Here is an academic study that suggests to me the subject of mysticism is nearing mainstream status. If true this could produce a widely focused transformational understanding of the meaning of human evolution – as some Sufi experiences have predicted for thousands of years.
What do you think?
This excerpt, the author’s Conclusion from the end of his paper, will give you an idea of what I mean:
(Note: As readers will know however, I am not convinced the transformation can be induced by human effort. My spontanious experiences indicate the Mystic Experience of Reality (MER) is caught, not taught).
Spirituality and the Transformation of Consciousness
By Merv Dickinson, PhD
“If, as our spiritual traditions have long maintained and as current studies in transpersonal psychology seem to confirm, it is possible to develop beyond our usual level of ego-consciousness to a state described as self-transcendence, and if such transformational changes as are summarised above typically accompany this transition, then clearly there is value in exploring, from both a personal and a research point of view, whatever practices may in fact facilitate this transition – including those that for so long have comprised the heart of the world’s great spiritual traditions. At the very least, we would do well in this secular post-modern age, when so many of us are distancing ourselves from the apparent absurdities of organised religion, not to throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, but perchance to rediscover what the spiritual Masters have for so long been trying to tell us.”
April 2020
Mystical Experiences of Reality 
I can barely express how closely this paper correlates with my own experiences over the past 30 years. I have been monkish since childhood but the journey really began when I was forced to leave investment banking all those years ago – I could take the meaningless no longer.
Even reading this paper you posted fills me with a deep sense of calm and detachment. William James’ was one of the first books I read on my journey. Maslow followed as did Evelyn Underhill and many others.
I do find the experiences of peace tend to be much more frequent these days. I do find myself increasingly able to live life entirely differently.
As I have said once or twice before, I am not sure that I actually practice anything very much. But whatever it is I do, it leads me inevitably towards the sort of experiences this paper describes.
Thank you for posting it Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t say I really believe in “synchronicity” (it smells of Chopra Deepak) but if I did, then your posting of this paper comes at a very opportune time for me. 30 years ago these concepts made sense to me but seemed unachievable. These days, I find I increasing live at the intersection between the horizontal and the vertical. What a superb paper.
LikeLiked by 1 person