International Journal of

Transpersonal Studies
Volume 21 | Issue 1 Article 4

1-1-2002

The Essence of Transpersonal Psychology

Contemporary Views
S. I. Shapiro
University of Hawaii

Grace W. Lee
University of Hawaii

Philippe L. Gross
University of Hawaii

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 The Essence of Transpersonal Psychology
Contemporary Views

S. L Shapiro Grace W. Lee Philippe L. Gross

Universicy ofHawai'i
Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA

The authors compiled 80 chronologically ordered passages from the contemporary psychology
literature that address the essence of transpersonal psychology. A thematic analysis of
these passages revealed that the two most frequent categories, occurring 53 (66.2%) and 49
(61.2%) times respectively, were: (a) Going beyond or transcending the individual, ego, self,
the personal, personality, or personal identity; existence of a deeper, true, or authentic Self;
and (b) Spirituality, psychospiritual, psychospiritual development, the spiritual, spirit. Other,
less frequent, themes included: special states of consciousness; interconnectivity/unity; going
beyond other schools of psychology; emphasis on a scientific approach; mysticism; full range
of consciousness; greater potential; inclusion of non-Western psychologies; meditation; and
existence of a wider reality.

A monk asked, "If this is the True Realm of of transpersonal psychology in terms of our
Reality, where did it come from?" knowledge of the history and development of the
The master said, "Please say that one more time." discipline. As a result, all but a few of the sources
- Chao-chou [Joshu] for the entries we selected were recognizable to
(In Green, 1998, p . 47) us as having been written by colleagues in the
transpersonal psychology movement, as having
course of a larger study of appeared in established journals, as having a

D
URING THE
developmental trends in transpersonal scholarly or reference nature, oreas coming from
psychology, we took special note of established educational organizations.
English-language passages in the literature, from The total number of appropriate entries we
1991 through 2001,1 that characterized the field found for the compilation was 80. 8 The citation
of transpersonal psychology. From these we sources represent: books (40);journal articles (13);
selected those statements which specifically websites (8); brochures (5); newsletters (5);
reflected how the authors construed the essence dictionaries 4 (4); letters or flyers (4); encyclopedias
of transpersonal psychology. In choosing the (3); school catalogs (1); organizational constitutions
entries we selected only those that clearly (1); and unpublished convention papers (1).5
addressed the essence of transpersonal Below we present the compilation of
psychology per se, and not , for example, statements6 in chronological order followed by a
transpersonal studies, transpersonal therapy, or thematic frequency analysis.
transpersonalism in general. 1. Transpersonal psychology is a Western
We also exercised some selectivity in choosing formulation which transcends and includes all
entries,2 such that in our judgment they did not of the Western behavioural sciences. In
exhibit narrow sectarianism and that they encouraging the notion of "going beyond" and
credibly reflected viewpoints about the essence "more than," transpersonal psychology

The lnternationat]ournal ofTranspersonaL Studies, 2002, Vol. 21, 19-32 19

© 2002 by Panigada Press
 addresses such concepts as life, breath, soul 5. [. ..]the new field oftranspersonal psychology
and spirit, holism, and perception as (a psychology that deals with all the things
communion. Transpersonal psychology is an orthodox psychology deals with, but also studies
endeavour in which consciousness and Mind the psychology of spiritual experience). [p. 4)
are primary. [p. 30] Wilber, T. K. (1991). In K. Wilber, Grace and grit: Spiritual-
Diespecker, D. (1991). One mind: An introduction to ity and healing in the life and death ofTreya Killam Wilbe1:
transpersonal psychology. Bellingen, NSW, Australia: Boston: Shambhala.
Earthrise Press.
6. TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY An offshoot
2. Many transpersonal psychologists believe that of humanistic psychology that encompasses a
the ego or self is a useful fiction. For these wide range of self-transcending phenomena,
psychologists, ego formation is an important including ecstatic and mystical experiences. Its
stage in development, but in later proponents seek to appropriate insights fi'om
developmental stages this illusion of the great religious traditions, especially those
separateness can be transcended, and more ofthe East, in order to develop a new paradigm
globally encompassing modes of consciousness of scientific understanding. [Glossary, p. G-30]
are possible. [p. 6) Wulff, D. M. (1991). Psychology of religion: Classic and con-
(Statement of Purpose]. (1991, Fall). Transpersonal temporary views. New York: Wiley.
Psychology Interest Group (TPIG) Newsletter, 6.
7. Trans personal psychology is both an evolving
3. The transpersonal perspective is a view of people clinical and scientific tradition within
and their relations to the larger world that is psychology and also an ancient psychospiritual
compatible with the new world view that sees lineage. Transpersonal psychology can be
the universe and everything in it, including understood to be the study of non-ordinary
human beings, as a series of interconnected, states ofconsciousness not traditionally covered
interacting, and mutually influencing systems. by the discipline of ego psychology. This includes
Transpersonal psychology approaches human states of consciousness such as meditation,
beings in the context of the wider world, religious ecstasy, trance and "unitive conscious
including the invisible world of spirit. It insists experiences" often described in the esoteric and
on recognition by individuals of the breadth of spiritual literature of humankind. This would
the context in which they live. But also incorporate the study of the
transpersonal psychology does not exclude the psychophysiological techniques and introspective
practical world of everyday living, for it is disciplines associated with these states of
through our daily lives that we make our consciousness. Finally the field includes both
imprint on the wider world; while we, in turn, metaphysical and philosophical paradigms
are in the process of being transformed by the often encountered in the contemporary fields of
practical world every moment of every day. In theoretical physics, neuroscience and cognitive
the transpersonal view, the only way the psychology. The transpersonally oriented
spiritual world can manifest is through ordinary clinician's perspective is often inclusive of
people in the visible world. [pp. 142-143] anomalous experiences and does not reflexively
reduce noetic or spiritual experiences to organic,
Singer, J. (1991). Seeing through the visible world: Jung, psychopathological or even unconscious causes
gnosis, and chaos. San Francisco: HarperCollins.
and dynamics, nor elevate disturbed
psychological states to the sublime. Also the
4. The published literatme, my own thinking, and range or spectrum of consciousness is not
a number ofdiscussion groups lead me to suggest necessarily localized to one mind or set of body-
the following as core characteristics of the field mind boundary conditions, or for that matter
[trans personal psychology]: Constructed to one life-time. [pp. 301-302]
Consciousness; Valid Alternate States of
Consciousness; Superiority of Some Alternate Bynum, E. B. (1992). A brief overview of transpersonal psy-
States; De-Automatizing for Consciousness chology. Humanistic Psychologist, 20(213), 301-306.
Change; Consciousness Disciplines in Religions;
Genetic Motive for Consciousness Growth; 8. Following in the path ofhumanistic psychology,
Cosmic Unity; Cosmic Flow; Interdisciplinary transpersonal psychology grew as a reaction
Study ofPersonality.7 [p. 5] to the limitations of mainstream (first and
Tisdale, J. R. (1991, Fall). Characteristics of transpersonal second "force") psychology, specifically in
psychology. Transpersonal Psychology Interest Group regard to its failure to address adequately "the
(TPIG) Newsletter, 5. farther reaches ofhuman nature." [.. .]

