Encyclopedia of Mysticism

Mysticism is used to refer the beliefs and practices which go beyond the liturgical and devotional forms of worships of mainstream faith.Mysticism may make use of canonical and non-canonical religious texts, and will generally interpret them hermeneutically, developing a philosophical perspective distinct from conventional religious interpretations.Many forms of mysticism in the modern world will adapt or adopt texts from entirely different faiths-Vivekananda in Vedanta for instance is noted for his assertions that all religions are one.As a rule, mysticisms are less concerned with religious differnces and more concerned with social or individual development.Mysticism is defined in this book and many important topics related to mysticism have been covered here.The Characterstics of Mysticism, Mysticism and Theology, Mysticism and Psychology,Mysticsim and Symbolism, Mysticism and Magic, Mysticsim and Vitalism, The Mystic way, Hindu Mysticism, The Mysticism of the Upanishads, The Mysticism of Yoga, Buddhist Mysticism, Devotional Mysticism and their Classical Forms, Mysticism in Sufism,Mysticism in Christianity and Jain Mysticism are chpters which have been covered in this book.