Aesthetic Experience and Mystical Experience – Take in the Theological Horizon

Abstract

Aesthetic experience and mystical experience are similar in three stages of development. The first is to focus attention on detail. The artist does this in relation to the used element of the surrounding reality by bringing out something special in it, while the mystic seeks God's footprints in the natural world. In the second stage, the artist pushes away what distracts him, and he also frees himself from artistic conventions to create his intended work in an original way. In turn, the mystic cleanses himself of his weaknesses and attachment to the world. In the third stage, the artist can contemplate his work, and the mystic is able to experience the presence of God. The artist's temporary satisfaction passes. And in its place there is a sense of inadequacy between the intended idea and its inefficient implementation in a limited form. On the other hand, the mystic, after a moment's experience of God's presence, is aware that the object of his desire exceeds the limits of all possibilities of knowledge. Beauty and God appear as the two names of the One.