20 The International journal ofTranspersonal Studies, 2002, VoL 21

 Transpersonal psychology responded to these guided imagery, and Eastern meditative
limitations by developing an expanded view of practices, as well as traditional therapeutic
human nature and potential, through which techniques. Unlike other branches ofWestern
human identity could be perceived as including psychology, however, the transpersonal
and transcending conventional understandings approach accepts spiritual insight as a
of ego and personality. [pp. 3-4] legitimate part of the healing process, so it
includes realms of experience, wisdom, and
Cordts, J. (1992, August). Consciousness, culture, and method: creativity beyond the personality, such as
Integrating transpersonal and phenomenological psycholo- mystical experience, ecstasy, and enlightenment,
gies. Paper presented at the Centennial Annual Conven-
which were once thought to be the exclusive
tion of the American Psychological Association, Washing-
domain of religion. [p. 92)
ton, DC.
Miller, R. S., & The Editors of New Age Journal. (1992). As
9. Transpersonal psychology. Name given to the above so below: Paths to spiritual renewal in daily life.
so-called "fourth force" in psychology. Los Angeles: Tarcher.
Transpersonal psychology follows from "first
force" classical psychoanalytic theory; "second 13. Thus humanistic psychology tended to neglect
force" behaviorist psychology; and "third force" another part ofhuman development, our fourth
humanistic psychology. It deals with such areas aspect, the spirit. Not "spirit" in the limited
of human conditions as self-transcendence, sense of vitality or authenticity, but as
peak experience, mystical transformation, and something real behind the material
ultimate values. The term "transpersonal" manifestations oflife, something we get fleeting
itself refers to that which transcends the ego, glimpses of in "mystical experiences," the vital
and thus implies a sympathy for mystical and energy underlying religions before they all too
paranormal topics and ideas. [p. 301] often ossify into mechanisms for social control.
Transpersonal psychology, the study of the parts
Drury, N. (1992).Dictionary of mysticism and the esoteric tra- of our nature that are beyond (trans) our
ditions (Rev. ed.). Bridport, England: Prism Press.
ordinary, limited, personal self, is the social
manifestation of trying to understand and
10. For me Transpersonal Psychology is a develop this fourth aspect. [p. ix]
psychological perspective or framework which
assigns primary importance to experiential Tart, C. T. (Ed.). (1992). Transpersonal psychologies: Perspec·
reports of concern or contact with entities, tiues on the mind from seuen great spiritual traditions (3rd
beliefs or realms greater than oneself using ed.). San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
them as a basis for conducting and
interpreting psychological theories, 14. Another important conceptual difference
intervention and research. When I say theory I [between traditional and transpersonal
mean development theory, motivational theory, psychology) exists in regard to the dimensions
personality theory. When I say interventions I of the human psyche. While the model of
traditional psychology is limited to post-natal
mean psychotherapy, counseling, and
biography and to the individual unconscious,
education. [p. 308)
the transpersonal image of the human psyche
K:t;ppner, S. (1992). In R. May, S. K:t·ippner, & J. L. Doyle, The resembles that in the perennial philosophy. It
role oftranspersonal psychology in psychology as a whole: suggests that there exist no absolute
A discussion. Humanistic Psychologist 20(213), 307-317. boundaries in the universe and that, in the
last analysis, the human psyche of each
11. Transpersonal psychology is concerned with the individual is commensurate with all of
study of humanity's highest potential, and existence. It thus confirms the famous
with the recognition, understanding, and statement of the Upanishad, tat tuam asi (thou
realization of unitive, spiritual , and art That: you a:re divine, of the same nature
transcendent states of consciousness. [p. 91] as the creative principle). [p. 9]
Lajoie, D. H., & Shapiro, S. I. (1992). Definitions of Grof, S. (1993, Fall). in F. Vaughan, C. Grof, R. McDermott,
transpersonal psychology: The first twenty-three years. C. T Tart, & R. Walsh, The future of transpersonal psy-
Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology 24(1), 79-97. chology. ATP [Association for Transpersonal Psychology)
Newsletter, 8-11.
12. The beauty oftranspersonal psychology is that
it accepts the full spectrum of human 15. I see transpersonal psychology as a science which
consciousness, working with the body, studies the person in his/her wholeness, in the
emotions, mind, and spirit, according to context of a social, ecological and cosmic
Frances Vaughan, a well-known transpersonal relationship. In this way transpersonal psychology
therapist. Practitioners use dreamwork, is intercultural, as well as related to other scientific

