Contexts and modes of mystical experience

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Transpersonal Psychology: Integral · Esoteric · Meditation

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• Mysticism

• Altered state of consciousness

• Oneness (concept)

• Religious experience

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

• The Varieties of Religious Experience, William James book.

• Peak experiences

• Trance

• Enlightenment (concept)

• Bodhi

• Nirvana

• Samadhi

• Wajad

• Paramita

• Satori

Context of religious experience

Psychological procedures

• Prayer

• Mantra

• Meditation

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