Mysticism and the Spiritual Quest: A Crosscultural Anthology

Mysticism is traditionally defined as the yearning for direct connection to a transcendent reality and is referred to as the esoteric dimension of religious search. Though evident as a global phenomenon, mystical traditions most notably develop in the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as in the many religious traditions of India, China, and Japan. This book is a crosscultural exploration of the meanings, definitions, practices, and common themes of mysticism via a study of original texts (in translation) from different parts of the world. It brings together the writings of the mystics from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism in one volume geared toward the college student. Each section includes a full introduction to the selections from mystical writings of representatives of these belief systems. Mysticism and the Spiritual Quest will be indispensable to undergraduate and graduate level students of religion and readers of mysticism in general.