The Essence ofTranspersonaL Psychology 21

 approaches such as medicine, anthropology, recognized spirituality as an important
sociology, physics, and other sciences. dimension in human life and studied the entire
Transpersonal psychology also incorporates spectrum of human experience, including non-
elements from other schools of psychology such ordinary states of consciousness. Transpersonal
as behaviorism, psychoanalysis, Jungian psychology has provided an important bridge
psychology, humanistic psychology, and others between Western psychology and the spiritual
that study human consciousness, especially in history of humanity, particularly shamanism,
its capacity to transcend the person and the the great mystical traditions of the world, and
ego. Transpersonal psychology can be defined, the spiritual philosophies of the East.
therefore, as the scientific study of states of
Grof, C., & Grof, S. Letter/Flyer received ca. 1994.
consciousness. [p. 3]
Matos, L. (Winter, 1993). An intercultural perspective on 20. Transpersonal psychology attempts to research
transpersonal psychology. ATP [Association for those experiences in which the sense of
Transpersonal Psychology] Newsletter, 3-7. identity expands beyond (trans) the individual
person, personality, or ego to encompass
16. At the turn of the century, he [William James] aspects of humankind, life, and the universe.
outlined the foundations for the discipline of Such experiences have been valued in most
psychology that would include cognitive cultures at times. Transpersonal psychology
science, transpersonal psychology (the aims to explore the natw·e, varieties, effects,
investigation of spiritual a"nd religious and means of inducing such experiences as
experience) and psychical research. [p. 276] well as the philosophies and traditions
Mishlove, J. (1993). The roots of consciousness (Rev. ed.). inspired by them. It attempts to integrate
Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books. contemporary science and philosophy with the
perennial wisdom of East and West [. .. ]Topics
17. Transpersonal psychology is about dualism, of special interest include consciousness and
trans meaning beyond, beyond the personal altered states, cross-cultUl'al studies, meditation,
[... ] Transpersonal psychology is the study of contemplation and yoga, lucid dreaming,
experiences that seem to transcend that mythology, psychedelics, philosophical
assumption oflimited embodiment. [p. 124] foundations, values, ethics, relationships,
Tart, C. T (1993). Mind embodied: Computer-generated vir-
exceptional psychological well-being and
tual reality. InK. R. Rao (Ed.), Cultivating consciousness: capacities, transconventional development,
Enhancing human potential, wellness, and healing (pp. transpersonal emotions such as love and
123-138). Westport, CT: Praeger. compassion and motives such as altruism and
service, transpersonal pathologies,
18. Transpersonal experiences may be defined as psychotherapies and related clinical concerns,
experiences in which the sense of identity or comparative religion, and psychological roots
self extends beyond (trans) the individual or of contemporary global crises. [pp. 548-549]
personal to encompass wider aspects of Walsh, R., & Vaughan, F. (1994). Transpersonal psychology
humankind, life, psyche, and cosmos [.. .] II. In R. Corsini (Ed.), Encyclopedia of psychology (2nd
Transpersonal psychology is the psychological ed., Vol. 3, pp. 548-550). New York: Wiley.
study of transpersonal experiences and their
correlates. These correlates include the nature, 21. The aim oftranspersonal psychology, then, is to
varieties, causes, and effects of transpersonal giye a psychological presentation of the
experiences and development, as well as the perennial philosophy and the Great Chain of
psychologies, philosophies, disciplines, arts, Being, fully updated and grolmded in modern
cultures, lifestyles, reactions, and religions that research and scientific developments. It fully
are inspired by them, or that seek to induce, acknowledges and incorporates the findings of
express, apply, or understand them. 8 [pp. 3-4] modern psychiatry, behaviorism, and
Walsh, R., & Vaughan, F. (Eds.). (1993). Introduction. In Paths developmental psychology, and then adds, where
beyond ego: The transpersonal vision (pp. 1-10). Los An- necessary, the further insights and experiences
geles: Tw:cher. of the existential and spiritual dimensions of the
human being. We might say it starts with
19. Transpersonal psychology has been in existence psychiatry and ends with mysticism. [p. x]
for the last twenty-five years and has become Wilber, K. (1994). Foreword. In J. E. Nelson, Healing the split:
an increasingly important force in scientific, Integrating spirit into our understanding of the mentally
cultural, and political life. It began in the late ill (Rev. ed., pp. viii-xii). Albany, NY: State Univexsity of
1960s as a new movement in psychology which New York Press.

