Write a short note on what is mysticism ? How is it related to religion ?

Mysticism refers to the pursuit of direct, personal experience of the divine or ultimate reality through contemplation, meditation, and spiritual practices. Mystics seek to transcend ordinary consciousness and experience union with the divine, often described as an ineffable, transcendent reality beyond the grasp of conceptual understanding.

Mysticism is closely related to religion, as it often arises within religious traditions and is influenced by their teachings, rituals, and symbols. Many religious traditions incorporate mystical elements, such as prayer, meditation, and ecstatic experiences, as a means of deepening spiritual connection and attaining union with the divine.

However, mysticism can also exist independently of organized religion, with individuals pursuing spiritual awakening and enlightenment through solitary contemplative practices or mystical experiences outside of traditional religious frameworks.

Mysticism encompasses a wide range of experiences and traditions, including Christian mysticism, Sufi mysticism in Islam, Kabbalistic mysticism in Judaism, and various forms of Hindu and Buddhist mysticism. While the specific practices and beliefs of mystics vary across traditions, they often share common themes such as the quest for unity, love, and illumination, the importance of inner transformation, and the recognition of the sacredness of all existence.

Overall, mysticism represents a profound aspect of human spirituality, offering a pathway to deeper connection with the divine, inner transformation, and transcendent understanding of reality, both within and beyond the bounds of traditional religious institutions.