The Sources of Higher States of Consciousness
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies January 1, 2005 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2005.24.1.48 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHigher states of consciousness, or mystical experiences, arise from two distinct sources: disruption of the body's normal homeostasis (HD states) and intensification of the consciousness-energy that constitutes human being (ICE states). The author examines examples of both types, comparing and contrasting their characteristics. Only ICE states are concluded to be truly positive and capable of becoming fully integrated, permanent higher states of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Psychology History Political science |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key finding | Higher states of consciousness from intensified consciousness-energy are the only truly positive and permanent form, unlike those from disrupted homeostasis. |
Abstract
In this paper, it is argued that “higher states of consciousness”–or mystical experiences–have two main sources: they can be caused by a disruption of the normal homeostasis of the human organism and also by an intensification of the “consciousness-energy” that constitutes our being. (These are termed HD and ICE states). The author investigates examples of both types of experience, and compares and contrasts them. It is concluded that the second type of experience is the only one which is truly positive and which can become a fully integrated and permanent higher state of consciousness.