22 The International journal ofTranspersonal Studies, 2002, Vol. 21

22. Transpersonal has been called the "fourth force" Kelly, E. W., Jr. (1995). Spirituality and religion in counsel-
in psychology (the other three being depth, ing and psychotherapy: Diversity in theory and practice.
behavioral, and humanistic psychology). In Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
many ways the transpersonal work has put the
soul, spirit, and even consciousness back into 27. A much larger and faster growing field of
the discipline of psychology. [p. 98] investigation, though, is transpersonal
psychology, a twenty-five-year-old branch of
Achterberg, J. (1994). The foundations and future of psychology that actively investigates mystical
transpersonal psychology. ReVision, 16(3), 98. experiences and the like, experiences that are
trans, beyond our ordinary personal and biological
23. Transpersonal psychology seeks to awaken the self. It is primarily interested in understanding
individual's fullest potential and consciousness, and helping to facilitate such experiences. We
to reach through and beyond the personal to moderns are desperate for genuine spirituality
the essence of being, the mystery of life. based on deep experience, not simply ideas, and
Embracing this mystery brings us together as there is great hope that transpersonal psychology
we share the sense that there is something can bring a nonsectarian spiritual vitality into
more, a vision of healing, creating, becoming our culture that can help us.
whole. Transpersonal psychology rests on an
Department ofTranspersonal Psychology, Graduate School understanding that a "successful" spiritual life
for Holistic Studies. (n.d.). [Brochure). Received 1995. needs a solid basis in deep experience. [p. 9]
Orinda, CA: John F. Kennedy University.
Tart, C. T. (1995). World parliament of superstition? Scien-
tific evidence for a basic reality to the spiritual. ReVision,
24. Transpersonal psychology has set for itself the 18(1), 3-10.
goal of constructing a paradigm that accounts Also: Tart, C. T. (1997). Body, mind, spirit: Exploring the para-
for the full range of human consciousness. [p. psychology of spiritualism. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton
132] Roads. [pp. 47-48)
Flier, L. (1995). Demystifying mysticism: Finding a develop-
mental relationship between different ways of knowing. 28. So they established transpersonal psychology
Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology, 27, 131-152. as a means of studying psychological health,
peak experiences, and nonordinary states of
25 . Adherents of this branch of psychology consciousness. [. .. ] The movement has
[transpersonal psychology) believe that there attracted many individuals of varied
is more to being human than is recognized by backgrounds who are interested in the
the other main approaches in the field. development ofhuman potentialities and who
Transpersonal psychology contrasts with have found existing images of the person to
perspectives that reduce human experiences be too limited [. .. ] [l]ts primary focus on
to strictly personal terms. [p. 283] subjective experiences allows these
experiences to be interpreted in different ways,
George, L. (1995). Alternative realities: The paranormal, the though in a spiritual context. [p. 21]
mystic and the transcendent in human experience. New
York: Facts On File. Vaughan, F. (1995, Fall). Transpersonal psychology. Gnosis, 21.
Also: 9 George, L. (n.d.). Welcome to spiritual emergence.
Retrieved November 14, 2001, from http://www 29. At times it seems that one of transpersonal
.spiritualemergence.nei/pages/trans.html psychology's special contributions is to "make
sense" of realities that a conventional
26. The defining perspective of transpersonal viewpoint might dismiss or ignore. [p. iv]
psychology is the application of scientific Vich, M. (1995). Editor's note. Journal o{Transpersonal Psy-
methods to those areas of human experience chology, 27, iv.
beyond the strictly empirical, such as unitive
consciousness, transcendence of self, spirit and 30. Transpersonal psychology has attempted to
spiritual practices, meditation, and examine phenomena which are an intrinsic
compassion based in a cosmic consciousness pru:t of the quest for wholeness in a situation
[...] Transpersonal psychology has come to give in which "Boundaries are illusions" (Wilber,
particular attention to Eastern religious 1985, p. 31). It is, then, an attempt to once
experience and Eastern psychology [. ..] The again find a place for ourselves as part of the
transpersonal realm involves levels of universe rather than as its exploiters and
spiritual experiences-described primarily in dominators (Fox, 1990), and to bring back into
terms of Eastern religious/psychological consideration experiences and ideas which are
thought-moving toward enlightened oneness generally regarded as "spiritual" rather than
with ultimate reality. [p. 66] scientific. [p. 42; References are to: Wilber, K

