Qualia of God: Phenomenological Materiality in Introspection, with a Reference to Advaita Vedanta
Open Theology January 26, 2017 Olga Louchakova-Schwartz 19 citations
The author applies Michel Henry's philosophy to propose a new concept called 'material introspection,' which differs from ordinary self-examination. In material introspection, attention turns inward toward embodied self-awareness to seek mystical self-knowledge or union with God. This process reveals a field of consciousness where phenomenological materiality discloses itself. Using Vedantic self-inquiry as an example, the author shows that material introspection requires an attitude of 'I see myself' and uses reductions that free phenomenological materiality from intentionality. The goal is inward self-transcendence into purified materiality.