Toward Understanding Mystical Consciousness: an Analysis of a Text From Simone Weil
Religion and Theology 2003 DOI: 10.1163/157430103x00024 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that mystical consciousness is a received moment of heightened awareness that is self-aware and aware of an other, mediated through language, and creates a transformative ego-shift. |
Abstract
AbstractTextual analysis represents the most viable approach towards gaining a greater understanding of the nature and characteristics of mystical consciousness. An analysis of a text from Simone Weil, the French philosopher and champion of workers' rights, indicates that mystical consciousness is a received moment of heightened awareness. Mystical consciousness is both self-aware and aware of an other. It may be mediated through language such as poems or prayers. It is the nature of mystical consciousness to create an outward or transcendent movement, a transformative ego-shift. Finally, mystical consciousness displays the characteristics proper to ordinary consciousness, but is qualitatively different in terms of intensity, absorption and boundaries.