The Essence ofTranspersonal Psychology 23

 (1985). No boundary: Eastern and Western 33. Of note in the mission statement [in the first
approaches to personal growth. London: issue of the Journal of Transpersonal
Shambhala; Fox, W. ( 1990). Towards Psychology] are three major motifs: (1) a focus
transpersonal ecology. London: Shambhala.] on issues traditionally considered religious or
spiritual, for example, transcendence and
Brazier, D. (1995). Zen therapy. London: Constable. ultimate meanings or values; (2) an emphasis
on empirical, scientific studies; and (3) a
31. Transpersonal Psychologies. In the 1960s, suspension of belief in the content of the
transpersonal psychology emerged as a experiences, that is, "optional" interpretations
movement devoted in part to the study of about whether the phenomena are
alternative states of consciousness. Though by supernatural or not. In other words,
no means representative of the mainstream of transpersonal psychology was to be a
psychological research in the West, reflective, scientific-minded approach to
transpersonal psychologists are intrigued by matters traditionally considered religious or
the possibility that human beings possess spiritual. [p. 11]
transcendent powers of consciousness. Some
speculate about the mind's untapped potential Chinen, A. B. (1996). The emergence of transpersonal psy-
chiatry. In B. W. Scotton, A. B. Chinen, & J. R. Battista
for awareness and hold to a view of the universe
(Eds.), Textbook of transpersonal psychiatry and psychol-
as conscious and purposive. They are convinced ogy (pp. 9-18). New York: Basic Books.
that we can be motivated by broader and less
selfish impulses than physiological needs and 34. In its strict sense, transpersonal psychology
egoistic emotions. For these psychologists, our (trans from the Latin for "beyond" or
most important motivations spring n·om a "through," and personal from the Latin for
selflessness that revolves around the pondering "mask") studies those experiences which
of ultimate questions-questions about the allegedly enable the individual to see beyond
meaning, purpose, and value of human life. the conditioned ego, and to identify some
Often influenced by the recent influx ofEastern deeper and more enduring sense of self. By
psychologies and philosophies into the West, extension it is also concerned with those beliefs
transpersonal psychology seeks to reverse what (such as religious beliefs) that regard
it considers the disproportionate attention individual existence as an expression of some
given to man's psychological afflictions at the wider reality, whether this reality is defined
expense of his great potentialities. This in terms of an impersonal life force, or
movement may be understood as an attempt personalized into a deity or deities. [p. 3)
to reconnect the science of psychology with the Fontana, D. , & Slack, I. (1996, Fall). The need for
perennial metaphysical teachings of the transpersonal psychology. ATP (Association for
spiritual traditions. [p. 57] Transpersonal Psychology] Newsletter, 3-7.
Needleman, J., & Eisenberg, R. (1995). Consciousness, States
of In M. Eliade (Ed.), The encyclopedia of religion (Vol. 4, 35. Transpersonal psychology is a branch of
pp. 57-59). New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan. (Origi- psychology that recognizes and accepts
nally published 1987) spirituality as an important dimension of the
human psyche and of the universal scheme of
32. In the 1960s Abraham Maslow's research on things. It also studies and honors the entire
healthy, self-actualizing people included a spectrum of human experience, including
concern for spiritual issues ... various levels and realms of the psyche that
By the end of the decade, transpersonal become manifest in non-ordinary states of
psychology was differentiated from humanistic consciousness (NOSC). [p. 44)
psychology, placing greater emphasis on the Grof, S. (1996). Theoretical and empirical foundations of
study of spiritual experiences, optimum transpersonal psychology. In S. Boorstein (Ed. ),
psychological health and the full spectrum of Transpersonal psychotherapy (2nd ed., pp. 43-64). Albany,
human consiousness, including some states NY: State University of New York Press.
that had previously been mapped only by
Eastern disciplines ...Transpersonal psychology, 36. Transpersonal psychology has developed since
as it developed in the seventies and eighties, this period [late 1960s) as that branch of
focused more on the relationship of psychological theory which takes religious and
psychological health to spiritual development and mystical experiences seriously as constituting
the investigation of inner experience. [p. 162] a domain sui generis, refusing to follow the
redilctionistic interpretations widely accepted
Vaughan, F. (1995). Shadows of the sacred: Seeing through iil other psychological schools. In doing so, it
spiritual illusions. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books.
claims well-known authorities like William

