The
term trance is
applied to a state of inwardly focused attention during which a person, although not asleep, shows little awareness of the immediate environment and exhibits a minimal response to stimuli. Throughout history, in various cultures,
states of ecstatic trance have been regarded as a
means of gaining spiritual visions and special powers (see shaman). The
body of the entranced individual is thought of as being suspended between life and death, while the mind is free to explore higher realms. Sometimes the body is also trained to exhibit unusual capabilities by means of trance (see yoga; meditation). The term trance is now also applied to somewhat similar states brought on through trauma or drug use. The state induced by hypnosis, however, commonly differs in some ways from that of a true trance.
More abstracts about the TRANCE