Rational Mysticism: Spirituality Meets Science in the Search for EnlightenmentThe author of The End of Science chronicles the most advanced research into such experiences as prayer, fasting, and trances in this “great read” (The Washington Post). How do trances, visions, prayer, satori, and other mystical experiences “work”? What induces and defines them? Is there a scientific explanation for religious mysteries and transcendent meditation? John Horgan investigates a wide range of fields—chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, theology, and more—to narrow the gap between reason and mystical phenomena. As both a seeker and an award-winning journalist, Horgan consulted a wide range of experts, including theologian Huston Smith, spiritual heir to Joseph Campbell; Andrew Newberg, the scientist whose quest for the “God module” was the focus of a Newsweek cover story; Ken Wilber, prominent transpersonal psychologist; Alexander Shulgin, legendary psychedelic drug chemist; and Susan Blackmore, Oxford-educated psychologist, parapsychology debunker, and Zen practitioner. Horgan explores the striking similarities between “mystical technologies” like sensory deprivation, prayer, fasting, trance, dancing, meditation, and drug trips. He participates in experiments that seek the neurological underpinnings of mystical experiences. And, finally, he recounts his own search for enlightenment—adventurous, poignant, and sometimes surprisingly comic. Horgan’s conclusions resonate with the controversial climax of The End of Science, because, as he argues, the most enlightened mystics and the most enlightened scientists end up in the same place—confronting the imponderable depth of the universe. |
Contents
2 ATTACK OF THE POSTMODERNISTS
| |
3 THE WEIGHTLIFTING BODHISATTVA
| |
4 CAN NEUROTHEOLOGY SAVE US? | |
5 THE GOD MACHINE
| |
6 THE SHEEP WHO BECAME A GOAT
| |
7 ZEN AND JAMES AUSTINS BRAIN
| |
9 GODS PSYCHOANALYST
| |
10 THE MAN IN THE PURPLE SPARKLY SUIT
| |
11 AYAHUASCA
| |
12 THE AWEFUL TRUTH
| |
WINTER SOLSTICE
| |
Back Matter | |
Back Cover | |
Spine | |
Common terms and phrases
alien Andrew Newberg asked awareness ayahuasca believe bliss brain Buddhist called Christian claim cognitive consciousness cosmic death divine effects ences enlightenment entheogenic epileptic evil eyes felt form constants Friday experiment gnosticism gurus hallucinations Hallucinogens Hindu Hofmann human Huston Smith Ibid interviewed James Austin Katz Ken Wilber kensho ketamine looked lucid dreams McGinn MDMA meditation meme mescaline Michael Persinger mind mystical experiences mystical technologies mystical visions nature neural Newberg Newberg and D'Aquili paranormal perception perennial philosophy perennialists Persinger's phenomena postmodern psilocybin psychedelic drugs psychiatrist psychic reality religion Rick Strassman Sasha schizophrenia scholars scientific scientists seemed sense session shaman Shulgin skeptical spiritual practices Stanislav Grof Strassman studies subjects Susan Blackmore Suzie Terence McKenna theology theory things tion told Tony transcendent transpersonal psychology trip truth ultimate University Vollenweider William James wrote yoga York