24 The InternationaL journal ofTranspersonaL Studies, 2002, voL. 21

 James and Carl Gustav Jung as predecessors. 38. transpersonall (in literature, etc.) transcend-
Transpersonal psychologists have devoted ing the personal. 2 Psychology (esp. in psycho-
themselves to both empirical and theoretical therapy) of or relating to the exploration of
research. The empirical branch has largely transcendent states of consciousness beyond
concentrated on the field of so-called Altered personal identity.
States of Consciousness (ASC's) induced either The Oxford English reference dictionary. (1996, 2nd ed.). New
by drugs or by various mind-expanding York: Oxford University Press.
techniques. Theoretical work has concentrated
on devising all-embracing "cartographies of 39. The word transpersonal simply means
consciousness" which distinguish a hierarchy "personal plus." That is, the transpersonal
of levels in the psyche. The premise is that orientation explicitly and carefully includes all
the traditional psychological schools address the facets of personal psychology and
the lower levels of the psyche, but are largely psychiatry, then adds those deeper or higher
inadequate for dealing with the higher or aspects of human experience that transcend
transpersonal levels. The latter are seen as the ordinary and the average-experiences
the proper domain of spiritual traditions, that are, in other words, "transpersonal" or
especially of Oriental origin. Transpersonal "more than the personal," personal plus. Thus,
psychology thus aims at a theoretical in the attempt to more fully, accurately, and
synthesis of western psychology and Oriental scientifically reflect the entire range ofhuman
spiritual systems and technologies. [p. 51] experience, transpersonal psychiatry and
A central concern of transpersonal psychology take as their starting point the
psychology lies therefore in developing "maps" entire spectrum of consciousness. [p. xviii)
of the mind which explain the dynamics of
consciousness within a comprehensive Wilber, K. (1996). Foreword. In B. W. Scotton, A. B. Chinen,
framework, encompassing the complete & J. R. Battista (Eds.), Textbook oftranspersonal psychia-
spectrum from unitive consciousness to the try and psychology (pp. xvii-xx). New York: Basic Books.
limited ego. [p. 24:6]
40. In Maslow's final years, he advanced a new
Hanegraaff; W. J. (1996). New Age religion and Western cul- outlook that he calledtranspersonal psychology-
ture: Esotericism in the mirror of secular thought. Lei den,
focusing on spirituality and "the farthest reaches
The Netherlands: Brill.
of human nature." He was a key figure in
launching tills nasceuL clisdpliue, fur he felL LhaL
37. Transpersonal psychology is a vital, thirty-year-
humanistic psychology was inadequately dealing
old international movement that is leading the
way toward reintegrating spirit-the essence with spiritual concerns. [p. 14]
of consciousness and selfhood- into modern Hoffman, E. (Ed.). (1996). Future visions: The unpublished
healing practices. Its success in challenging the papers of Abraham Maslow. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
powerful resistances of entrenched materialism
and religious dogmatism speaks for the hunger 41. Transpersonal psychology can be understood
in Western societies to return psychology to its as the melding of the wisdom of the world's
ancient roots as a logos of the psyche, a path to spiritual traditions with the learning of
knowing the soul. modern psychology. [p. 8)
The overriding aim of these transpersonal [...) Transpersonal psychology studies how
techniques is essentially fourfold: (1) To open the spiritual is expressed in and through the
the compassionate heart to recognize one's own personal, as well as the transcendence of the self.
authentic self, which leads to empathetic Transpersonal psychology in this sense
acceptance of the uniqueness, yet common affords a wider perspective for all the learning
spirit, of others; (2) To foster creativity by of conventional psychology. It includes and
gaining access to recurring archetypal myths exceeds traditional psychology. And by holding
that guide humanity to greater wisdom; (3) all of conventional psychology within it, it
To open the intuitive "inner eye" that lifts an recasts psychology into a new mold and
individual beyond the constraints of his spiritual framework. [p. 10]
ordinary senses, opening the visionary
Cortright, B. (1997). PsychOtherapy and spirit: Theory and
capacity latent in us all; (4) To expand
practice in tfanspersonal psychotherapy. Albany, NY: State
consciousness to the point that an individual Umversity of New York Press,
directly experiences identity with a u:ti.iversal
divine Presence. [pp. 137-138] 42. Tralispersonal psychology is a scientific
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sion. In J. E. Nelson & A. Nelson (Eds.), Sacred so1-rows: which transcend the ordinary, particularly
Embracing and transforming depression (pp. 137-145). Los spiritual experiences and altered states of
Angeles: Tarcher. consciousness.

The Essence ofTrampersonal Psychology 25

Lukoff, D. (1997). Sample learning guide for transpersonal Transpersonal psychologists believe that any
psychology and psychotherapy (Course #3510). San Fran- model of the human psyche must include this
cisco: Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center. full range of human experience, for it is the
Retrieved January 3, 2002, from http://www.saybrook.edu/ upper range that sets the context for
textonly/Learnguide.html understanding the whole human being.
As the transpersonal perspective unites the
43. [ ... ] transpersonal psychology, a new spiritual with the psychological aspects of
philosophical-psychological trend engaged in human experience, it addresses an integration
the study of human nature and the integrity of the whole person-body, mind, emotion and
of human consciousness beyond its personal spirit. In doing so, the field is grounded in
manifestations. [p. 13] Western psychological theory and draws on the
Granovsky, Yu. (1997). Dedicated to the memory of V. V. world's spiritual traditions, mythology,
Nalimov. Voices of Russian Transpe1·sonalism, Vol. 4, In· anthropology and the arts as well as research
ternational Journal ofTranspersonal Studies, 16(2), 9-14. on consciousness. {p. 3)
Department of Transpersonal Psychology. Graduate School
44. Transpersonal Psychology is a marriage of for Holistic Studies. (n.d.). [Brochure). R~ceived August,
psychology and spirituality. It is the human 1998. Orinda, CA: John F. Kennedy University.
science that studies, with scientific methods,
the psycho-spiritual development of the 4 7. Transpersonal psychology recognizes as a
individual and its manifestations. working hypothesis the infinite variability and
Austl·alian Transpersonal Association. (n.d.). [Flyer]. Received the infinite potential of the human mind, and
August, 1998. the essential challenge that underlies the
mystery ofbeing. [p. 71
45. Whenever possible, transpersonal psychology Fontana, D. (1998). Modern science and the transpersonal
seeks to delve deeply into the most profound vision. Transpersonal Psychology Review, 2(2), 5-9.
aspects of human experience, such as mystical
and unitive experiences, personal transformation, 48. Transpersonal psychology, with its initial
meditative awareness, experiences ofwonder and intellectual roots in the work ofWilliam James,
ecstasy, and alternative and expansive states of Carl Jung, humanistic psychology (particularly
consciousness. In these experiences, we appear the work of Abraham Maslow), and early
to go beyond our usual identification with our studies of Asian contemplative traditions, was
limited biological and psychological selves. [p. xxi] self-consciously forged as a separate discipline
An important concept within transpersonal in the late 1960s. The initial impetus was to
psychology is interconnectedness. The trans bring into psychology the study of a variety of
in transpersonal conveys two aspects of that experiences not commonly examined in
connectedness. One meaning of trans is mainstream psychology and to develop wider
"beyond"; it implies the existence of, and conceptions of the nature of the mind,
connectedness with and relationship to, consciousness, human nature, and reality than
something beyond the individual. Another were found in behaviorist, psychoanalytic, and
meaning of trans is "through"; this implies a humanistic approaches. [p. 3]
connectedness among the various aspects of
oneself, as well as a connectedness of oneself Rothberg, D. (1998). Ken Wilber and the future of
tl·anspersonal psychology: An intl·oduction to the conver-
with others and with all of Nature. [p. 39) sation. In D. Rothberg & S. Kelly (Eds.), Ken Wilber in
Braud, W., & Anderson, R. (1998). Transpersonal research dialogue: Conversations with leading transpersonal think-
methods for the social sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ers (pp. 1-27). Wheaton, IL: Quest Books.

