Toward Understanding Mystical Consciousness: an Analysis of a Text From Simone Weil
Religion and Theology January 1, 2003 Jean Evans, Celia E.T. Kourie
Mystical consciousness is a received moment of heightened awareness that is both self-aware and aware of an other, according to textual analysis of Simone Weil's writings. It can be mediated through language such as poems or prayers. Mystical consciousness creates an outward or transcendent movement, a transformative ego-shift. It displays the characteristics of ordinary consciousness but differs qualitatively in intensity, absorption, and boundaries. Textual analysis is presented as the most viable approach for understanding the nature of mystical consciousness.