All spiritual traditions of all ages
give us a concept of "Realization,"
that is: realization of "spirit," spirituality.
or more specifically: "Self-realization."
In the pure spiritual traditions of Non-duality
the meaning of Self-realization is all about this "spirit" being "One with the Universe."
This One that is the Universe is Self. Thus "Self-realization."
Modern Medicine defines this feeling or awareness of "Being one with the Universe" as Depersonalization: "A state in which the normal sense of personal identity and reality is lost, characterized by feelings that one's actions and speech cannot be controlled."
Modern Medicine also gives us the diagnosis of "derealization" for anyone who "thinks" (s)he is this "One with the Universe": the non-dualistic SELF.
Derealization: "Psychiatry: An altered and unreal perception of things and objects in space/time, which may be accompanied by depersonalization. See Hallucination."
-- O'no
I don't think depersonalization and Self-Realization (Epiphany, Samadhi, etc.) can be compared with depersonalization. Depersonalization is a perceptual effect, that disconnects perceptual filters so that the visual artifacts that our brains produce are experienced. If anything, depersonalization is an experience of disconnection from our acquired perceptual filters, not an experience of unity, oneness, or connection.
If I had to compare both, the only thing they have in common is a temporary change in the way we view the world- I can't see any other similarity. I think they are more different than similar.
Quote from: CFTraveler on May 01, 2009, 11:46:48
I don't think.... I think they are more different than similar.
Self/Spirit's Best Secret:
seeking differences will create them
to make fiction appear real;
seeking similarities will vanish differences
into fiction.
-- O'no
There is an obvious social and scientific bias against genuine spirituality, not in every case but by and large. A few hundred years ago it was the same except the church played science's role, but still ebbed through a social medium to influence individuals.
You might read 'the Lacerta files' in which a humanoid tries to explain, in human terms, how everything people consider 'spiritual' or 'paranormal' is just science on a level they don't understand