Mystical experiences - William James

• What is a mystical experience?

  Experiences of God or of the supernatural which go beyond everyday sense experience
• What is ineffability?

  The experience cannot possibly be communicated / put into words. With a religious experience there is an awareness that there is something to be described but no way of doing so
• What is an example of ineffability?

  St Teresa of Avila stated 'I wish I could give a description of at least the smallest part of what I learned but, when I try to discover so, I find it impossible
• What is noetic quality?

  A religious experience can bring knowledge and understanding and therefore realisation of the truth. They provide insights into unobtainable truths despite being ineffable. Knowledge is grasped through the intuition and perception.
• What is an example of noetic quality?

  Julian of Norwich gained knowledge about God and creation through her intellectual vision
• What is transiency?


  Most religious experiences only last a limited amount of time - between a few minutes and two hours so they may be difficult to remember.
• What is passivity?


  While undergoing religious experiences, one loses control to a more powerful being and is overwhelmed