Transcendent truth

Transcendent truth is a religious term referring to an experience that is beyond all reference to the physical world. Some may interpret this experience within their own beliefs and rituals, while others take it a step further and eventually spark a whole new religion or sect. This concept is common to most religions.

In most cases, the experience can involve feeling at-one with the universe, or as some interpret, with God or a god. Also, a great sense of peace and final understanding of the world are overwhelming. The experience may last tenths of a second or several hours or days, depending on different factors. Once the experience complete, it usually forces the person to seek known references to make sense of the experience. This is where Joseph Campbell believed the local environment and culture shaped the final interpretation of the experience.

In primitive cultures, shamans would consider the experience a direct communication with their god or gods and attempt to allow the rest of the tribe to share in this experience. Other, more modern religions range in their acceptance of this and will view the person as anything from a saint or prophet to a mentally disturbed individual.

Modes of attaining this experience differ in each religion. Some will ritually dance for more than a day, while other meditate or ingest hallucinogenic drugs.

The Transcendent Truth has many names: Nirvana, Heaven, Brahman or Sacred Vision. It was Joseph Campbell’s belief that these names are mere references to the experience described above and should not be divided into separate categories.