Nibbanic (or Pure) Consciousness and Beyond
Philosophia March 14, 2011 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/s11406-011-9312-y via OpenAlex
Summary
The study explores how theological content influences the mystical experiences of Christian mystics, using their own descriptions. It also examines Buddhist accounts of pure consciousness achieved through deep meditation. A contemporary model of inner awareness is proposed, suggesting that a form of pure consciousness serves as a foundation for various conscious experiences, including mystical experiences across different traditions and feelings of union with God.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | A modal model of inner awareness suggests that pure consciousness underlies various forms of conscious experience, including mystical experiences and feelings of union with God. |
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Abstract
Pike’s phenomenology of mystical experiences articulates sharply where theological content may enter the structure of Christian mystics’ experiences (as characterized in their own words). Here we look to Buddhist (and other) accounts of “pure” or “nibbanic” consciousness attained in experiences of deep meditation. A contemporary “modal” model of inner awareness is considered whereby a form of pure consciousness underlies and embraces further content in various forms of consciousness, including mystical experiences in different traditions and experiences of “full union” (with God).