Research source

When he falls into an ecstasy, his soul is leaving his body for a little while, it is laying aside its raiment…

Date of account: Published 1865
Source: The Book of Were-Wolves
Reference: The Book of Were-Wolves · selected passage 91
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

When he falls into an ecstasy, his soul is leaving his body for a little while, it is laying aside its raiment of flesh and blood and bone, to return to it once more when the trance is over

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

When he falls into an ecstasy, his soul is leaving his body for a little while, it is laying aside its raiment of flesh and blood and bone, to return to it once more when the trance is over. But this idea is not confined to Buddists, it is common everywhere. The spirit or soul is supposed to be imprisoned in the body, the body is but the lantern through which the spirit shines, “the corruptible body” is believed to “press down the soul,” and the soul is unable to attain to perfect happiness till it has shuffled off this earthy coil. Butler regards the members of the body as so many instruments used by the soul for the purpose of seeing, hearing, feeling, &c., just as we use telescopes or crutches, and which may be rejected without injury to our individuality.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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