1 Extrovertive Mystical Experience

Mystical experiences of the natural world, known as extrovertive experiences, are described through detailed accounts and a list of their common characteristics. Contrary to many theorists, the author argues that these experiences are not necessarily mediated by the senses. Survey studies indicate that a small but significant portion of the US and UK populations have encountered extrovertive unity, at least in milder forms. Evidence suggests that such experiences predate Romantic thinkers, appearing in older religious traditions, though this is not definitive.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AbstractKey questions about mystical experiences of the natural world are addressed.What are the experiences like? Some detailed accounts of extrovertive experience, and a feature list of their common or notable characteristics are provided. Are extrovertive experiences necessarily sense-mediated? Unlike many theorists, the author does not assume that extrovertive contact with the world is always through sensory channels. How common are the experiences? The results of survey studies suggest that a small but significant proportion of the US and UK populations have some familiarity with extrovertive unity, at least in its milder forms. Are the experiences a recent development, inspired by Romantic thinkers, or do they have precedents in the world’ s religious traditions? Although not definitive, the evidence suggests that extrovertive experience long pre-dates its Romantic expressions.