Light As a Metaphor of Consciousness: Integrating Suhrawardi’s Illuminationist Philosophy and Modern Psychology

Suhrawardi’s philosophy of illumination, which treats light as both a metaphysical symbol and an ontological reality connecting humans to a divine source of knowledge, offers a framework for understanding consciousness as a multilayered spiritual process rather than merely a biological phenomenon. A qualitative library-based study using philosophical hermeneutics identifies areas of convergence and divergence between this Islamic intellectual tradition and modern psychology’s neurocognitive, cognitive, and phenomenological perspectives. The concept of gradation of light parallels modern psychology’s notions of self-actualization and peak experience. Integrating these perspectives may inform spirituality-based psychotherapy, Islamic counseling, and consciousness education, particularly in Indonesia.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study explores light as a metaphor for consciousness by integrating Suhrawardi’s philosophy of illumination with modern psychology. In Suhrawardi’s view, light is not only a metaphysical symbol but an ontological reality linking human beings to the divine source of knowledge. Meanwhile, modern psychology examines consciousness through neurocognitive, cognitive, and phenomenological perspectives. Using a qualitative library-based method and philosophical hermeneutics, this research identifies areas of convergence and divergence between the two approaches. The findings reveal that Suhrawardi’s gradation of light offers a framework for understanding consciousness as a multilayered spiritual process rather than merely a biological phenomenon. This concept parallels modern psychology’s notions of self-actualization and peak experience. The integration of these perspectives provides valuable insights for developing spirituality-based psychotherapy, Islamic counseling, and consciousness education in Indonesia, highlighting the relevance of Islamic intellectual traditions to contemporary psychological discourse. Keywords: Consciousness, Illumination, Modern Psychology, Light, Suhrawardi