About the book
The mystic, zero, or void experience—the ecstatic disappearance of self along with everything else—is considered by those who have had it to be the most beautiful, blissful, positive, profound, and significant experience of their lives. Offering both a descriptive and a comparative perspective, this book explores the mystic experience across cultures as both a human and cultural event. The book begins and ends with descriptions of the author's own mystical experiences, and looks at self-reported experiences by individuals who do not link their experiences to a religious tradition, to determine characteristics of this universal human experience.
These characteristics are compared to statements of acknowledged mystics in diverse religious traditions. The mystic experience is also situated within other ecstatic religious experiences to distinguish it from similar, but distinct, experiences such as lucid dreams, shamanism, and mediumism. Jordan Paper goes on to look at how the mystic experience has been considered in various fields, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, biology, and comparative religious studies.
Editions of The Mystic Experience
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791462492
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791462508
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791484289
Read an Excerpt
The mystic, zero, or void experience—the ecstatic disappearance of self along with everything else—is considered by those who have had it to be the most beautiful, blissful, positive, profound, and significant experience of their lives. Offering both a descriptive and a comparative perspective, this book explores the mystic experience across cultures as both a human and cultural event. The book begins and ends with descriptions of the author's own mystical experiences, and looks at self-reported experiences by individuals who do not link their experiences to a religious tradition, to determine characteristics of this universal human experience.
These characteristics are compared to statements of acknowledged mystics in diverse religious traditions. The mystic experience is also situated within other ecstatic religious experiences to distinguish it from similar, but distinct, experiences such as lucid dreams, shamanism, and mediumism. Jordan Paper goes on to look at how the mystic experience has been considered in various fields, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, biology, and comparative religious studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mystic Experience about?
The mystic, zero, or void experience—the ecstatic disappearance of self along with everything else—is considered by those who have had it to be the most beautiful, blissful, positive, profound, and significant experience of their lives. Offering both a descriptive and a comparative perspective, this book explores the mystic experience across cultures as both a human and cultural event. The book begins and ends with descriptions of the author's own mystical experiences, and looks at self-reported experiences by individuals who do not link their experiences to a religious tradition, to determine characteristics of this universal human experience.
These characteristics are compared to statements of acknowledged mystics in diverse religious traditions. The mystic experience is also situated within other ecstatic religious experiences to distinguish it from similar, but distinct, experiences such as lucid dreams, shamanism, and mediumism. Jordan Paper goes on to look at how the mystic experience has been considered in various fields, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, biology, and comparative religious studies.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Mystic Experience?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Spirituality and religious experience
Where can I read a sample of The Mystic Experience?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791462492
How long is The Mystic Experience and how many pages does it have?
The Mystic Experience has 184 page(s)
Is The Mystic Experience part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Religious Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Mystic Experience?
Jordan Paper
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Mystic Experience is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791462492) and paperback(ISBN 9780791462508) and pdf(ISBN 9780791484289)
Where can I buy The Mystic Experience online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Mystic Experience from below
Where can I buy The Mystic Experience?