This comprehensive new introduction looks at spiritual experiences from past to present, from the experiences of the founders of the major world religious traditions to events in the lives of ordinary people today. Mystical and Near Death Experiences are included. Examples are drawn from a variety of sources, including original accounts from the Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre Archive at the University of Wales, Lampeter as well as many given to the author in person. Interpretations of these experiences follow, from religious, philosophical and scientific viewpoints. Various questions are considered. Is there a common core to spiritual experience? Do these experiences offer proof of the existence of God or of the possibility of survival of death? This fascinating work concludes with an evaluation of what can be learned about consciousness, religion and what it is to be human.

Marianne Rankin is former Chair of the Alister Hardy Society, affiliated to the Religious Experience Research Centre, University of Wales, Lampeter, UK.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. What is a Spiritual Experience?
2. Terminology
3. Spiritual Experience and Religions
4. Experiences of the Founders/Messengers of the Major Religious Traditions
5. Experiences of the Founders/Messengers of Less Well-Known Religious Traditions
6. Religious Triggers of Spiritual Experience
7. Non-Religious Triggers of Spiritual Experience
8. Types of Spiritual Experience
9. Dying and Death
10. Mystics
11. Spiritual and Mystical Experiences of Well-Known People
12. Fruits of Spiritual Experience
13. Spiritual Experience Research
14. The Interpretation of Spiritual, Religious and Mystical Experience
Conclusion
Bibliography
Notes