Mysticism
In Taoism and Zen Buddhism, Salvation is attained through mysticism and the experience of enlightenment. Throughout this paper I would like to explore the concept of mysticism by focusing on aspects of the two religions. ... The word “mystic” or “mysticism” is generally misused in the English language. As described in the Encyclopedia Britannica the goal of mysticism is union with the divine or sacred. Mysticism is a human activity with a definite goal. Although In its own right mysticism is religiously and philosophically neutral, it is usually undertaken in the context of strong religious motivation and is therefore associated with religion. There is evidence that the nature of mysticism is independent of the beliefs of the person practicing it. In the East a knowledge of and experience with mysticism is much more a part of the popular culture than it has been in the west. ... Taoism mysticism is also pure, however there is a vast body of superstition associated with Taoism. There are a number of observations that can be made about mysticism generally. ... While the process of mysticism is present in the Taoist practice of the yin and yang and harmony with nature, Zen focuses on meditation as a way to reach enlightenment. ... Although these goals are obtained in different ways in each religion, in Taoism through he oneness with nature and in Buddhism through the accomplishment of nirvana, the process used to obtain these goals is concurrent with the phases of mysticism.