Mystical luminosity experiences (MLE) are a distinct but understudied phenomenon. This work introduces and grounds the construct of MLE by bridging ancient mystical traditions with modern scientific inquiry, particularly within the psychology of religion and consciousness studies. The author argues that these experiences represent a unique category of mystical phenomena worthy of systematic investigation. The text presents a phenomenological foundation for MLE, suggesting it can be meaningfully integrated into academic study.
Among 763 U.S. adults, three distinct profiles emerged: Transcendent Wellness, Transcendent Struggle, and Non-Transcendent Wellness. The Transcendent Wellness profile showed higher belongingness, mindfulness, and lived/integrated spirituality than the Transcendent Struggle profile. Belongingness and mindfulness reduced the positive link between mystical experience and depression and anxiety symptoms. Lived/integrated spirituality also weakened this link, especially for anxiety. Conventional religiosity did not show the same moderating effects. The authors propose that relationally grounded spirituality—connection to others, self, and a higher power—supports processing and sense-making of mystical experiences.
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.