Is There a Relationship Between Mysticism and Peace?
Mystics as Peacemakers? Do a quick search of the internet and you will find many suggestions that mysticism is associated with peace. But what does this mean? What kind of peace do mystical texts promote (if they promote it at all)? Are all mystics peacemakers? Are mystics all pacifists? These are important questions but there aren't any clear answers online. Copyright Louise Nelstrop Recent scholarship has begun to think about these questions. Some, like Paul Hedges, are sceptical that mysticism can have a definite relationship to peace. He points out that many mystics, across religious traditions, seem to have engaged in anything but peace. Zen Buddhism is known to be associated with the martial arts - you just have to think of all those Bruce Lee movies! So that can hardly be described as peaceful! Then there is Bernard of Clairvaux in the Christian tradition, who starts what becomes a school of love, all the while promoting the crusades. At one recruitment drive his preaching...