In this paper, I propose to discuss the religious mysticism with particular

reference to Shamas Faqir, noted Sufi poet of Kashmir. We notice a pervasive

mystical element in his lyrics (composed in Kashmiri) that is Sufi in content and
inspiration, compatible with Islam and, at the same time, comparable in significant
way, with other varieties of religious mysticism. In the introductory part, I shall
first touch upon religious mysticism in general at some length and then give a brief
account of Sufi mysticism in its bearing upon the poetry of Shamas Faqir.

Mysticism, of all shades, is not to be seen as something remote from religion.

Essentially, it is a correlate of religion. The term 'religion' is generally taken to
mean the observance of belief, which is commonly identified with mere ritual. The
mystic, however, does not rest content with the bare externals of religion. He seeks
to attain an intimate, loving relationship with the Divine - involving a personal
'encounter' aiming at 'union'. He is at once drawn to the ultimate Truth by a
passionate curiosity and an ardent love. His pursuit, therefore, inevitably involves
the religious feeling at its most intense. In this respect, the great mystics of all
times and climes are closely akin to the very founders of various faiths.'

From the biographies of the renowned mystics of the world, supported by what has
come down to us in the form of their sayings and writings, we gather that while
some of them remained mostly absorbed in contemplation the majority also
practised love and piety as the benefactors of mankind in general. Unlike religious
zealots, tied to this or that creed, they quietly pursued their own ways (as lone
adventurers) though they continued to stay within their traditions. Only a small
minority of them chose to dissociate themselves from orthodox creeds, asserted
their freedom and even professed heretical views. Some of these unfettered
mystics, like the Persian mystic Mansur-al-Hallaj, had to pay a heavy price for
their non-conformist views. The example of William Blake, poet and visionary,
also comes to mind here as a unique mystic whose bold and unconventional
pronouncements were not palatable to the orthodox Christians.