Abstract

This article discusses the role that silent openness plays in mysticism, as well as its nature and characteristics. Our objective is to substantiate the argument that mysticism is not an apathetic way of being-in-the-world but a tradition that encourages the spiritual aspirant to actively pursue a loving unity with reality. Our investigation will proceed as follows: after clarifying key concepts (1), we will explain the subjective disposition, which is characterized by a silent openness to the world, that mysticism declares as necessary for a deeper and more meaningful union with reality (2 and 3). Then we will justify, based on spiritual literature, that mysticism is far from promoting an apathetic way of life. Instead, it embodies a loving way of being-in-the-world that requires a significant (inner) effort from those who practice it (4). In synthesis, we will delve into various mystical traditions to illustrate how this silent openness plays an essential part in fostering a connection to the divine.