Problems of Mysticism and Its Symbolism

Herbert Silberers main focus in Problems of Mysticism and Its Symbolism was to explore the relationship between mysticism dreams and the unconscious mind. He examined the symbolism present in mystical experiences dreams and various forms of religious and esoteric practices seeking to understand the underlying psychological mechanisms behind them. The book is divided into two main parts: Part I - Mysticism: In this section Silberer delves into the nature of mysticism and its manifestations across different cultures and religious traditions. He discusses the various states of consciousness experienced by mystics and attempts to uncover common patterns and themes in their accounts. Silberer explores the idea of mystical union with the divine or the transcendent and analyzes the psychological significance of these experiences. Part II - Symbolism: This part of the book focuses on the analysis of symbolism particularly in dreams and mystical visions. Silberer proposes that many mystical experiences are influenced by the workings of the unconscious mind and that symbols play a crucial role in expressing and understanding these experiences. He draws parallels between mystical symbols and dream symbols highlighting their shared significance in the psyche.