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Document Details : Title: The Phenomenon of Consciousness from the Perspective of a Comparative Study of Mysticism Subtitle: A Challenge for Interreligious and Interspiritual Understanding Author(s): DOJČÁR, Martin Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 23 Date: 2013 Pages: 1-11 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.23.0.3007310 Abstract : This article examines the phenomenon of consciousness in the perspective of comparative study of mysticism in The Cloud of Unknowing and Advaita Vedānta of Ramana Maharshi. Its main objective is to point out the significance of spirituality studies for interreligious and interspiritual understanding through understanding of consciousness that lies behind mystical contemplation. The author’s approach is methodologically based on data extracted from reports, testimonies, and teachings of mystics examined through the method of content analysis of primary sources that is complemented by phenomenological description and hermeneutical enquiry. Mystical contemplation is subsequently explicated in relation to the current epistemological debate concerning the role of interpretation in experience. The author argues in favor of an essentialist thesis that claims the possibility of ‘pure’ experience, and a universalism thesis based on conviction about transcultural occurrence of direct, i.e., nonintentional and unmediated ‘experience’ of ‘pure consciousness’ interpreted as the very ‘essence’ of transcendentality. |
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