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Mystical Encounters with the Natural World

2 papers in the library · publishing 2005

Papers

1 Extrovertive Mystical Experience

Mystical Encounters with the Natural World July 7, 2005 Paul Marshall

Mystical experiences of the natural world, known as extrovertive experiences, are described through detailed accounts and a list of their common characteristics. Contrary to many theorists, the author argues that these experiences are not necessarily mediated by the senses. Survey studies indicate that a small but significant portion of the US and UK populations have encountered extrovertive unity, at least in milder forms. Evidence suggests that such experiences predate Romantic thinkers, appearing in older religious traditions, though this is not definitive.

2 ‘Being All, Knowing All, Loving All’

Mystical Encounters with the Natural World July 7, 2005 Paul Marshall

Classic descriptions of extrovertive mystical experience by Bucke, Otto, Stace, and Zaehner are summarized and shown to be limited. A more nuanced account is given, based on study of many mystical accounts. Several kinds of extrovertive unity are distinguished, along with characteristics such as self-transcendence, expansive knowledge, all-encompassing love, visual and auditory phenomena, altered time-experience, presences and realities, somatic and paranormal phenomena, and synaesthesia. Experiences are often uplifting but can be disturbing, especially with drugs, mental breakdown, or kundalini arousal.