Hermeneutic Neurophenomenology in the Science-Religion Dialogue: Analysis of States of Consciousness in the Zohar
Religions March 6, 2015 Brian L. Lancaster 6 citations
Mystical texts like the Zohar contain insights into the nature of mind that can inform scientific models in psychology and neuroscience, but these insights are often hidden within complex symbolic systems. By combining a hermeneutic approach with neurophenomenology, three distinct mystical states are identified in the Zohar. The normal state is dominated by the narrative construction of self. The first mystical state emerges as this narrative attenuates, making intentionality of perception and emotion dominant. The second state involves identifying with an associational propensity at the core of memory processing. The final state conveys phenomenality with little intentional content. These insights can enrich understanding of consciousness when combined with neurocognitive data.