46. The transpersonal perspective includes the

49. It was out of the humanistic movement that
wisdom and methods of the preceding
the "fourth force" grew, namely transpersonal
orientations [the psychoanalytic, behaviorist, psychology, in which psychological science has
and humanist perspectives], and expands on
formed a central connection with spiritual and
them to include the spiritual aspects ofhuman
religious studies [.. .] In this forum, psychology
experience.
not only opened itself to a realm of experiences
Transpersonal psychologists are concerned
that had been only marginally considered by
with the development of a healthy individuality
any science but also entered into a dialog with
and its extension to include aspects of the
the full spectrum of world religions. [p. 63]
Higher Self. This viewpoint acknowledges that
behind the masks, roles and melodramas of Wertz, F. J. (1998). The role of the humanistic movement in
one's conditioned personality lies a deeper state the history of psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychol-
of being that transcends individual identity. ogy, 38(1), 42-70.

26 The International journal ofTranspersonal Studies, 2002, Vol. 21

50. Transpersonal psychology is a fundamental ordinary states of consciousness , and
area of research, scholarship and application integrating the various expressions of the
based on people's experiences of temporarily spiritual heritage of humanity, both from the
transcending our usual identification with our Eastern and Western traditions.
limited biological, historical, cultural and
The Annual Council Meeting of EUROTAS [European
personal self and, at the deepest and most Transpersonal Association) and the Founding Assembly
profound levels of experience possible, of the EUROTAS Creative Initiative . (1999). [Flyer).
recognizing/being "some-thing" of vast
intelligence and compassion that encompasses/ 56. transpersonall going beyond what is personal.
is the entire universe. [p. 4] 2 denoting a form of psychology or
Institute ofT:ranspersonal Psychology. General Catalog, 1998- psychotherapy that emphasizes the use of
1999. Menlo Park, CA: Author. mystical, psychical, spiritual, religious, etc.
experiences as a way of achieving greater self-
51. Transpersonal psychology, a more recent awareness, potential, etc. Early 20c.
development in the field of psychology, views
Chambers 21st century dictionary. (1999). Edinburgh, Scot-
the individual as a whole: body, mind, and l and: Chambers Harrap.
spirit. It goes beyond the limits of the ego-self
toward the transcendent/spiritual Self. [p. 310] 57. Trans personal psychology extends psychologi-
Marcandonatou, 0 . (1998). The experience of being silent. In cal research to optimal mental health, con-
R. Valle (Ed.), Phenomenological inquiry in psychology: sciousness and its non-ordinary states, and
Existential and transpersonal dimensions (pp. 309-320). unexplored human potentialities, such as
New York: Plenum Press. meaning, will, values, creativity, etc. A funda-
mental purpose is to develop a global psychol-
52. transpersonal psychology, a branch of ogy, based on planetary rather than egocen-
psychology that recognizes altered states of tric needs, encompassing the entire spectrum
consciousness and transcendent experiences ofhuman experience, the psychopathological,
as a means to understand the human mind the existential and the spiritual one.
and treat psychological disorders. [1970-75]
[Brackets in original] European Transpersonal Psychology Association. (1999).
Constitution: October 1999.
Random House Webster's unabridged dictionary. (1998, 2nd Also: European Transpersonal Psychology Association. (n.d.).
ed.). New York: Random House. Retrieved October 27,2001, from http://www.descamps. org/
etpa/index.html
53. Transpersonal psychology: a body of
psychological and spiritual insights into the 58. Transpersonal psychologists define their field
spectrum ofhuman consciousness incorporating as one that studies experiences in which one's
the stages in the development of the ego and sense of identity extends beyond the personal
the stages of development beyond ego. [pp. 317- to encompass wider aspects of humankind, life,
318] and the cosmos [...] [p. xii]
Singh, K. D. (1998). The grace in dying: How we are trans- Krippner, S. (1999). Foreword. In D. Moss (Ed.), Humanistic
formed spiritually as we die. San Francisco: and transpersonal psychology: A historical and biographi-
HarperSanFrancisco. cal sourcebook (pp. xi-xiii). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

