Nibbanic (or Pure) Consciousness and Beyond
Philosophia March 14, 2011 DOI: 10.1007/s11406-011-9312-y (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPike's phenomenology of mystical experiences identifies precisely where theological content can appear within the structure of Christian mystics' experiences. This analysis extends to Buddhist and other accounts of "pure" or "nibbanic" consciousness reached through deep meditation. A contemporary "modal" model of inner awareness is examined, proposing that a form of pure consciousness underlies and encompasses additional content in various types of consciousness, including mystical experiences across different traditions and experiences of "full union" with God.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation Mysticism Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Consciousness Phenomenology philosophy |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key finding | Proposes that a 'modal' model of inner awareness can account for pure consciousness underlying diverse mystical experiences, including those described in Buddhist and Christian traditions. |
Abstract
Pike’s phenomenology of mystical experiences articulates sharply where theological content may enter the structure of Christian mystics’ experiences (as characterized in their own words). Here we look to Buddhist (and other) accounts of “pure” or “nibbanic” consciousness attained in experiences of deep meditation. A contemporary “modal” model of inner awareness is considered whereby a form of pure consciousness underlies and embraces further content in various forms of consciousness, including mystical experiences in different traditions and experiences of “full union” (with God).