In electronic music events, the driving four-on-the-floor music appears pivotal for inducing altered states of consciousness (ASCs). While various physiological mechanisms link repetitive auditory stimuli to ASCs, entrainment-a brainwave synchronization through periodic external stimuli-has garnered primary focus. However, there are no studies systematically exploring the relationship between...
Psychedelic induced mystical experiences have been largely assumed to drive the therapeutic effects of these substances, which may in part be mediated by changes in metaphysical beliefs. However, there is growing evidence that psychedelic experiences can also trigger long lasting distress. Studies of persisting difficulties suggest a high prevalence of ontological challenges (related to the way...
This commentary engages with recent work on computational functionalist theories of consciousness through a structural lens. We address three key aspects: the role of subjective experience in theory building, the hypothesis regarding local lateral connectivity in sensory areas, and the implications of "silent units" for consciousness. We argue that while their structural turn is welcome, many...
Qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that experiences with ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew found in Central and South America, may be followed by individuals enduringly feeling more grateful and connected to nature. Yet, to date, these changes have been understudied. Here, participants (N = 54) completed validated surveys related to gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature...
There is increasing interest in establishing psychedelic research programs at academic medical centers. However, psychedelics are intensely psychoactive, carry considerable sociopolitical baggage, and most are Schedule I drugs, creating significant potential impediments to implementation. There is little formal guidance for investigators on navigating the complex on-the-ground obstacles...
How is it that psychedelics so profoundly impact brain and mind? According to the model of "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS), 5-HT2a agonism is thought to help relax prior expectations, thus making room for new perspectives and patterns. Here, we introduce an alternative (but largely compatible) perspective, proposing that REBUS effects may primarily correspond to a particular (but...
प्रस्तुत लेख जेन रहस्यान्वेषणका मूलभूत पक्षको अध्ययन गर्नुमा केन्द्रित छ । रहस्यवादका क्षेत्रमा भिन्न धारणा लिएर देखापरेको जेन एउटा ध्यान प्रणाली हो जसमा चेतनाको प्रमुख भूमिका रहेको हुन्छ । मनोवैज्ञानिक रूपमा मानसिक गतिविधिको प्रक्रियासितै चेतनाको उद्भावनामा जेन रहस्यवादले गति प्राप्त गर्दछ । व्यक्तिमा रहेको मानसिक प्रकृतिको अन्वेषण गर्दै परिपूर्ण रूपमा शून्यज्ञ भई सतोरी प्राप्त गर्नु जेन...
JURNAL AL-AQIDAHDecember 31, 2024M. Najib, A. Fata, Andries Kango
The Sufistic approach in the study of religion is a method that seeks to explore the mystical and esoteric dimensions within various religious traditions, including Islam. This article highlights the use of the Sufistic approach by scholars, both within and outside the Islamic tradition, to understand the phenomenon of Sufism and mystical practices in Muslim communities. This study shows that...
The African religious landscape is partly characterized by a plurality of vibrant neo-Pentecostal and charismatic movements. Many of these movements are founded, led or influenced by perceived gifted individuals who claim to have had a firsthand experience with the spirit world through diverse mystical or paranormal means. Some of these means include near death experiences or resurrection from...
In Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, the material world is understood to contain access points to the transcendent. An icon may move the awestruck believer to emotional engagement and reflection on moral and religious themes. Personality dispositions potentiating the experience of being moved in religious aesthetic contexts have not been thoroughly studied. The present article...