Mystical experiences transcend perceived reality and transform individuals, characterized by noetic and ineffable qualities. The text presents a fourfold hierarchy of mystical forms: monistic mysticism merges self and ultimate reality in oneness with ego-dissolution; nondualistic mysticism keeps the self distinct yet absorbed into a transcendent order, as in world religions; dualistic mysticism involves encountering a separate nonhuman reality, seen in shamanism and psychedelic states; pluralistic mysticism emphasizes multiple dimensions of self and reality, integrating embodied and spiritual aspects. These perspectives stress that transcendent realities require self-transformation and can inform daily life across cultures.
Mystical experiences among Daoist monks and nuns include both features common across traditions and unique elements tied to Daoist practice. Interviews with 19 highly experienced Daoist practitioners revealed two clusters of experience: one involving dissolution of self, unity, and bodily sensations, and another involving egress of spirit and resonance with divinities. These findings support parts of the common core thesis of mysticism, which posits universal features like ego loss and unity, but also extend it with culturally specific themes—bodily sensations and spirit egress—that bridge introvertive, extrovertive, and interpretive mysticisms. The results suggest that incorporating diverse cultural perspectives can enrich understanding of psychedelic, religious, spiritual, and mystical experiences.