The Universal Dimensions of Mysticism
N. Zhirtueva
Voprosy Filosofii 2022 DOI: 10.21146/0042-8744-2022-10-193-203 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Key points | Argues that mysticism is a multidimensional phenomenon comprising ontological, epistemological, anthropological, and social-historical dimensions, each of which should be considered alongside the modern scientific worldview. The author contends mystical experience yields unity, altered time and space, intuitive cognition, and higher needs such as love and compassion, and that mysticism should affirm both transcendental and material worlds while warning against their opposition. |
Abstract
In the article mysticism is considered as a multidimensional phenomenon in the unity of four dimensions that make up its universal beginning. The ontological dimension of mysticism forms a world picture in which the world is regarded as the Whole and One. Mystical experience is always an experience of unity, as a result of which social and biological time slows down, space loses its multidimensionality and hierarchy. The epistemological dimension of mysticism presupposes the development of an irrational mystical and intuitive cognition that forms an integral picture of the world and overcomes the subjective and objective attitude to it. An enlightening consciousness and the experience of mystic light are the results. The anthropological (psychological) dimension of mysticism means overcoming self-centered consciousness through a series of psycho-practices which is dangerous outside the mystical context. Mystical experience develops higher needs, feeling of love, compassion, joy, gratitude. There is a change in the existential state of man. The social and historical dimension characterizes mysticism as a phenomenon that was developed from an ascetic form to an integration one, balancing between “moving away from the world” and “returning to the world”. It possesses powerful resources of influence on society and at the present stage should affirm the significance of both the transcendental and material worlds, help humanity understand their close relationship and the danger of their opposition. Each dimension of mysticism must be considered in close connection with modern scientific picture of the world.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on mysticism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience | 2000 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis | 1983 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy | 1993 | Edited collection of essays | |
| Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |