A Comparative Model of Mysticism: Cognitive Neuroscience, Phenomenal Experiences, and Noetic Accounts.

This article proposes a novel model of comparative mysticism centered on the dynamic interaction between three components: neurocognitive mechanisms and substrates, phenomenal experiences, and noetic accounts (interpretations grounded in cultural and religious contexts). Using the phenomenon of ego-dissolution (EDn)—a state where the sense of self dissolves—the model is applied to diverse cases including the modern Indian mystic Sadhguru, the medieval Spanish Christian mystic Teresa of Ávila, and individuals undergoing psychedelic experiences with psilocybin and LSD. The neurocognitive component, involving brain regions such as the right parietal lobe and the default mode network, serves as a bridge between essentialist views (which posit a universal core to mystical experiences) and contextualist views (which emphasize cultural specificity). By integrating neuroscience, first-person phenomenal reports, and culturally situated noetic interpretations, this interdisciplinary approach aims to respect both universal and contextual aspects of mysticism, facilitating more nuanced cross-cultural and historical comparisons.