This course is a historical and topical survey of some of the world’s major mystical traditions. It will be concerned with the principal characteristics of mysticism in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism and with the thoughts and practices of some major figures in these traditions. Other related concerns will be questions about (1) the nature of religious experience and its relationship to religious authority; (2) the psychology of religion, especially of mystical religion; (3) contrasts between mysticism and other forms of religious experience, such as prophetism; and (4) implications of mystical experience for religious belief and theological expression.

To be agreed at opening lecture. Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate student’s interests.

Powers, J, Readings in Mysticism, (typescript)