The opposite of the fundamentalist is the mystic, and the most ironic
thing is that mystics of all religions have more in common with each
other than with the fundamentalists who share their religions in name.
Thus, for example, we have the Buddhist monk and writer Thich Nhat
Hanh, a good friend of the Catholic monk and writer Thomas Merton. We
have Hildegaard of Bingen, the Dalai Lama, the famous Rumi. While
mystics may have visions or strange experiences that parallel what can
happen when one is on LSD, the more usual route seems to be that of a
quiet and respectful approach to life. Mystics approach the present
moment as though it were the only thing of importance, and they find
peace in each step they take. In terms of religious dialogue, it is the
mystics who can accomplish everything, since only they realize that
there is no "us" and "them" between religions. Unfortunately, mystics
may be marginalized within their own religious traditions, as is the
case, for example, with Sufiism within Islam.