Spontaneous Cosmic Consciousness Experience: A Phenomenological Approach
Journal of Consciousness Studies February 1, 2025 DOI: 10.53765/20512201.32.1.081 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | People reporting spontaneous cosmic consciousness |
| Key points | Proposes a paradigm form of spontaneous cosmic consciousness experience and distinguishes between the mystical event and the subsequent state, while also considering the role of psi and 'enlightenment'. |
Abstract
The term 'cosmic consciousness' is mostly used either as an ontological fundamental in metaphysics or to name a mystical experience (event). It was first popularized as a psychological state, an evolutionary attainment following the event, while extension of the mystical experience over time comprises another state, for which the term is also used. Drawing on a personal journey of discovery involving six people's reports of spontaneous cosmic consciousness, including the author's own, this article starts with first-person accounts of the mystical event and state. Then, it reviews the origin of the event–state conflation, and goes on to consider some aspects of the experience and category as used. This includes comments on the phenomenology and conceptual structure of spontaneous cosmic consciousness experience, with the suggestion of a paradigm form along with consideration of 'enlightenment' and the place of psi.