| Every culture and tradition around the world has | | | | centuries by such great teachers as Sri Rama, Sri |
| developed a mystical aspect, and has been influenced | | | | Krishna, Sri Chaitanya and Sri Ramakrishna. Even in |
| profoundly by the experiences of great mystics who | | | | recent times, great mystics like Ramana Maharshi, Sri |
| sought direct experience of Reality. The common | | | | Anandamayi Ma and Sri Aurobindo have inspired |
| perception of a mystic is one who shuts himself far | | | | people with their experiences and example. Some of |
| away from the rest of humanity in order to meditate | | | | these mystics have also come over to the West to |
| and contemplate, and as a result immerses him or | | | | share their inner wealth, for example Paramhansa |
| herself in the experience of Truth. This is indeed true | | | | Yogananda and Sri Chinmoy. |
| of many mystics, however there are others who | | | | The mystical experiences of the Buddha not only did |
| interact with humanity after attaining very high | | | | much to rejuvenate Indian spirituality, but then went |
| states of meditation to show people that such | | | | on to play a crucial role in the mystical life of Tibet, |
| states of union are indeed attainable if one turns | | | | South East Asia and Japan. In each of different |
| oneself to a spiritual life. | | | | schools of Buddhism in these countries, there have |
| Mysticism is commonly associated with Eastern | | | | been great teachers who have through their own |
| traditions, Hinduism and Buddhism in particular. This is | | | | attainments and example given inspiration to many. In |
| mainly because both these religions have always | | | | recent times some of these teachers have also |
| placed great importance on such people with their | | | | made themselves available to Western seekers of |
| direct perception of Truth to infuse new life into the | | | | Truth. |
| spiritual practices from generation to generation and | | | | The mystical branch of Islam is known as Sufism. |
| keep them in touch with today rather than with | | | | Sufis try to put aside all dualistic notions to |
| age-old dogma. Thousands of years ago, it was the | | | | experience God directly; the also teach that God can |
| perceptions of the Vedic Seers that gave the first | | | | be most quickly reached through the love of the |
| sparks of life to what we now call Hinduism. This | | | | heart. |
| flame was kept alight and added to throughout the | | | | |