The word ‘MYSTICISM’ denotes anything that refers in one way or another to a supra-rational communication with Divinity; since this word is European it must of necessity coincide with the mode of spirituality known in the West, which is a way of love. The word is, however, often used to designate, either a way that is without a method properly so called or one that is characterized by a predominance of a moralistic and sentimental individualism. It may be added that in German the word Mystik has the meaning of spirituality whereas Mystizismus means only a play of fantasies, and that in French Mystique refers to true and Mysticisme refers to false MYSTICISM. The theological definition of ‘mystical states’ is doubtless too extrinsic, and this is explained by the fact that the way of love is nurtured on faith and asceticism and not on intellection, and is centered on grace and not on knowledge. (GTUFS: SPHF, Contours of the Spirit)