Review on the Indescribability of Mystical Experiences

Indescribability of mystical experiences is emphasized by mystics and philosophers in both west and east. Regarding the mystery of and reason for indescribability of the mystics’ states, some arguments have been put forward. The indescribability of mystical experiences necessitates that the mystics’ statements would be void of any sense and content, and as far as the realism is concerned, it must lack any value and validity. Can one find such a state? In justifying the value of the statements by mystics and regarding the meaning and content of their sayings, various interpretations and justifications have been presented by both mystics and non-mystics. The theories of Dionysius, metaphor and Stace are the three theories put forward in this regard. Each of them, however, has some drawbacks that make one not accept them. The theory suggested here is the fourth one that seeks to find the mystery of the indescribability of mystical experiences in certain factors and attempts to offer an explanation without the drawbacks of the aforementioned theories.