Nonreligious Self-Transcendent Experiences Occurred in Religious Contexts: A Reflection on Religion, Science, and Human Potential

Self-transcendent experiences (STEs) can both be inhibited and catalyzed by religion. Analyzing the author's first-person STEs in Buddhist and Christian contexts, along with testimonies from diverse religious backgrounds, suggests that religion may sometimes prevent adherents from having STEs, yet it can also trigger such experiences in nonreligious individuals. STEs appear universal across cultural and religious boundaries, offering potential for interfaith dialogue and a framework for religious harmony. Data on STEs may also bridge science with other forms of knowledge, enabling shared discourse. A proposed mechanism highlights STEs' role in achieving lifelong peace by balancing physical and mental needs, helping individuals maximize potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Self-transcendence has been extensively studied and discussed among scholars, both theoretically and empirically. However, further academic inquiry into self-transcendent experiences (STEs), particularly their nature, religious implications, and spiritual benefits, is still needed. This paper undertakes a qualitative exploration of the topic, phenomenologically analyzing the author’s first-person STEs within Buddhist and Christian contexts. In addition to personal journals and reflections, the dataset includes email exchanges with and reports to supervisors, as well as comparative insights drawn from testimonies shared by individuals of various religious backgrounds. The findings suggest that while religion may sometimes inhibit its adherents from experiencing STEs, it can also serve as a catalyst for such experiences among nonreligious individuals. Furthermore, the universal nature of STEs, which transcends cultural and religious boundaries, has the potential to promote interfaith dialogue and provide a theoretical framework for fostering religious harmony. Data on STEs could also act as a bridge connecting science with other forms of human knowledge, enabling shared discourse and offering a complementary perspective for understanding the world. Finally, a proposed mechanism of STEs highlights their role in achieving lifelong peace by balancing physical and mental needs, while also offering insights to help individuals maximize their potential and lead fulfilling lives.