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Transpersonal Psychology: Integral · Esoteric · Meditation
Contents |
Modes of religious experience
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- 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
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Psychological procedures
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Physical procedures
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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