The Common Function of Myth and Mysticism

Myth and mysticism are normally considered separately and from two different categories in the realm of humanities. In this paper, however, the writer demonstrates that mysticism is the continuation of and complementary to deities’ myths. The most significant common function of myth and mysticism is the powerful motivation of Proximity of man to God or gods. This motive is realized in myth by bringing gods to earth, and in mysticism through the elevation of man to the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, in the elimination of the distance between man and god, the function of myth and mysticism are respectively descending and ascending. While mythical rites and religions advocate the descent of gods to mankind and the emergence of "anthropomorphic deities", mystical rituals and traditions determine ways of the Perfect Man's ascension to the kingdom of heaven and finally the emergence of a group of "God – like human beings "