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Jun 03, 2011, 03:26 PM
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Member Since: Mar 2010
Location: On the faultlines of the hybrid war
Posts: 7,139
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Quote:
In ancient times, spiritual vitality and mental health were considered identical. People did not conceive of a mind separate from the soul. The kinds of behavior that now get referred to psychiatric wards were considered evidence of spiritual illness or demonic possession. When this system of belief functioned at its healthiest, the deeper value of the person was not questioned; it was instead assumed that mystical torment obscured a sufferer’s brighter lights.
However, in some case inflexible religious attitudes probably stigmatized many people that our society would try to view more compassionately. When such cases are considered, labeling someone ‘psychiatrically ill’ may seem preferable to declaring him or her to be in the clutch of demons.
On the other hand, the elevated states of consciousness that have informed saints and prophets throughout recorded history are now considered delusional, hallucinatory, and insane. So whereas traditional societies would honor those capable of expanded consciousness, conventional psychiatry has defined spiritual ecstasy as a disease.
Although our current philosophies of mind help us view those in chaotic states a bit more kindly, they undermine the sorts of spiritual realization that from time immemorial have rescued people from lives of torment.
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http://blogs.psychcentral.com/happin...-for-the-soul/
another thoughtful article from Will Meechan.
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Glory to heroes!
HATEFREE CULTURE
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