LATE-LIFE EFFECT OF EARLY MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES - A CROSS-CULTURAL-COMPARISON

This article examines the effect of early mystical experiences on two elderly men who were among the most spiritually mature persons found i n a larger study of optimal personality development in India and Engla nd. After having had deeply moving mystical-type experiences as young men, each went through the stages of spiritual development suggested b y Collins (1991): Awakening, Purgation, Illumination, and Transformati on. The Indian culture appeared to make transition along this path muc h easier than was found to be the case with the English respondent. Th e fact that despite differing cultural influences, they both came to a remarkably similar spiritual state provides support for William James ' argument for the transcultural nature of mystical Experiences, and t heir long-term effect.