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Transformative Experiences
We have all heard people talk about being "born-again" or having a near death experience that changed their lives. These are called transformative experiences. In this paper I will discuss transformative experiences and how they apply to different religions. I will also discuss my own personal religious transformation experience. This will help to better understand what a transformative experience is and how it is viewed by different religions.

Buddhism and Transformative Experiences
In Buddhism, transformative experiences most commonly happen during meditation. In Buddhism this can also be called reaching enlightenment. As a Buddhist meditates they enter different levels of enlightenment. Each level allows for a personal and spiritual transformation (Bhikshu, 2006). For example, in tranquility meditation, there are four stages of transformation. First are applied though, sustained thought, happiness, bliss, and equanimity. Second are bliss, happiness, and equanimity. Third is happiness and equanimity. Finally fourth is equanimity. With each stage a Buddhist feels more and more at peace with themselves and the world around them. By the time they reach the fourth stage they have seen the impact of their transformation reach well outside themselves and into those around them. It touches the world around them and can even help to transform others (Bhikshu, 2006)
Shinto Transformative Experiences
In the Shinto religion transformative experiences can happen during fasting, meditation, prayer, and during daily purification rituals. Like Buddhists, Shinto meditate and reach different levels of enlightenment that leads them to transformative experiences. When fasting and praying, it is believed that they are closer to nature and therefore can connect with the world around them (Boyd & Nishimura, 2004).
Most commonly transformative experiences happen during the daily purification rituals. Purification rituals are done to reestablish order and balance in the life of a Shinto. They are designed to eliminate the destructive effects of daily life. While purifying the body and soul many Shinto claim to find purpose to there lives and calmness never felt before (Boyd & Nishimura, 2004).
Christian Transformative Experiences
For many Christians praying and accepting Jesus in to their hearts and lives is a transformative experience. Many Christians believe the moment they pray and ask Jesus into their hearts everything about them changes. This transformation

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