An acquaintance of mine has recently had spontaneous mystical experiences, without the use of practices like meditation or yoga, or drugs.

But he thinks that since he had this mystical vision, he is now enlightened and he knows something that the rest of the world needs. He’s making major life changes so that he can become a teacher, convert people to his specific thought system (which he felt he had to create in order to systematize his mystic vision), and amass followers.

Is this a sign of immaturity or overexcitement? Am I right to be somewhat disturbed that he thinks he has something to teach without knowing anything of the numerous mystical traditions that already exist? How would you react if someone you know told you that they suddenly understand existence and the universe, and that they have some specific knowledge that the world is lacking?

Putting this in General because I really don’t want this to turn into religion-bashing. This is about epistemology and knowledge-claims, not about how you feel about institutionalized monotheism. Thanks.

Topics: philosophy, conversion, knowledge, experience, enlightenment, ineffable