Sensory translation

This has been postulated (Arthur J Deikman) as an explanation of some of the perceptions associated with the mystic experience. Psychic action such as conflict, repression or problem solving is perceived through the sensations of light, colour, movement, force, sound, smell or taste. It is similar to the hypnagogic experience but, whereas in the hypnagogic and dream states perceptions are complex, here there is an experience of non-verbal, simple, concrete perceptual equivalents of psychic action.

Sensory translation seems to occur when there is: direction of heightened attention to sensory paths; absence of controlled, analytical thought; a receptive as opposed to a suspicious attitude to stimuli.