The Mystics

The people behind the traditions

Short, accurate life stories of the poets, monks, healers and philosophers at the heart of the world’s contemplative traditions. Free to read, and free to share with your students.

Six lives to start

Each page has the dates and places, the life story, a short primary source or traditional story, and questions for class discussion. New lives join the library every week.

Emblem for RumiRumiIslam · Sufism
1207–1273Emblem for Julian of NorwichJulian of NorwichChristianity
c. 1343–after 1416Emblem for MirabaiMirabaiHinduism
c. 1498–c. 1546Emblem for Hakuin EkakuHakuin EkakuBuddhism · Zen
1686–1769Emblem for The Baal Shem TovThe Baal Shem TovJudaism · Hasidism
c. 1698–1760Emblem for ZhuangziZhuangziDaoism
c. 369–286 BCE

Teach these lives

World Religions Through Six Lives

All six figures are in our grades 8–11 unit: six nonfiction reading passages with comprehension questions, vocabulary, answer keys and a Teacher Guide, aligned to the Texas world history standards.

Request a free sampleSee the curriculum