Some theologians and philosophers sought to interpret the sacred scriptures of their religion. A few mystics employed metaphysics to explain the significance of their experiences. Words cannot entirely convey the spiritual teachings of holy texts, nor fully depict mystical consciousness. They might, however, be useful for explaining how to integrate each into this life. At best, they are guideposts.
Many people are quite fascinated with words, as though knowing the right words can clarify everything. Unfortunately, that is seldom true. Just look in any dictionary and you will find numerous words which have multiple applications. Definitions themselves can vary between sources and, most often, between languages. The most commonly accepted meanings of words can be distinct from precise usage in any language, as a book on synonyms can elaborate.
History may modify the use and definitions of words, as classical languages do vary from modern phrasing. The context of words can change their effect, which is why short quotations can misrepresent their author’s purpose. Also, too many people are careless in their choice of words. They know what they meant, yet the listener or reader might not. Some writers are too verbose, especially those with a broad vocabulary which may not only exceed many readers’ knowledge, but can also impede their intended understanding.
Some mystics claim that we can intentionally change the impact of God’s Word. They say our aspirations, prayers and invocations can influence the way that God functions, especially in relation to humankind. Others criticize those as contrivances to display powers or miracles to impress their followers. Some cynics, including a few mystics, have said that the divine does not really care what we want. The movement of the cosmos, the divine will, is totally detached from entreaties of humans or any other beings of creation.
There are people who maintain just the opposite: Our every thought, our every spoken word and our intention in every action is judged by the divine. We may build up merits and demerits daily which might influence a final judgment which will determine either our fate for eternity, or our place in the next life. For them, our words and deeds will become the critical measures of our life.
For those who believe that devotion is superior to knowledge, all the theologies, philosophies or metaphysics cannot replace love. The only words that really matter are those of prayer, poetry, song, or other stated tributes to the divine. Spiritual music and dance, meditation and contemplation can be more important than either speaking or writing. Words of love pale before our deep feelings of rapture and ecstasy. Divine love for us, which is present presently in compassionate and merciful grace, is beyond any of our expressions or full appreciation. Its breadth is endless...always here and now.
The traditions of mysticism often use different terms for divine realizations. Devekut in the Kabbalah, fana in Sufism, samadhi in Hinduism, satori in Buddhism, and unio mystica in Christianity have similar connotations, until they are compared with one another. Then, proponents of each faith frequently claim theirs is superior to all others. Perpetual mystics say that divine absorption cannot be measured, nor affected, by words or concepts.
Most true mystics feel it is impossible to portray direct awareness in divine essence with words which most people could understand. Natural wonders, art, music, and the silent transmissions of joy and bliss convey spirituality more precisely than words. Mystics entered a degree of consciousness so estranged from mortal life that verbal