What is an example of a numinous experience?

What is an example of a numinous experience?

The Numinous a sense of being in the presence of an awesome power, yet feeling distinctly separate from it. The word given to describe this feeling is numinous. vision of the burning bush, are experience of the numinous.

What is a numinous moment?

numinous – evincing the presence of a deity; “a numinous wood”; “the most numinous moment in the Mass” sacred – concerned with religion or religious purposes; “sacred texts”; “sacred rites”; “sacred music” 2. numinous – of or relating to or characteristic of a numen. Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection.

Why do people want a numinous experience?

Numinous experiences of whatever kind tend to make people change their thinking. This can lead to a religious belief system or faith. Faith fosters practices, such as meditation, prayer, and asceticism, that promote further numinous experiences.

What does Otto mean by numinous experience?

For Otto, the numinous can be understood to be the experience of a mysterious terror and awe (Mysterium tremendum et fascinans) and majesty (Majestas) in the presence of that which is “entirely other” (das ganz Andere) and thus incapable of being expressed directly through human language and other media.

Who has had a numinous experience?

Blaise Paschal had a numinous experience in 1664 “From about half past ten in the evening until half past midnight, Fire!….

What is the best definition of numinous?

Definition of numinous 1 : supernatural, mysterious. 2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity : holy. 3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense : spiritual.

What is meaning of numinous?

What does numinous mean in philosophy?

Numinous (/ˈnjuːmɪnəs/) is a term derived from the Latin numen, meaning “arousing spiritual or religious emotion; mysterious or awe-inspiring.” The term was given its present sense by the German theologian and philosopher Rudolf Otto in his influential 1917 German book The Idea of the Holy. …

What is meant by the term numinous?

What is a numinous dream?

Dreams can be numinous–that is, they produce the emotions I’ve described, along with seeming to come from elsewhere and leading to a desire for more such dreams, even if they are upsetting.

What was St Teresa of Avila religious experience?

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a Spanish nun who established the Discalced Carmelites, an order devoted to quiet prayer, poverty and austerity. She believed, however, that her quiet prayer was a superior experience. Throughout her life, Teresa combined a contemplative lifestyle with the activities of daily life.

What is the meaning of the word numinous?

The term is difficult to define. Other words that overlap in meaning are “sublime,” “sacred” and “transcendent” when referring to the source of the experience, and “awe,” “reverence” and “ecstasy” when describing the state of mind induced. The numinous is an essential component of religion.

What are the characteristics of the numinous experience?

In summary, the experience of the numinous combines three main characteristics (i) a sense of being in presence of something beyond comprehension or control. (ii) an intense emotional arousal, combining fear and wonder, like the feeling at the edge of an abyss. (iii) a state of uncertainty and a need to do something about it.

How does the experience of the numinous lead to faith?

The experience of the numinous leads to faith and faith lead to practices that bring about further interaction with the numinous. For example, revelations can lead to conversion to a faith that promotes prayer and meditation to enhance the experience of the numinous.

Is the numinous a Mysterium or fascinans?

These are often designated with a Latin phrase: mysterium tremendum et fascinans. As mysterium, the numinous is “wholly other”– entirely different from anything we experience in ordinary life. It evokes a reaction of silence. But the numinous is also a mysterium tremendum. It provokes terror because it presents itself as overwhelming power.