Mystical Experiences
David B. Yaden, Andrew B. Newberg
The Varieties of Spiritual Experience October 15, 2022 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190665678.003.0012 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMystical experiences involve an intensely felt fading of the sense of self and/or feelings of increased connectedness, up to a sense of complete unity. In ordinary consciousness, there is a distinction between self and everything else, but during such experiences the sense of self can fade and become part of everything else. Neuroimaging of meditators and nuns shows that brain regions that differentiate self from the world are inhibited during these experiences.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Proposes that mystical experiences involve a fading sense of self and increased connectedness, supported by neuroimaging evidence showing inhibition of brain regions that differentiate self from the world. |
Abstract
Abstract Mystical experiences are among the most well-studied spiritual experience. This chapter defines mystical experience as inner experiences involving an intensely felt fading of the sense of self and/or feelings of increased connectedness, up to and including the sense of complete unity. These kinds of feelings go well beyond our normal day to day sense of self-awareness. In ordinary consciousness, there is generally the impression that there is a me on the one hand and then, on the other hand, everything else. Under some circumstances, however, this sense of self can be inverted––during such moments, one’s sense of self can fade into the background and become a part of, rather than apart from, everything else. Neuroimaging of meditators and nuns has shown that brain regions that differentiate one’s self from the rest of the world are inhibited during these kinds of experiences.