This study presents a comparative investigation of the notions of mokṣa (Liberation) in Advaita Vedānta, as interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya, and fanāʾ (Annihilation of the Self) in Sufism, as explained by Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī. The research portrays mokṣa as the ultimate realization of the individual self’s (ātman) identity with the universal absolute reality, Brahman. This state is achieved...
Psychedelic research has shown that the effects of serotonergic substances, such as psilocybin and LSD, are strongly influenced by the interaction of substance, set, and setting. Mystical-type experiences, often induced by psychedelics, are not solely driven by pharmacological mechanisms but emerge from a dynamic interplay between the psychological state (set), external environment (setting),...
The article is devoted to the philosophical and religious analysis of monasticism as a holistic spiritual teaching that combines ascetic practices, inner prayer, mystical contemplation and theological reflection. Monasticism is considered as a specific type of spiritual experience aimed at the radical transformation of human subjectivity through the process of purification of the heart,...
ReligionsNovember 26, 2025John R. Snarey, Eunil David Cho, Shelby L. Hall
William James’s two psychological classics—The Principles of Psychology (1890) and The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature (1902)—are widely read but rarely connected. How are James’s psychological theories in The Principles applied in The Varieties? Most scholars say they are not. Our thesis is that, throughout The Varieties, James uses The Principles as the foundation...
Initiated by a surprising encounter at my daughter’s bedside, this article traces my developing understanding and activity in the field of children’s spirituality over the past 30 years. It emphasises children’s innate spiritual potentials including transpersonal experience and identifies activities and some trends especially in the US in which I have been involved. The article describes the...
The aim of this article is to describe the method of analysis of the microphenomenological interview and to compare this method to other similar methods. Microphenomenological method was proposed by the French phenomenologist Claire Petitmengin. The microphenomenological interview is a qualitative, second-person method of studying experience that responds to problems resulting from the study of...
BACKGROUND: The use of psychedelics is currently increasing in the United States. Awareness of clinical trials investigating the therapeutic applications of psychedelics may result in a record number of people who use psychedelics for the first-time. This study aimed to develop a harm-reduction resource to facilitate safe and successful psychedelic experiences outside of regulated clinical and...
This article examines the integration of mysticism, spirituality, Sufism, and neurotheology as a means to bridge the spiritual and biological dimensions of human religious experience. Mysticism is interpreted as the pinnacle of transrational religious experience, while spirituality is viewed as a progressive development of ethical and inner consciousness. Sufism, as the mystical path of Islam,...
Abstract A surge in societal and scientific discussion surrounds psychedelic research. One surprising fact keeps standing out: Many users report the psychedelic experience as a positive and lasting impact on their quality of life. The present study aimed to explore the quality and consequences of the most impacting psychedelic experience, with the user's Big Five personality in focus. This...
Abstract This study explores the first-time use of psychedelic macrodoses among Latin American adults, addressing a gap in the literature regarding naturalistic use outside clinical settings. A total of 4,810 participants from six Latin American countries completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, substances used, consumption contexts, motivations, and subjective...