Mistika

The main focus of the work is the understanding of mysticism as a direct, personal encounter with the divine, taking place outside dogmatic frameworks, but in dialogue with them. Gardet analyzes Christian mysticism through figures such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, emphasizing their aspiration for union with God through contemplation and ascetic practice. In Islam, the focus is on Sufism, where he explores concepts such as fana (the destruction of the ego) and baqa (existence in God), with references to thinkers such as Al-Ghazali and Rumi.

Gardet emphasizes that mysticism is not only an individual experience, but also a collective phenomenon that shapes spiritual culture. He compares the methods and goals of mystical practices, such as Christian prayer and Sufi dhikr (remembering God), pointing out similarities in the experience of transcendence. He also discusses the challenges of distinguishing authentic mysticism from psychological or pathological states, invoking theological and philosophical criteria.

The book emphasizes the universality of mystical experience, but also the need for contextual understanding within specific traditions. Gardet calls for dialogue between religions to deepen the understanding of mysticism as a bridge to the divine.