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Carla Brooks Article: Mystical Experiences: http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/m/mystical_experiences.html

According to many of the articles that I have researched, the mystical part of the religious experience of consciousness is solely based on what is happening in the very mysterious mind in which scientist are still trying to figure out. Most of the mystic of consciousness is explained by the perception besides its regular  Mystical religious consciousness may also be similar to Altered States. These experiences as I pointed out earlier seemed to be universal and common. The characteristics are also similar even though the religion and culture may be different. The spiritual aspect of mystical consciousness is a definite however it may not be a religious one. Mystical religious experiences may not be unbounded to spiritual advisors or religious leaders but it is related to some religions. According to the authors of this article “all personal religious experiences are rooted in mystical states of consciousness”. In most cases of mystical religious experiences, this occurrence may not happen or if it does somehow happen, it only happened once or twice in one’s lifetime. In addition I noticed that this subject definitely needs to be updated. This is a very interesting subject and should be updated, researched, studied, and documented. William James, psychologist and philosopher, identified four general characteristics of mystical experiences:

1. Ineffability, Mystical states are more like states of feeling than intellect, subtle shaded with fine nuances that are difficult to convey in their import and grandeur to another. Consequently, much mystical literature is filled with paradoxes and symbolism. ( William James)

2. Noetic quality, Mystical experiences are states of knowledge, insight, awareness, revelation, and illumination beyond the grasp of the intellect. There is awareness of unity with the Absolute, of immorality of the soul, of great truths. Time and space are transcended.

3 4. Passivity, The individual feels swept up and held by a superior power. This may be accompanied by a sensation of separation from bodily consciousness (similar to an out-of-body experience [OBE]), trance, or such phenomena as automatisms, mediumistic trance, healing powers, visions, and voices. Such phenomena are regarded in Eastern thought as states of pseudo-enlightenment, partway up to the real thing, but not quite there. Ref. 1. 4.Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft. New York: Facts On File, 1989 [ISBN 0-8160-2268-2] Ref 2. 2.Riland, George. The New Steinerbooks Dictionary of Paranormal. New York, Warner Books, Inc., 1980. [ISBN 0-446-97010-7] Ref 3. 5.Meyer, Melvin W., translator. The Secret Teachings of Jesus: The Four Gnostic Gospels.