THE INFLUENCE OF EASTERN MYSTICISM ON WESTERN CIVILIZATIONAL THOUGHT

Abstract

Eastern mysticism, encompassing traditions such as Vedanta, Taoism, Sufism, and Zen Buddhism, has long intrigued Western intellectuals, artists, and spiritual seekers. This paper explores the philosophical, cultural, and metaphysical influence of Eastern mystical thought on Western civilization from the 19th century to the present. It investigates the integration of Eastern spiritual principles into Western literature, psychology, art, and philosophy, highlighting key figures such as Aldous Huxley, Carl Jung, and Alan Watts. The study also critiques the adaptation and reinterpretation of mystical ideas within the framework of Western rationalism and individualism. By tracing the historical and intellectual trajectories of cross-cultural exchanges, this paper demonstrates how Eastern mysticism has contributed to reshaping Western understandings of consciousness, ethics, and cosmology.