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The concept of non-dogmatic spirituality is worked out and described. It is shown that this is directly linked to the scholastic period when the question of whether direct experiential knowledge of the total reality was possible was discussed. It will then be shown that this is contingent on how we actually modulate our consciousness, following which the importance of consciousness and different states of consciousness are addressed.The concept of different states of consciousness and of a map of such states is elaborated. Different states of consciousness are discussed and defined, and their differences explained. Findings from the neurobiology and physiology of meditation and relaxation are presented and discussed. The psychology of meditation and spiritual practice is presented and the potential effects of continuous spiritual practice are discussed in a psychological framework.Constants of spiritual experiences across ages and cultures are discussed, as well as the question whether there is such a thing as a culturally and historically independent spiritual experience that is similar for many people. While most scholars of religion nowadays would subscribe to a constructivist framework, the position adopted here is a moderately realist one, stating that spiritual experiences are probably common in core but modified culturally as they are expressed and integrated. It is shown how the adoption of such a non-dogmatic spirituality as a general way of living would address many questions which we face at the moment, and which science or religion alone do not seem to be able to solve.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09345-1_5

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