study of mysticism Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is mysticism according to Richard H. Jones?
Mysticism refers to direct, transformative experiences of an ultimate reality or the divine, often beyond ordinary perception and language.
What are the core features of mystical experiences?
They are often described as ineffable (beyond words), noetic (providing deep knowledge), transient, and passive (felt as happening to the person).
How does Jones differentiate mysticism from religion?
Mysticism is a personal, direct experience of the sacred, while religion often involves rituals, doctrines, and community practices.
What is the ineffability of mystical experiences?
The idea that mystical experiences are impossible to fully describe in words because they transcend normal human understanding.
What does it mean for a mystical experience to be noetic?
It provides a sense of gaining profound knowledge or insight that feels deeply true, even if hard to explain.
How does Jones describe the passivity of mystical experiences?
Mystics often feel the experience is something that happens to them, beyond their control, as if they are being grasped by a higher power.
What are the two major types of mystical experiences according to Jones?
Extrovertive Mysticism and Introvertive Mysticism.
What is extrovertive mysticism?
A mystical experience that involves perceiving the unity of all things in the external world—seeing the divine in nature.
What is introvertive mysticism?
A mystical experience that focuses inward, leading to a sense of pure consciousness or union with the ultimate reality beyond thought and perception.
How does Jones describe the concept of unity in mysticism?
Mystical experiences often involve a sense of oneness—either with the universe (extrovertive) or with a formless, boundless reality (introvertive).
What is the difference between theistic and non-theistic mystical experiences?
Theistic mysticism involves union or communion with a personal deity (e.g., Christian mysticism), while non-theistic mysticism focuses on an impersonal absolute (e.g., Buddhist enlightenment)
What role does altered states of consciousness play in mysticism?
Mystical experiences often occur in altered states such as deep meditation, prayer, or even spontaneous moments of clarity.
Does mysticism exist in all religious traditions?
Yes, forms of mysticism can be found in Christianity, Islam (Sufism), Judaism (Kabbalah), Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and more.
What is philosophical mysticism?
A type of mysticism where the focus is on intellectual contemplation and the pursuit of ultimate truths beyond sensory experience
How does Jones address the question of whether mystical experiences are universal or culturally shaped?
He suggests that while mystical experiences share universal features, they are often interpreted through cultural and religious lenses.
Are mystical experiences real or just psychological phenomena?
Jones discusses both views: some see them as genuine contact with ultimate reality, while others interpret them as subjective mental states.
How do mystics describe the impact of their experiences?
Mystical experiences often lead to profound personal transformation, changes in worldview, and a deeper sense of purpose or connection.
Can mystical experiences be studied scientifically?
While their subjective nature makes them difficult to measure, researchers can study neurobiological and psychological aspects related to mystical states.
What is the common core thesis in mysticism?
The idea that all mystical experiences share a universal core, regardless of cultural or religious background.
What is the constructivist view of mysticism?
The belief that mystical experiences are shaped by cultural, linguistic, and personal expectations, rather than being purely universal.
