This study of the meaning and the experience of mysticism is a product of the author's personal interest in mysticism and his reflection, as a philosopher, on some of the philosophical questions raised by mysticism is a "a psychological process which occurs with varying degrees of intensity in everyone's life" and the observation that this process changes the experiencer, the author goes on to discuss such questions as "Can we define mysticism?" and "Can we describe mystical experiences?," "Is mysticism rational?," and "What is the meaning of mystical experience?"

James Horne is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Waterloo and the author of [http://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Catalog/horne-beyond-mysticism Beyond Mysticism] and [http://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Catalog/hornevocation The Mysticism and Vocation].