What is a common trait of mysticism across various religions?

A common trait of mysticism across various religions is the aim for a personal experience of the divine. Mysticism emphasizes the idea that individuals can have direct encounters or connections with the sacred or spiritual reality that transcends ordinary experiences. This focus on personal experience allows practitioners to seek inner knowledge, direct communion with the divine, or spiritual enlightenment.

In different religious contexts, this might manifest as contemplative prayer, meditation, or other practices that foster an intimate relationship with the divine. The quest for such experiences often transcends traditional dogmas or scriptures, prioritizing personal insight and transformation.

The other options, while they may be elements of certain religious practices, do not encapsulate the essence of mysticism in a broad context. The belief in multiple gods is relevant to polytheistic traditions but does not represent mysticism as a whole. The focus on ritualistic practices is more characteristic of organized religion than mysticism, which often seeks to transcend rituals. Lastly, the rejection of organized religion may resonate with some mystics, but it is not a universal characteristic, as many mystics operate within or alongside established religious frameworks. Such diversity in mystical experiences demonstrates that the essence of mysticism lies firmly in the individual pursuit of the divine.