203 thiempactofmysticalexperienceonself-actualizationw,orldviewu,nderstandinga,ndtoleranceinbuddhisme,asternorthodoxhy,induisma,ndislam Table 3 Combined Textural and Structural Descriptions Textural Descriptions Structural Descriptions (1) Self-Concept and Ontological Separation The experiencings of the physical or embodied state are transitory, and might be described as a sensation of confinement vs. freedom. The exclusive identification with the body, mind, and/or thoughts negates the ability of the ‘self ’ to experience the immortal, changeless, and boundary-free existence that is unaffected by physical and/or environmental changes. This results in the experience of ontological and existential separation, or a deep sense of emptiness similar to the heartfelt feelings associated with the loss of a ‘loved one’ or of being an alien in a strange land. Nevertheless, in the depths of the heart, i.e., in the spiritual organ of cognition, there is still retained some longing and/or nostalgia for, and memory of that pre-existing and non-existing place of space and essence experience, which can cause experiencing to be suffused with energy, (i.e., the causal activity that activates all potential). The first step toward experiencing the immortal, changeless, and boundaryfree existence that is unaffected by physical and/or environmental changes is increased attention and awareness of the fact that the invented self-image, which is based on a false and imputed self image, although an intrinsic part of the sense of self, is nevertheless ONLY a construct of the mind. ‘The next step involves ‘psychic breakdown’, or that which is commonly called repentance, [i.e., (a) recognition of the false body-mind identification, (b) gladsome mourning, (c) abandonment of obstacles, and (d) determination to follow the path through positive psychic re-building or healing]. Once the myth of body-mind identification is exposed, mystical experience becomes possible. (2) Reality and Spiritual Cognition Spiritual reality cannot be experienced by the senses. The path of spiritual ascendancy and mystical experience reveal the true self and presents that self with a reality that transcends the material world. Spiritual reality is experienced through stillness, or silence, that is not empty, but rather filled with the oneness of God. It is the reality that the ‘self ’ is not circumscribed by the body or the mind. This is the rudimentary and intuitive awareness of the organ of spiritual cognition. In order to create a structural description of spiritual reality, the common understandings of time, space, location, and relationship must be expanded to include another dimension that operates beyond the senses. Ultimately, spiritual reality is experienced through the activation of the supersensory organ of spiritual cognition, which must be cultivated through attention. e impact of mys ic l experience on self-actualiza i n...
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