MYSTICISM AND MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES IN THE ORTHODOX SPIRITUAL TRADITION
/MYSTIKA A MYSTICKÉ SKÚSENOSTI V PRAVOSLÁVNEJ DUCHOVNEJ TRADÍCII/

Miroslav ŽUPINA

docent, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Presov, Masarykova 15, 080 01 Presov, Slovakia, miroslav.zupina@unipo.sk, 00421517724729

Abstract

This study puts as primary goal to inspect the question of the mustic and mystical experiences in context of orthodox spiritual tradition. After the initial explanation of terms as mystic and christian mystic, article devotes in more details to biblical scopes of inspected theme, while the main interest is concentrated onto the Saint John the Theologian – the greates theologian and aso mystic of the Church. Analyzis of the understanding of christian mystic follows as orthodox spiritual tradition percieve it. Mystical experience is truly qualified as Gods present – present of Gods blessing, but also is unimaginable without synergies of man and his spiritual fight, thus asceticism. The end of the study is fully in production of Saint Symeon the New Theologian whose theological teaching and mystical experience have not only theoretical character but also they bring practical advices and recommendations. It is obvious that all aspects of mystical theology of Saint Symeon are fully compatible with general experience and tradition of Church.

Keywords

Mysticism, mystical life, mystical experience, revelation, vision of God (theoptia), Saint John the Theologian, Saint Symeon the New Theologian, blessing, seeing the God, Gods Light

SUMMARY

From this study follow seveal results which we will try to recapitulate. Firstly, it is fundamental difference between christian understanding of mystical life on one side and mystique or mysthical experience which are comming out from other tradition on the other side. Christian mystique stands on basement of biblical and patristic teaching while it is always strictly christocentrical. Secondly, real christian not only now, during his earthly life, can see Gods Light (God) by his spiritual eyes but he should endaavour to have this mystical experience; denying it actualy means repudiation of whole Christ act of salvation. Thirdly, to be a true mystic is impossible out of the context of church tradition. True mystic is not the one who stands his personal experience above of the church tradition, but one whose experience is compatible with general experience of the Church. It wasn’t only once when historical duty of great christian mystics was role of defenders of tradition and prophets of ideal life by gospel. Here is also the reason why there was so much of maximalism and radicalism in thier approaches nearly as rule. But right such maximalism became a stream of enthusiasm and inspiration for thausands of chistian which are protecting orthodox tradition.

(Language: slovak)

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