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Hinduism: Philosophy of Religion

Hindu attitudes to numinous experiences

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 3

Overview

Rudolf Otto's mysterium tremendum et fascinans, Arjuna's question and Krishna's answer in Bhagavad Gita 12, the qualities of a dear devotee, Hindu and non-religious examples, and whether such experience leads to belief.

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Key term

What does Bhagavad Gita 12 teach about devotion, and how is it linked to numinous experience?

Numbers

What is a numinous experience, as a Hindu might describe it?

Key term

What did Rudolf Otto mean by mysterium tremendum et fascinans?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a numinous experience, as a Hindu might describe it?

    Model answer

    A numinous experience is a feeling of awe and wonder in the presence of something holy. The idea was described by Rudolf Otto in 1917.

  2. 2

    What did Rudolf Otto mean by mysterium tremendum et fascinans?

    Model answer

    Otto meant a mystery that both terrifies and attracts. The holy overwhelms a person yet draws them in.

  3. 3

    Why are numinous experiences important for Hindus?

    Model answer

    Numinous experiences make God's presence feel real and close. The experience can deepen devotion and commitment.

  4. 4

    What question does Arjuna ask at the start of Bhagavad Gita 12?

    Model answer

    Arjuna asks who is better: those who worship Krishna's personal form or those who worship the unmanifest, imperishable divine.

  5. 5

    How does Krishna answer Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita 12.2–5?

    Model answer

    Krishna says those who fix their minds on him with faith are the most perfect. Worshippers of the unmanifest also reach him, but by a harder path.

  6. 6

    How can Bhagavad Gita 12 be linked to numinous experience?

    Model answer

    The chapter shows the loving awe of a devotee absorbed in God. Krishna promises to lift such devotees swiftly from the ocean of death.

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