Mystical orientation
The mystical orientation seeks union with a reality greater than
oneself, such as with God, the process of nature, the universe, or reality as a whole. There
are often techniques (such as seated meditation) for lessening the sense of one’s
individual identity to help the individual experience a greater unity. The mystical
orientation is a prominent aspect of Upanishadic Hinduism, Daoism, and some schools of
Buddhism. (Master Kusan [1909–1983], a Korean teacher of Zen Buddhism, described
the disappearance of self in the enlightenment experience of unity with this memorable
question: “Could a snowflake survive inside a burning flame?” 12