Non-Believers: Have you ever had a mystical experience? (atheist, agnostic)

[Fluffy]

Heya rhys,

Originally Posted by rhys

Nobody can experience other people's internal life. In my case the effects were, subjectively, of a completely different kind, not a matter of degree at all - but, obviously they both happened in my own head, at least as far as I was concerned. Since most people tend to deny that they have this kind of experience, it is difficult to discuss.

Although I realise it could be quite difficult to do so, could you explain in what way the two kinds of experience differed? Or perhaps how you were able to determine them to be distinct?

[mball1297]

I had an idea this morning. I think the closest I've come to a mystical experience is listening to the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony. To me that piece feels like somebody showing me true joy in a way that I can feel it too. It's like a revelation. I imagine it to be similar, although not exactly the same, as someone saying they see God. I wouldn't quite call this a mystical experience for me, but I think it's close.

[Bouncing Ball]

Other than drugs I guess it's the dejavu that comes closest

[kai]

none at all

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Whether I've had a mystical experience depends on how you define "mystical". If it means feeling awe and wonder when looking up at a clear night sky full of stars, then sure. If it means something like meeting an apparition of Jesus on the road to Damascus, then no.

Actually... there was one experience that might count: I remember one evening lying in my bed, awake with my eyes closed, listening to the Trainspotting soundtrack on my headphones. I got this profound sense that my body had become incredibly large and my arms had become incredibly thin and short, yet they could still stretch across my chest. I then got the sense that I was floating above my body.

But I had donated blood earlier in the day, so I attributed the experience to that.

[rhys]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Heya rhys,
Although I realise it could be quite difficult to do so, could you explain in what way the two kinds of experience differed? Or perhaps how you were able to determine them to be distinct?

The sense of self disappeared, I think, and everything seemed right. Long time back now.

[mball1297]

Originally Posted by rhys

The sense of self disappeared, I think, and everything seemed right. Long time back now.

Wow, that really just hit me. I've been talking lately with Willamena and StephenW about the self, and the difference between the inside world, the self, and the outside world, the universe. For some reason this explanation gave me an idea of why maybe it was better that we don't think of them as separate. Thanks.

[rhys]

mball - Pleased it was a help.

[spiritually inclined]

Yes, I have. It was totally unexpected and happened in my room while I quietly pondered my homosexuality. I was confused about whether to believe in a god or gods because I had only recently left an abusive, border-line cult. I addressed my thoughts to whoever was out there listening to me, and I received a response.

My experience has similarities to near-death experiences. I think of it nearly every day, and it often brings me to tears, the way it did when it occurred. I am less concerned with the source or sources of the experience than I am with the truth of it and the powerful, profound effects it has had on me. I accept myself for who I am now, and I know without a doubt that all love is beautiful.

James