The nose and altered states of consciousness: Tascodrugites and Ezekiel
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies August 18, 2010 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v58i2.777 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA reinterpretation of an ancient Christian practice suggests that placing a finger on the nostril during prayer, described by the Church Father Epiphanius among the Tascodrugites, may have been a deliberate technique to induce an altered state of consciousness. Drawing on anthropological and neurophysiological evidence, the gesture's capacity to affect brain function is explored as a pan-human potential. This framework is then applied to two biblical passages: Ezekiel 8:17 and Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43-44), arguing that these texts may also describe similar practices for achieving altered states.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the Tascodrugite practice of placing the forefinger on the nostril during prayer can plausibly be interpreted as a strategy for inducing an altered state of consciousness, and that this interpretation extends to Ezekiel 8:17 and Luke 22:43-44. |
Abstract
The Church Father Epiphanius' description of the Tascodrugite practice of placing the forefinger on the nostril during prayer call be plausibly interpreted as a strategy for inducing an altered state of consciousness (ASC). Anthropological and neurophysiological research on how this human gesture achieves such an effect which is a pan-human potential suggests a similar plausible interpretation for Ezekiel 8:17 and the experience of Jesus in the Garden on the night of his arrest (Luke 22:43-44).