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Definition 1. Definition: Mysticism is an umbrella concept for (1) experiences in which boundaries are dissolved—those of the subject, such as in a vacuum of thought, or in ecstasy; those of the object, so that dualities are removed; those of space, to experience the infinite in the finite; those of time, when the ‘timeless, everlasting now’ replaces successive time. ‘Mysticism’ also denotes (2) the concepts, teachings, and literary genres that contemplate, recount, or describe this immanent trans…

1. In 1326, a complaint was lodged against a nearly seventy-year-old Dominican, by a long respected superior of his order, who was twice the occupant of the famous chair in Paris. When he died shortly thereafter, the judgment was made public. Declared a heretic, he was soon all but unknown. Only five hundred years later was the situation reversed: Eckhart was now the exemplar and martyr of modern piety, which posited ‘God in me’ in place of the prescribed God. This assessment confirmed the judgm…

Hinduism – in all the various traditions covered by this generic term – is a very pronounced performance culture, in which texts and holy literature in particular are “sounded out” and embodied (Beck, 1993; Coburn, 1984; Michaels, 2005; Wilke & Moebus, 2011). Texts are to be heard, even when they are written down. They are memorized, recited, chanted, danced, and staged since ancient times, and are not restricted to the Sanskrit idiom, although Sanskrit Hinduism provides the richest source. Ther…

[German Version] I. Religious Studies – II. Philosophy of Religion and Historical Theology – III. Philosophy – IV. Dogmatics – V. Practical Theology – VI. Ethics I. Religious Studies Perceptions of animate and inanimate nature, dreams, ecstasy, trance, and death, as well as sickness and physical sensation, and finally self-reflection and self-transcendence have led to highly diverse models for interpreting …