Rational Mysticism


Book Description

Table of contents




Science, Sense and Soul


Book Description

In a world of political and social turmoil, can science tell us anything helpful? Can we make practical use of mysticism-the essence of religion-with its promise of a higher spiritual truth? Is it true that physics and biological science are incompatible with religion? Or can they be fruitfully reconciled? In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Casey Blood shows how quantum physics does indeed explain the true nature of the physical universe. He tells us how neuroscientists can provide an understanding of the way the brain makes sense of our inner and outer worlds. He also shows that neuroscience, in conjunction with a basic knowledge of mysticism, can clarify how and why meditation techniques and other mystical practices work. Most satisfying of all, he paints a world picture in which quantum physics is no only compatible with mysticism but also gives us a deeper understanding of spiritual matters. For Dr. Blood, three diverse disciplines-quantum physics, neuroscience, and mysticism-rather than being in conflict, give a unified picture of human existence. Together they show that the spiritual world has an immense effect on what happens here and now. And they suggest that spiritual practices can enable society to match human aspirations. Though the subjects are profound, Science, Sense & Soul is written in a clear, uncomplicated, readable style. The three sections on physics, neuroscience, and mysticism are mini-courses in the basics of those fields of inquiry. These three strands are then interwoven into an intricate design that illuminates the structure of and reason for human existence.




An Introduction to the Study of Mysticism


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2022 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title The purpose of this book is to fill a gap in contemporary mystical studies: an overview of the basic ways to approach mystical experiences and mysticism. It discusses the problem of definitions of “mystical experiences” and “mysticism” and advances characterizations of “mystical experiences” in terms of certain altered states of consciousness and “mysticism” in terms of encompassing ways of life centered on such experiences and states. Types of mystical experiences, enlightened states, paths, and doctrines are discussed, as is the relation of mystical experiences and mysticism to religions and cultures. The approaches of constructivism, contextualism, essentialism, and perennialism are presented. Themes in the history of the world’s major mystical traditions are set forth. Approaches to mystical phenomena in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and neuroscience are introduced. Basic philosophical issues related to whether mystical experiences are veridical and mystical claims valid, mystics’ problems of language, art, and morality are laid out. Older and newer comparative approaches in religious studies and in Christian theology are discussed, along with postmodernist objections. The intended audience is undergraduates and the general public interested in the general issues related to mysticism.




The Spiritual Quest


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Robert Torrance's wide-ranging, innovative study argues that the spiritual quest is rooted in our biological, psychological, linguistic, and social nature. The quest is not, as most have believed, a rare mystical experience, but a frequent expression of our most basic human impulses. Shaman and scientist, medium and poet, prophet and philosopher, all venture forth in quest of visionary truths to transform and renew the world. Yet Torrance is not trying to reduce the quest to an "archetype" or "monomyth." Instead, he presents the full diversity of the quest in the myths and religious practices of tribal peoples throughout the world, from Oceania to India, Africa, Siberia, and especially the Americas. In theorizing about the quest, Torrance draws on thinkers as diverse as Bergson and Piaget, van Gennep and Turner, Pierce and Popper, Freud, Darwin, and Chomsky. This is a book that will expand our knowledge—and awareness—of a fundamental human activity in all its fascinating complexity.




The Varieties of Scientific Experience


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“Ann Druyan has unearthed a treasure. It is a treasure of reason, compassion, and scientific awe. It should be the next book you read.” —Sam Harris, author of The End of Faith “A stunningly valuable legacy left to all of us by a great human being. I miss him so.” —Kurt Vonnegut Carl Sagan's prophetic vision of the tragic resurgence of fundamentalism and the hope-filled potential of the next great development in human spirituality The late great astronomer and astrophysicist describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. Exhibiting a breadth of intellect nothing short of astounding, Sagan presents his views on a wide range of topics, including the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets, creationism and so-called intelligent design, and a new concept of science as "informed worship." Originally presented at the centennial celebration of the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland in 1985 but never published, this book offers a unique encounter with one of the most remarkable minds of the twentieth century.




Science of the Mystical


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The author, is a practicing physician, and with her deep understanding of Science, views that the ancient Indian scriptures are all scientific treatises, which in addition to providing solution to the problems faced in the physical world, also help in transcend it to higher levels. She cites various discoveries by Western Scientists to substanciate her claim and establishes that religious practices like fasting meditation etc have deep impact on well being of a person. She has also attempted to explain the logic behind miracles, multiple universestime-dialation etc from a scientific perspective.




The Divine Science


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For thousands of years the great spiritual adepts from all corners of the globe have guarded the secret teachings enclosed in this book. Now, we are able to receive these teachings so that we too may be able to cultivate the high spiritual levels that have been lost for ages. The Divine Science is the systematic and exact process of the discovery of the mystical capabilities of the human soul. In all ancient religions and cultures the wise men and women used sacred words, the intonations of mantras, and the use of the magical art of Theurgy (mysticism or white magic). This book is filled with direct instruction and practices that anyone can use in order to discover the depth of authentic mysticism.




Philosophy of Mysticism


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This work is a comprehensive study of the philosophical issues raised by mysticism. Mystics claim to experience reality in a way not available in normal life, a claim which makes this phenomenon interesting from a philosophical perspective. Richard H. Jones's inquiry focuses on the skeleton of beliefs and values of mysticism: knowledge claims made about the nature of reality and of human beings; value claims about what is significant and what is ethical; and mystical goals and ways of life. Jones engages language, epistemology, metaphysics, science, and the philosophy of mind. Methodological issues in the study of mysticism are also addressed. Examples of mystical experience are drawn chiefly from Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, but also from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Daoism.




Science of the Magical


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"From the author of The Science of Monsters, this engaging scientific inquiry provides a definitive look into the elements of mystical places and magical object--from the philosopher's stone, to love potions to the oracles--from ancient history, mythology, and contemporary culture. Can migrations of birds foretell our future? Do phases of the moon hold sway over our lives? Are there sacred springs that cure the ill? What is the best way to brew a love potion? How do we create mutant humans who regenerate like Wolverine? In Science of the Magical, noted science journalist Matt Kaplan plumbs the rich, lively, and surprising history of the magical objects, places, and rituals that infuse ancient and contemporary myth. Like Ken Jennings and Mary Roach, Kaplan serves as a friendly armchair guide to the world of the supernatural. From the strengthening powers of Viking mead, to the super soldiers in movies like Captain America, Kaplan ranges across cultures and time periods to point out that there is often much more to these enduring magical narratives than mere fantasy. Informative and entertaining, Science of the Magical explores our world through the compelling scope of natural and human history and cutting-edge science."--




Sacred Knowledge


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Sacred Knowledge is the first well-documented, sophisticated account of the effect of psychedelics on biological processes, human consciousness, and revelatory religious experiences. Based on nearly three decades of legal research with volunteers, William A. Richards argues that, if used responsibly and legally, psychedelics have the potential to assuage suffering and constructively affect the quality of human life. Richards's analysis contributes to social and political debates over the responsible integration of psychedelic substances into modern society. His book serves as an invaluable resource for readers who, whether spontaneously or with the facilitation of psychedelics, have encountered meaningful, inspiring, or even disturbing states of consciousness and seek clarity about their experiences. Testing the limits of language and conceptual frameworks, Richards makes the most of experiential phenomena that stretch our understanding of reality, advancing new frontiers in the study of belief, spiritual awakening, psychiatric treatment, and social well-being. His findings enrich humanities and scientific scholarship, expanding work in philosophy, anthropology, theology, and religious studies and bringing depth to research in mental health, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology.