Spontaneous Cosmic Consciousness Experience: A Phenomenological Approach
Journal of Consciousness Studies February 1, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.53765/20512201.32.1.081 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
The term 'cosmic consciousness' is used in two distinct ways: as an ontological fundamental in metaphysics and to name a mystical experience. This article, drawing on six first-person accounts including the author's, clarifies the conflation between the mystical event and the subsequent enduring state. It reviews the origin of this confusion, describes the phenomenology and conceptual structure of spontaneous cosmic consciousness, and proposes a paradigm form. The discussion also addresses enlightenment and the role of psi.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The article clarifies the conflation between the mystical event and the enduring state of cosmic consciousness, proposing a paradigm form based on first-person accounts. |
Abstract
The term 'cosmic consciousness' is mostly used either as an ontological fundamental in metaphysics or to name a mystical experience (event). It was first popularized as a psychological state, an evolutionary attainment following the event, while extension of the mystical experience over time comprises another state, for which the term is also used. Drawing on a personal journey of discovery involving six people's reports of spontaneous cosmic consciousness, including the author's own, this article starts with first-person accounts of the mystical event and state. Then, it reviews the origin of the event–state conflation, and goes on to consider some aspects of the experience and category as used. This includes comments on the phenomenology and conceptual structure of spontaneous cosmic consciousness experience, with the suggestion of a paradigm form along with consideration of 'enlightenment' and the place of psi.