NNAMDI AZIKIWE JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY

Mysticism, the practice of becoming one with the absolute is referred to as an alteration of the mind or consciousness which is obviously different from normal human state or expression. It is characterized greatly on reduction of external awareness with expansion of mental and spiritual consciousness in attainment of insights accompanied by selfrevealing visions. Mystical experiences on another angle, shares a purported super sense perceptual-unitive experience with an ultimate being that grants acquaintance of the kind not generally accessible by way of sense- perception or somatosensory modalities. William James writes that personal religious or mystical experiences have its root in mystical state of consciousness. He understands his own experience of uniting with the absolute psychologically but this does not eliminate his philosophy of individual moments of religious transcendence; feelings of opinion and consciousness of space and time. Mysticism for him is a precise state of mind where the mystic feels as if his own will were in abeyance and grasped by a superior power. Mystical experience for him therefore is a form of transcendence and the mystic will often feel merged with something greater. This has increased the quest for truth and generates philosophical interest on knowledgeapproving mystical experiences. Since the method of Hermeneutics entails interpretation of meanings, the interest of this research work however is to interpret mysticism in the light of William James view on it; to offer a legitimate supplement of his thought and to accommodate the epistemological concerns that surround the mystic's claim in his concept of mystical experiences. This study concludes that there is no subjective message from the mystic that can fly for certainty of knowledge and it recommends the qualities of traditional mysticism to enhance understanding of mystical experiences and its related issues associated with the contemporary times. It will also provide a deeper admiration and exposition of William James philosophy for more Epistemological, Metaphysical and Religious apprehensions.

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