This is what An Eternal Now refers to as an "I AM" experience. In Theravada map terms this sometimes occurs during the A&P, but is not guaranteed or necessary. I experienced it a few times during A&P phases.
Sounds of a glimpse of enlightenment to me, the very end of the path. No idea in therava map terms. I experienced something very similar, and it got me started on the path and provided the drive to keep on going.
It seems uncommon for it to be expressed so well and confidently in western art. I skimmed through Eugene O' Neill's biography but I couldn't find anything to reference it even though it seems undoubtedly autobiographical to me. I get the feeling that somewhere out there during his seaborne life he broke through his ego with no meditation needed. He obviously was no stranger to the dark night either.
