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This chapter addresses several Buddhist path models. It explains the interdependent nature of different types of path-related training and conditioning and the experiences and realizations they aim at bringing about. In particular, it explores the negative process of deconstruction of conceptual thinking, designed for achieving realization of ultimate reality. It argues that although realization of reality is similar to other mystical experiences in certain ways, what makes it unique is that it consists of negations, not affirmations. It also introduces a distinction between the “practical” level, which pertains to realization of reality and deconstructive contemplative processes leading to it, and the “descriptive” level, which pertains to the articulation of that realization, its “objects,” and its triggering processes. It argues that while the two levels are interrelated, different ways of describing realizations of reality and deconstructive processes leading to them do not necessarily indicate differences in those realizations and processes.

This chapter provides a general sketch of mind models used by Tibetan Buddhist thinkers, outlining diverse perspectives on the structure of mind and mental processes. In particular, it explores the twofold division of mind into conceptual and nonconceptual—a critical distinction for understanding such key mystical experiences as realization of ultimate reality. It also criticizes the category of pure contentless consciousness, which forms an important part of contemporary polemics over the question of unmediated mystical experience. It also shows how Buddhist mind models are used in discussions of realizations of reality, meditative states, etc., and demonstrates that those models not only describe such experiences and realizations, they play an important role in shaping them. It argues that this interdependent relationship between mind models and mental states is one of the reasons why it is important to interpret Buddhist mystical experiences with the help of specific Buddhist models of mind.

This chapter addresses mystical experience, appraising the contemporary debate between “constructivists” and “essentialists” over the issue of unmediated mystical experience and discussing benefits of and problems involved in using categories like “mystical experience” when addressing experiences and realizations dealt with by Tibetan Buddhist thinkers. Treating the direct realization of ultimate reality as one of the highest expressions of mystical experience, it argues that it is one of the most challenging topics of Tibetan theories and practices, and the issues of accessing that realization, maintaining it, and providing an adequate description remain a focus of heated polemics. It shows that although many elements involved in this polemical issue are unique to the Tibetan Buddhist world, their analysis can help us achieve a better understanding of mystical experiences in general and the issue of (un)mediated mystical experience in particular. Overall, it provides a background for analysis of “mystical experiences” in Tibetan Buddhism.