New to the world of writing but not to the world of the Paranormal. “Eyes Wide Shut” made the national media when it was released back in 1999 for its mystery and intrigue, but the title represents one of the greatest mysteries in the non-fictional world; the art of mysticism.
The word mysticism quite literally means “to see with the eyes closed,” and it represents the quest for divinity, a complete communion with “God” (whoever or whatever they perceive that God to be), or the One, through direct experience, intuition or insight. Mysticism was first introduced to the Western World as the art of “Unknown Knowing” by Dionysius the Areopagite, the judge of the Areopagus and a notable presence in Christian history.
Mysticism means many different things to many different peoples. The term itself comes from the classical Greco-Roman mystery cults, derived from the word myein, meaning “to close the lips and eyes.” (Or so some scholars have speculated.) It is used throughout history to represent anything that was or needed to remain a mystery. It was the Mystica Theologia mysticism is described as a secrecy of the mind, a stepping stone to our modern day understanding.
Different Types of Mysticism
There are many different types of mysticism, and it is tailored specifically to the thoughts and beliefs of the person involved. Mysticism as a whole does share some common themes, as identified by the philosopher W.T. Stace while studying Roman Catholic, Protestant, ancient classical, Hindu and American agnostic mystical experiences.
- A unifying vision and perception of the One by the senses and through many objects
- The apprehension of the One as an inner life
- An objective and true sense of reality
- Feelings of joy, satisfaction and bliss
- A religious element that is a feeling of the holy and the sacred
- A paradoxical feeling
- Inexpressible feelings
These similarities aside, there are two different segments of mysticism as determined by their view of reality.
- Emanation: The mystic view of emanation dictates that all things in the universe are flowing from God, or the One.
- Immanence: In Immanence, the universe does not flow from God or the One but is in fact immersed in God or the One.
Who Can Be a Mystic?
Throughout history the role of Mystic, the personification of mysticism, has been assigned to many different types of individuals. Some believe that only a priest or a monk can be mystic, and so they possess mystic powers which provide them and them alone with an understanding of the unknown. Some believe that mysticism can be used by everyone, and so an understanding and oneness with the One can be experienced by everyone at some point in their life.
Christian Mysticism
Like many aspects of spirituality, there are many who believe mysticism to be against the Christian church and other orthodox religions. Although mysticism does apply to the occult, it is not only an occult practice. The presence of Dionysius the Areopagite and his conversion to Christianity in the book of Acts testifies to that! These orthodox religions are actually perfect examples of mysticism in its purest form, because the evolution of their teaching encourages a personal relationship with God through prayer, fasting and service to others.
Mysticism is one of the greatest mysteries of our time, but our understanding of it and the world around us can grow and change if we are willing to follow in the footsteps of those that have gone before us and approach the world with “Eyes Wide Shut”.