An original cross-tradition concept map (Hekhal Rosetta engine) of architectural cartographies of the contemplative ascent: the seven heavenly heikhalot (palaces) of late-antique Jewish mysticism, the ten Sefirot of the Sefer ha-Bahir, and the seven dwellings (moradas) of Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. The structural parallel across all three is striking; the historical transmission across...
Abstract This article systematically constructs an Eastern introverted empirical paradigm rooted in Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist traditions, in contrast to the dominant Western extroverted empirical model. While the latter relies on external observation, experimentation and quantitative analysis as standard scientific norms, the Eastern cognitive path centering on self-reflection, mental...
Chapter 10 : The Doors of Perception explores how altered states unlock consciousness’ vast but ordinarily constrained potential. Drawing on Aldous Huxley’s mescaline experiments and his notion of the brain as a “reducing valve,” the chapter follows how chemical mysticism, meditative practices, and rational inquiry by figures such as Richard Feynman open access to hidden territories of...
The article explores the ontological status of mystical testimonies by applying the phenomenological framework of Roman Ingarden. To navigate the methodological confusion surrounding the definition of a “mystical text,” the author utilizes eidetic reduction to determine the necessary conditions for such a text’s existence. Within this framework, a mystical text is classified as a purely...
There are episodes in Norman Mailer’s novel The Naked and the Dead that seemingly contradict its realistic genre when ordinary soldiers experience moments of mystical awareness and knowledge about everything and everyone. Admittedly, these moments are fleeting. Yet, studying these flashes of insight inevitably leads to the conclusion that the young author of mere 25 years packed a lot more in...
Purpose - This article aims to examine the cosmology of love in the thought of Sachiko Murata and to explore its application to Qur'anic cosmic verses concerning the sky, the earth, and rain. While studies on Qur'anic cosmology and Murata's intellectual contributions have expanded considerably, limited attention has been given to integrating her Taoist-Sufistic framework into the interpretation...
The spiritual journey in Islamic wisdom aims at reaching the highest stage of perfection, which is direct intuitive knowledge of the Divine Reality. Achieving this goal demands accurate cognition, spiritual refinement, and guidance under a qualified master. This study examines the factors underlying spiritual wayfaring by comparing the foundations of Ghiyāth al-Din Dashtaki and Ayatollah Javadi...
This article examines the issues of knowledge, mystical wisdom (irfan), and spiritual perfection presented in Nizami Ganjavi’s Iskandarnama, particularly in its Iqbalnama section, which forms part of the Khamsa (Five Treasures). The study explores the artistic interpretation of Alexander as both a sage and a prophet and highlights the central role of knowledge in human life through a series of...
This paper develops a mystical atheist political theology drawing on Brook Ziporyn’s work, particularly his interpretation of Tiantai Buddhist metaphysics. Mainstream political theology rests on the idea that political concepts are secularized theological concepts. If true, this poses a challenge for mystical atheism, since this means that atheism is effectively barred from the political...
Abstract Background . It is widely accepted that beyond the pharmacological predictors, individuals’ pre-drug mental disposition, including intentions , influences the psychedelic experience. However, is it not fully clear how intentions and outcomes relate. This study explores the intention qualities beyond classically assessed category and explicitness in association with outcomes. Methods ....