The Varieties of Religious Experience · Chapter
Lectures XVI and XVII: Mysticism explained
In these lectures, James explores the nature and varieties of mystical experience, defining it by four marks: ineffability, noetic quality, transiency, and passivity.
What happens
In these lectures, James explores the nature and varieties of mystical experience, defining it by four marks: ineffability, noetic quality, transiency, and passivity. He presents examples ranging from simple feelings of deeper significance to profound states of cosmic consciousness, as described by figures like Saint John of the Cross, Saint Teresa, Luther, and Dr. R. M. Bucke. James emphasizes the difficulty of describing these states in words and their profound impact on the individual's inner life, suggesting they offer a unique form of knowledge and revelation.
Themes in this chapter
Mysticism and the Reality of the Unseen
The chapter focuses on mystical states as direct experiences of a reality beyond the senses, often described as ineffable and noetic.
The Role of Feeling and Emotion
Mystical experiences are characterized by intense feelings of joy, exaltation, and significance, which James highlights as central to religious life.
Pathology and Genius in Religion
James discusses the connection between mystical states and certain mental conditions, such as epilepsy, while also acknowledging their profound value.
Characters to notice
- William James
Lecturer and author, analyzing mystical states and their characteristics.
- Saint John of the Cross
Quoted on the 'union of love' and the ineffability of divine knowledge.
- Saint Teresa of Ávila
Described as 'expert of experts' in describing mystical states, quoted on the 'orison of union'.
- Martin Luther
Recounted a moment of sudden insight upon hearing the Creed, feeling born anew.
- R. M. Bucke
Psychiatrist who coined 'cosmic consciousness' and described his own experience of it.
- Alfred Tennyson
Poet quoted on the feeling of having 'been here before' and mystical gleams.
Key passages
“In the orison of union, the soul is fully awake as regards God, but wholly asleep as regards things of this world and in respect of herself.”
During the highest state of contemplative prayer, the soul is completely aware of God but oblivious to worldly concerns and even its own existence.
James uses this quote to illustrate the ineffable and passive nature of mystical union.
“I saw that the universe is not composed of dead matter, but is, on the contrary, a living Presence; I became conscious in myself of eternal life.”
In a moment of cosmic consciousness, I realized that the universe is alive and that I already possess eternal life, not just a future hope.
This is Dr. Bucke's description of his own mystical experience, which James cites as a typical example of cosmic consciousness.
“The first thing to be aimed at in orison is the mind’s detachment from outer sensations, for these interfere with its concentration upon ideal things.”
The initial goal of contemplative prayer is to withdraw attention from sensory input so the mind can focus on spiritual matters.
James summarizes the advice of mystical manuals, such as Saint Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises.