NUMINOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Numinous is an adjective that refers to something spiritual or divine, evoking a sense of awe, reverence, or mystery. The term is often associated with a deep spiritual experience or the perception of the divine presence. Numinous experiences are characterized by a feeling of both fear and fascination, as well as a profound sense of humility and reverence towards the transcendent.
The word numinous originates from the Latin term "numen," which means "divine will or power." In its usage, numinous describes the realm beyond the physical and material, transcending the human experience. It signifies an encounter with something beyond comprehension or explanation, which can generate profound emotions and inspire spiritual growth.
A numinous experience can occur through various means, such as religious rituals, sacred spaces, encounters with natural phenomena, or deep meditative practices. It is often accompanied by a sense of the sacred, as if one has tapped into a higher reality beyond the ordinary.
The concept of numinosity is found in various religious and spiritual traditions. For example, in Hinduism, devotees may feel a numinous connection with their deities during worship. Similarly, in Christian mysticism, the experience of the numinous is linked to a direct encounter with God. Overall, the term numinous encapsulates the idea of a profound spiritual encounter that transcends human limitations and can have a transformative effect on an individual's perception of reality.
Common Misspellings for NUMINOUS
Etymology of NUMINOUS
The word "numinous" is derived from the Latin term "numen", meaning "divine power" or "divine will". The Latin word itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*nem-", which conveys the idea of "to assign" or "to allot". The term was further developed by German theologian Rudolf Otto in his work "The Idea of the Holy" (1917), where he used "numinous" to describe the experience of encountering the divine or sacred. The word has since been adopted in English to signify a sense of awe, mystery, or spirituality.
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