the present, one discovers a world filled with fascination, love, truth, and devotion.

To be a mystic is not to escape life, but to see life in its fullness — to open like a flower, entirely to the light of reality, and see with true rationality, the full facts that surround us.