Metaphysics is that area of general philosophy which deals with questions relating to the non-tangible or non-phenomenal existence. Questions relating to the truth of ideas and the nature of existence in other than a physical sense are matters that lie within the realm of metaphysics.
Questions relating to those matters traditionally ascribed as "spiritual" lie within the philosophical discipline of metaphysics, but, and this is KEY, the discipline of metaphysics is NOT LIMITED to matters "spiritual" as is mysticism.
Mysticism refers to an experiential spiritual path. The term mysticism is also commonly applied to the esoteric teachings of "revelatory schools" of spirituality. There is little in mysticism itself which is derived from strictly philosophic pursuits.
The topic of scientology lies within the realm of metaphysics not mysticism. It is a practical working philosophy dealing with the existence of intangible ideas and their subsequent expression as a spiritual technology.
Some, especially those who over emphasize the importance of the "advanced levels" and minimize the foundation teachings of scientology, regard it as "yet another mystical religion". But this is a mistaken conception as it discounts the philosophic aspects of the the system & over-emphasizes secondary features of the subject.
Scientology is MUCH more like Mahayana Buddhism, a philosophic metaphysical religious practice, than it is like christianity, a mystic & revelatory religion.
Mark A. Baker