For the first chapter, I believe the clarification of how to define mysticism was central to the argument. Carefully defining the term is important because making distinctions helps the reader understand what mysticism truly is. By focusing on what is observed, one gets a better understanding because it removes bias from interpreting concepts. Also, mystical experience is shaped by what the mystic brings to the experience, therefore acknowledging the environment and physical effects helps categorize and define what a mystical experience is. Overall, by focusing on observations one is able to understand and organize what a mystical experience is because it allows one to avoid bias and see the true commonalties experiences
