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Mystical States Of Consciousness Analysis

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William James believed in two distinct ideas that both have a place in religion in James’ eyes. One of them is that mystical states of consciousness play a role in personal religious experiences. The second is the act in which an individual worship, the essence and soul of ones religion.
The essay is aimed to compare and contrast the notions of mystical states of consciousness and prayer, while taking into consideration the importance in which James holds said notion and concluding with my personal beliefs
James describes the mystical states of consciousness as holding a vital role in personal religious experience. Distinguished in four characteristics james contextualizes what is mystical. Firstly; ineffability which presents the idea that …show more content…

(380). Secondly, noetic quality; described as mystic experiences rooted in states of knowledge. They are filled with illuminations, revelations that carry an authority for years to come (381). Thirdly, transiency, states simply that mystical states cannot be sustained for long. They don’t last long but the more a person tries to reproduce the memory and have others along with it; the richer and more internally developed than ever (381). Lastly, passivity, described as an overwhelming mystic feeling, credited as the gateway to prophecy and spiritual teaching. It is a secondary personality coming from the interaction or mystic experience of being grasped by a superior power (381). Therefore, the mystical states of consciousness can be interpreted through internal feeling, encouraging growth of knowledge and authority and timing and recollections as a role in internal development. Moreover, mystic experiences …show more content…

Tennyson’s experience is described as a vivid dream-like sensation. “Moreover, something is or seems, That touches me with mystic gleams, Like glimpses of forgotten dreams -- "Of something felt, like something here; Of something done, I know not where; Such as no language may declare.” J.A Symonds’ described near death experience perhaps exemplifies, taking into account the administered anesthetics, an extreme form of mysticism and it’s role with religions. Symonds’ testimonial supports the notion of the profound effect that such experiences have on the individual. “I thought that I was near death; when, suddenly, my soul became aware of God, who was manifestly dealing with me, handling me, so to speak, in an intense personal present reality” (391). Saint Teresa’s passage is the most striking exhibition of the respective states of consciousness. “our soul is so deeply attached to god that if an individuals body be torn to pieces for the cause of god; it would be comfortable doing so due to that degree because of the courage the soul feels during this religious mysticism.” Chritianity has always been quite mystics. The basis of the system is prayer, the methodical elevation of the soul towards God. Saint teresa

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