Characteristics of Mystical States : Characteristics of Mystical States From F. C. Happold’s Mysticism: A Study and Anthology
1. Ineffable : 1. Ineffable defies expression
can’t be put into words or fully communicated in language
state of feeling
2. Noetic : 2. Noetic state of knowledge
authoritative insight into depth of truth
powerful sense of certainty and clarity
3. Transient : 3. Transient short in duration
speedy return to “normal” consciousness
4. Passive : 4. Passive Open, receiving
Not “controlling” experience
Taken by the truth
5. Unitive : 5. Unitive Conscious of the oneness of everything
Unified vision
In theistic mysticism, God is in everything and everything is in God
No division, no duality; all opposites are united.
6. Sense of Timelessness : 6. Sense of Timelessness Not bound by “clock time”
Sense that “all is always now.”
7. Personality is not the real “I.’ : 7. Personality is not the real “I.’ The “ego” is not the True Self
True Self is not bound by the body, time, or space
The True Self -- the spark of the soul -- also contains a universal quality
The True Self, the Greater Self, is divine.
The Mystic’s Universe4 Interrelated Visions : The Mystic’s Universe4 Interrelated Visions 1. The Vision of Oneness
2. The Vision of Timelessness
3. The Vision of a self other than the physical self
4. The Vision of a Love enfolding everything that exists.