Developing the Mystical Mind

I argue that harder, more advanced forms of religiosity, which include profound mystical experiences and a developed religious mindset, can be fostered by engaging in devotional practices. By engaging in contemplation, fasting, and sleep deprivation, subjects can move from intuitive, basic forms of religiosity to more advanced forms similar to those exemplified by Christian mystics. In support of the argument, the paper gives examples of the role of contemplation, fasting, and sleep deprivation in devotional practices of Christian mystics. It also looks closer at the effects of such practices on the neural cognitive level.