Enlightenment and the Psychology of Self-Transcendence: Pathways to Fundamental Well-Being and Prosocial Behavior

The concept of enlightenment, often linked to profound insights into self and reality, is examined through the lens of non-dualism, emphasizing the dissolution of an independent, permanent self and the emergence of self-transcendent experiences. These experiences involve universal oneness, benevolence, compassion, and feelings of happiness and love. The chapter critically evaluates practices proposed to facilitate such states, including near-death experiences, insight meditation, and psychedelic substances. By reviewing empirical studies, it assesses their role in promoting well-being and positive psychological and behavioral effects, aiming to illuminate pathways to enlightenment and foster a more compassionate human existence.

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Abstract

The concept of enlightenment has long intrigued scholars and contemplation practitioners alike, often associated with profound insights into the nature of self and reality. This chapter explores the notion of enlightenment through the lens of non-dualism, emphasizing the dissolution of the independent, single, permanent self and the emergence of self-transcendent experiences. Such experiences are characterized by a sense of universal oneness, benevolence, compassion, and an overarching feeling of happiness and love. We critically evaluate various practices that have been proposed to facilitate these states, including near-death experiences, insight meditation, and the use of psychedelic substances. By examining empirical studies that have implemented these practices, we critically assess their role in promoting well-being and positive effects on individuals’ psychological states and behavior. Through a comprehensive analysis, this chapter aims to illuminate key pathways to enlightenment and their potential to foster a more compassionate and harmonious human existence.