Transpersonal Psychology Review
January 1, 2021
Steve Taylor
131 citations
Transpersonal psychology cannot avoid metaphysics, so it should explicitly adopt a post-materialist orientation. This article critiques Michael Daniels's skeptical stance toward metaphysics in his book *Shadow, Self, Spirit* and defends a 'soft perennialist' model against his criticisms. Four reasons support embracing post-materialism: metaphysical orientation is unavoidable; the field has traditionally held such a stance; evidence for post-materialism is compelling; and committing to it can help shift culture away from materialism's destructive effects. A pluralistic approach remains possible given the variety of post-materialist perspectives.
Transpersonal Psychology Review
January 1, 2020
Freya Harrild, David Luke
9 citations
This paper examines transpersonal psychology and ecopsychology together, focusing on their relationship with mystical experiences and the effects of nature-induced mystical experiences on ego-boundaries and psychological wellbeing. It argues that the re-emerging study of psychedelics—as positive agents for mental health, wellbeing, spiritual and creative growth, and social change—belongs inherently to a transpersonal ecopsychology. The paper concludes with a critical evaluation of these concepts and their implications for modern psychology.
Transpersonal Psychology Review
January 1, 2016
1 citation
Originally presented at a conference on psychedelics, psychology, and spirituality, this paper offers critical perspectives on the role of psychedelics in the origins and development of transpersonal psychology. Reflecting on counter-culture figures such as Albert Hofmann, Abraham Maslow, and Ram Dass, the author highlights concerns and doubts they raised about the potential risks of psychedelics, arguing these concerns remain relevant today. The paper also examines varied positions on psychedelics within Buddhist, Jewish, Daoist, and Hindu spiritual traditions.
Transpersonal Psychology Review
May 31, 2024
Stuart Whomsley
Occult and paranormal ideas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries shaped Freud's theories, and his work later influenced parapsychology and transpersonal psychology. This paper traces those lines of influence, starting with late 19th-century occultism and Freud's ambiguous stance toward it. It examines his essay "The Uncanny," his interest in telepathy, clairvoyance, fortune tellers, dream interpretation, and the magic of words. Freud's impact on Jung and Assagioli is discussed, followed by an assessment of his overall legacy for parapsychology and transpersonal psychology.