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Koestler, Arthur - Misc. Quote - On 'entrancement'
Identifier
002695
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
He writes about it and defines it, but there is no indication he achieved it except when he was tortured.
A description of the experience
“Self transcending emotions do not tend towards bodily action but towards passive quiescence. Respiration and pulse are slowed down and ‘entrancement’ takes place - a step towards the trance like state induced by contemplative mystics. The emotion is of a quality that cannot be consummated by any specific voluntary act. To be ‘overwhelmed’ …’enraptured’ …’entranced’ …each of these words expresses passive surrender”