Experiencing Maze (Taste) and Namaze (Untaste)

Abstract

This article used a descriptive-analytical method to investigate the introvertive and extrovertive mystical experiences of Baha Walad and Laozi, based on the views of Walter Stace. Both types of gnostic experience are found in Baha Walad’s experiences, referred to metaphorically as “taste”. In extrovertive gnostic experience, God is hidden in the instinct and the reality of hidden senses and forms the essence of the universe. Behind all the sensual, spiritual, material, and physical phenomena of the universe, Baha experiences a God who is the agent and the possessor. The mystical introvertive and extrovertive experiences of Baha are realized by denying the senses, faces, and sensual appearances and attaining the unity which is the universe without question, without condition, and placeless. The truth of Allah is existentially based on nothingness, simplicity, and nebulousness. In Laozi's mystical experience, both types of mystical experience are found, which, unlike Baha's experience, has been metaphorically named “untaste”. In the extrovertive experience of Laozi, not only are both existence and nature Dao's manifestations, but He has a permanent presence in the world and is followed by existence and nature. In the introvertive mystical experience of Lozi, Dao is an entirely unknown and non-existent matter that eluding from any cognitive experience and only Shen Jen's soul can be aware of.