ASPECTS OF MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE (F.C. HAPPOLD)

ASPECTS OF MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE (F.C. HAPPOLD)

1. F.C. HAPPOLD

   • Believed that Mysticism can be SEPARATED INTO TWO TYPES, and have THREE ASPECTS!
   • 'Mysticism: A Study and an Anthology' (1963)

2. SOUL-MYSTICISM

   • FINDING THE SOUL!
     • A quest for SELF-FUFILLMENT!
   • NOT focused on the concept of achieving a UNION WITH GOD!
     • Christianity
       • God is TRANSCENDENT.
       • God is IMMANENT.
   • "The chief object of man is the quest for his own self and of right knowledge about it."
   • Relates to certain philosophies of...
     • Hinduism.
       • Brahman.
       • Moksha.
     • Buddhism.

3. NATURE-MYSTICISM

   • Observing the beauty or vastness of NATURE is able to trigger a mystical experience.
   • Found in the belief that GOD IS IMMANENT.
     • God is active in the world.
   • Because GOD IS EVERYWHERE, Humans can be UNITED with the Divine through many natural aspects!
   • POETS often capture this concept well!
     • SHELLEY
       • 'Adonais' (1821)
         • "That Light whose smile kindles the universe, that Beauty in which all things work and move."

4. GOD-MYSTICISM

   • MEDITATING on the attributes of God and the DESIRE to be one with God can trigger a mystical experience.
   • The souls of humankind desire to RETURN to their 'immortal and infinite Ground,' which is with GOD.
     • Hinduism.
       • Moksha.
   • Islam.
     • Sufism.
       • Mystical union with God requires the human soul to almost BECOME GOD whilst also MAINTAINING ITS OWN IDENTITY ('deified').