Religion, spirituality, mysticism, esoterism..What is the difference?

Religion is a complex but very interesting to learn about. In the present article I intend to establish a didactic  distinction between religion, spirituality, mysticism and esoterism. The word religion means a particular system of faith and worship and it is deeply rooted to the idea of bond, reverence or obedience. It derives from the Latin word religare "to bind". Commonly Religions are usually defined by an organised belief system in God or Gods's with "holy" texts but some religions like, for example, Buddhism, Confucianism and Shamanism do not have God as the core of their beliefs. However, most religions have similarities in other terms: narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life, a purpose to our existences or to explain the origin of life or the Universe. They tend to derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle from their ideas about the cosmos and human nature. The modern concept of religion is associated to an organisation, then it begs the question: Is religion spirituality? Are they the same? How they differ? They are, in modern terms, not the same but both ideas are interconnected. A "religion" is based on spirituality but spirituality does not need a religion. Spirituality also very complex to define, but Social Scientists have defined spirituality as the search for "the sacred," where "the sacred" is broadly defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary and worthy of veneration. The use of the term "spirituality" has changed throughout the ages. In modern times spirituality is often separated from religion and connotes a blend of humanistic psychology with mystical and esoteric traditions and eastern religions aimed at personal well-being and personal development.

The words "Mystical" or "Mysticism" are commonly associated to religion but what it is? Mystical comes from the Greek word meaning “to conceal" and Mysticism is the practice of religious ecstasies (religious experiences during alternate states of consciousness). It is going to take many forms, in the Greek Hellenistic world for example, ‘mystical’ was referred to “secret” religious rituals and there were many cults related to these practices: The cult of Dyonisus, The Cult of Cybele and Attis, The Eleusinians. In other cultures, the Egyptian for example, The Cult Osiris-Isis and in Persian-Roman, Mithraism. Osiris and Mithraism  are going to influence Christianity. In Turkish-Persian culture there is Sufism (the mystical Islam) where dervishes (religious people initiated to that practice) dance, sing and pray whole night under the ecstasy of the presence of God. Frequently mystics, religious or not, see their mystical experience as part of a larger undertaking aimed at human transformation. Mysticism has a huge importance in our beliefs and lives. It has influenced Abrahamic religions. In Judaism, with the kabbala (though controversial!). In Christianity through Christians mystical experiences like, for example, Teresa of Avila and Meister Eckart; in Islam with Avicenna (Ib Sina) and Rumi through Sufism. 
For more about mystical, "mystery journeys" join our Philogeans Appreciation Society and learn more about these ancient civilizations or alternative religious groups. If you enjoy some bits of this mystical journey, you can learn more about some of the cults I mentioned in this article in a brilliant documentary called Jesus, the hidden story (Egyptian/Osiris is here) presented by Professor Robert Beckford. Bon voyage!