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Changes: Contexts and modes of mystical experience

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{{TransPsy}}
  
{{TransPsy}}
   
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* [[Mysticism]]
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* [[Altered state of consciousness]]
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* [[Oneness (concept)]]
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* [[Religious experience]]
   
 
==Modes of religious experience==
  
==Modes of religious experience==
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* [[Religious ecstasy]], an altered state of consciousness characterized by expanded spiritual awareness, visions or euphoria
  
* [[Religious ecstasy]], an altered state of consciousness characterized by expanded spiritual awareness, visions or euphoria
   
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*[[The Varieties of Religious Experience]], [[William James]] book.
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* [[The Varieties of Religious Experience]], [[William James]] book.
   
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*[[Peak experiences]]
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* [[Peak experiences]]
   
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*[[Trance]]
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* [[Trance]]
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* [[Enlightenment (concept)]]
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* [[Bodhi]]
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* [[Nirvana]]
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* [[Samadhi]]
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* [[Wajad]]
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* [[Paramita]]
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* [[Satori]]
   
 
==Context of religious experience==
  
==Context of religious experience==
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===Psychological procedures===
  
===Psychological procedures===
   
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*[[Prayer]]
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* [[Prayer]]
   
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*[Meditation]]
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* [[Mantra]]
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* [[Meditation]]
   
 
===Physical procedures===
  
===Physical procedures===
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The states can also be manipulated through the over or under stimulation of the senses and appetites:
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Physical activities that are repetative and rhythmic appear to aid the attainment of ecstatic states and are given religious form in ritual and practice.
  
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* Hearing - Quietness versus loud noise, particularly bass notes {{Organ, Shawan}
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* Vision - Pure white vs colour (stained glass, ornate colourful garments)
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* Social - [[Retreat]] vs congregations and holy crowds
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* Food - [[Fasting]] or [[feasting]]
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* Drink - [[Abstinence]] or dionysian imbibing
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* Sex - Abstinence - extended practice (Tantric sex, pagan orgies)
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* Breathing - minimal breathing to [[hypoxia]] vs deep or regular breathing [[Anapanasati]]
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  ⚫
Physical activities that are repetetive and rhythmic appear to aid the attainment of ecstatic states, particularly in a group setting where concentration is required. These activities are given religious form in ritual and practice.
   
 
*Clapping
  
*Clapping
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*Chanting
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*[[Chant|Chanting]]
 
*Dancing
  
*Dancing
 
*Drumming
  
*Drumming
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*Singing
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*Listening to music
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The drinking or eating of particular [[Entheogen|etheogenic]] substances is also used to contribute to attaining these states. See [[The role of drugs in religious experience]]

Latest revision as of 17:05, 9 December 2006

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Modes of religious experience

  • Ecstasy (emotion), a trance or trancelike state in which an individual transcends ordinary consciousness
  • Religious ecstasy, an altered state of consciousness characterized by expanded spiritual awareness, visions or euphoria

Context of religious experience

Psychological procedures

Physical procedures

The states can also be manipulated through the over or under stimulation of the senses and appetites:

  • Hearing - Quietness versus loud noise, particularly bass notes {{Organ, Shawan}
  • Vision - Pure white vs colour (stained glass, ornate colourful garments)
  • Social - Retreat vs congregations and holy crowds
  • Food - Fasting or feasting
  • Drink - Abstinence or dionysian imbibing
  • Sex - Abstinence - extended practice (Tantric sex, pagan orgies)
  • Breathing - minimal breathing to hypoxia vs deep or regular breathing Anapanasati


Physical activities that are repetetive and rhythmic appear to aid the attainment of ecstatic states, particularly in a group setting where concentration is required. These activities are given religious form in ritual and practice.

  • Clapping
  • Chanting
  • Dancing
  • Drumming
  • Singing
  • Listening to music


The drinking or eating of particular etheogenic substances is also used to contribute to attaining these states. See The role of drugs in religious experience

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