UDC: 130.31
https://doi.org/10.25198/2077-7175-2026-5-100


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RELIGIOUS TRANSCENDENCE AS AUTOTRANSFORMATION OF PERSONALITY

V. V. Gabeev
Gorsky State Agrarian University, Vladikavkaz, Russia
e-mail: v.gabeti@mail.ru

Abstract. The article is devoted to the phenomenon of religious transcendence as one of the anthropological strategies of personality autotransfomation, i.e., the transformation of existence of a person to compensate for their insufficiency and imperfection. The relevance of the article is determined by the presence of various proposals for «self-improvement» in modern culture, which lack clear criteria and, consequently, lead to unpredictable outcomes. Their external attractiveness for modern individuals who are «searching for themselves» overshadows the practices of religious transcendence. The article suggests exploring ascetic practices of transcendence as possessing such criteria. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the statement that religious transcendence is a controlled practice of autotransformation. This purpose is achieved through the solving of three interrelated tasks: philosophical analysis of the concepts of «autotransformation» and «transcendence», identification of the specific features of religious transcendence, and description of the criteria for religious transcendence. These tasks can be solved through a conceptual analysis of results of studies on the phenomenon of autotransformation and the hermeneutics of religious experience, which have published in philosophical literature, particularly the works of Sergey. Khoruzhij on Orthodox asceticism. The study reveals that religious transcendence, which involves moving from an imperfect, present existence to a divine existence, can be divided into three stages. Each stage has a specific outcome that is recorded in the religious tradition and serves as a criterion for autotransformation for its adherent. The first stage results in a radical and irreversible break with everyday life. The second stage leads to a state of permanent dialogue with the Supernatural through prayer or meditative contemplation. The third stage, which is the final result of autotransformation, involves entering the Highest Being through «fusion», «dissolution», or the union of the wills and minds of a person and God, and the acquisition of superhuman abilities.

Key words: anthropological strategy, asceticism, autotransformation, religious consciousness, religious experience, transcendence, transgression.

Cite as: Gabeev, V. V. (2026) [Religious transcendence as autotransformation of personality]. Intellekt. Innovacii. Investicii [Intellect. Innovations. Investments]. Vol. 5, pp. 100–108. – https://doi.org/10.25198/2077-7175-2026-5-100.


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