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.
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.
Mystical Encounters with the Natural World
July 7, 2005
Paul Marshall
Pure consciousness, though empty of content, was central to W. T. Stace's explanation of extrovertive mystical experience, which he saw as a radical separation of spirit and nature. Stace's account is complicated by his use of incompatible philosophical ideas—empirico-phenomenalist, Kantian, and Hegelian—leading to confusion and a failure to address key features of extrovertive experience. Understanding his explanations requires considering the development of his metaphysical thought. Robert Forman later raised pure consciousness in a way that departs from Stace's dualism. The possibility of a permanent extrovertive state, attainable through Transcendental Meditation and other practices, is considered.