Chapter 164

False Mysticism

The true Christian life is a life hidden with Christ in God. It is mysterious in its arising, in the paths of its growth, and in its perfection. Therefore not all mysticism is false. False mysticism comes from departing from the right path of ascent to communion with God...

Departure into false mysticism, among the fathers and ascetics of watchfulness, is called departure into spiritual delusion... Some get stuck on imagination... others stop at intellectual exercise... The true step is taken by those who, bypassing these stations, proceed to the heart and remain hidden in it. But even here error is still possible, because the noetic-heartfelt prayer has a self-made, laborious aspect; and where we are, there is always the possibility of falling into delusion just as much as into sin. Safety begins when pure and effortless prayer is established in the heart.

Whoever is in the heart is safe. Even safer is whoever painfully clings to God every moment in contrition, with prayer for deliverance from delusions.