54. A "fourth force" in Western psychology was 59. Transpersonal or Spiritual P sychology
also emerging that was explicitly concerned acknowledges the reality, which transcends
with extending the parameters to encompass beyond body-ego boundaries. Transpersonal
the upper reaches of psychospiritual Psychology also transcends extensive focus on
development. As such, it aspired beyond ego, negative values, weaknesses, problems and
or beyond the personal, hence its name : pathology, and without ignoring challenges,
Transpersonal Psychology. [p. 253] draws its strength from positive values, wellness
and creativity For raising questions about the
Snelling, J. (1998). The Buddhist handbook: The complete
true purpose and meaning of one's life on earth
guide to Buddhist schools, teaching, practice, and history
(Rev. ed.). Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions.
Transpersonal Psychology aims to strengthen
one's ability to be present in the moment. [p. 1]
55. The purpose of transpersonal psychology was Hiltunen, S. S. (1999). Therapeutic Noh Theater [Brochure].
to create a new psychological approach based Washington, DC: Author.
on planetary needs rather than egocentric
ones, honoring the entire spectrum of human 60. Transpersonal Psychology is the extension of
experience, including spirituality and non- psychological studies into consciousness

The Essence ofTranspersonal Psychology 27

 studies, spiritual inquiry, body-mind the personal state. In asserting that there are
relationships and transformation. [p. 21 peak and transcendent. experiences, there is
Institute ofTranspersonal Psychology. (n.d.). [Brochure]. Re- also the implicit position that these are worth
ceived March, 1999. Palo Alto, CA. seeking, just as humanistic psychology holds
Also: Institute ofTranspersonal Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved that human potential is worth exploring and
November 14,2001, from http://www.itp.edu/aboutJtp.html achieving. [p. 197]
Hastings, A. (1999). Transpersonal psychology: The fourth
61. The experiences mystics have described since force. In D. Moss (Ed.), Humanistic and transpersonal
the beginning of history are the focus of what psychology: A historical and biographical sourcebook (pp.
is today called Transpersonal Psychology- 192-208). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
psychology beyond the self. [p. 34]
Katra, J., & Targ, R. (1999). The heart ofthe mind: How to expe- 66. Transpersonal psychology stands at the interface
rience God without belief Novato, CA: New World Library. of psychology and spirituality. It is the field of
psychology that integrates psychological
62. [. ..] transpersonal psychology is the disciplined concepts, theories, and methods with the subject
study ofbehaviors and experiences that appear matter and practices of the spiritual disciplines.
to transcend those hypothetical constructs Its interests include spiritual experiences,
associated with individual identities and self- mystical states of consciousness, mindfulness
concepts, as well as their developmental and meditative practices, shamanic states,
antecedents, and the implications of these ritual, the overlap of spiritual experiences with
behaviors and experiences for education, disturbed states such as psychosis and
training, and psychotherapy. [p. 97] depression, and the transpersonal dimensions
of interpersonal relationships, service, and
Krippner, S. (1999). The varieties of dissociative experience. encounters with the natural world.
International Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology, 18(2), The core concept in transpersonal psychology
81-101. is non-duality, the recognition that each part (e.g.,
each person) is fundamentally and ultimately a
63. [. ..] transpersonal psychology, is devoted to the part of the whole (the cosmos). [p. 4]
scientific study of what may be called the
"spiritual core" ofhuman beings, and implies a Davis, J. (2000) . We keep asking ourselves, what is
much bruau~r vi~::w of Lht: human l:r::~n!'pP.rsonal pRycholoey? r.ui.dnnt:P. & (;mm.~r>.ling, 1!1(?.),

psychoperceptual range than that proposed in 3-8.

conventional Western psychology. Also: Davis, J. (n.d.). A brief definition oftranspersonal psychol-
[...JAt the heart oftrans personal psychology ogy. Retrieved September 1, 2000, from Metropolitan State
is the proposal that there is a "mind" or "life" College ofDenver Web site: http://clem.mscd.edu/-davisj/tp'
component to consciousness that is qualitatively
different from known physical systems, and that 67. Transpersonal psychology, while not necessarily
some transpersonal experiences are not to be denying Freudian theory, sees "transpersonal"
or spiritual development as another phase of
dismissed as merely interesting illusions,
unusual patterns of neural firing, and so on, but human growth beyond the level of ordinary
personal concerns. To adheren ts of this
actually tell us something about the potential
for transcending our ordinary physical limits, movement, transpersonal work is intended not
only to heal personal trauma, but to help
as for example in out-of-body experiences. [8)
people realize their fullest potential.
Hughes, J. (1999). Altered states: Creativity under the [...] Taken at its broadest, transpersonal
influence. New York: Watson-Guptill. psychology encompasses all forms of
psychology that regard the "transpersonal" or
64. [... ] between 1967 and 1969, humanistic spiritual dimension to be an integral part of
psychology split into at least three parts: The the psyche; it says that developing this
first was transpersonal psychology, with its dimension is part, perhaps even the core, of
emphasis on spiritual practice, meditation, the purpose of human life. [pp. 299-301)
and higher states of consciousness. [p. 274) Smoley, R., & Kinney, J. (1999). Hidden wisdom: A guide to
Taylor, E. I. (1999). Shadow culture: Psychology and spiritu- the Western inner traditions. New York: Penguin/Arkana.
ality in America. Washington, DC: Counterpoint.
68. Transpersonal psychology seriously studies and
65. Transpersonal psychology is also a psychology respects the entire spectrum of human
with a vector, with an emphasis on mental experience, including holotropic states, and all
health and optimal well-being. The human the_ domains of the psyche-biographical,
being is assumed to be basically good and pennatal and transpersonal. As a result, it is
oriented toward growth, including not just the more culturally sensitive and offers a way of
self, but also the transcendent levels beyond understanding the psyche that is universal

28 The InternationaL journal ofTrampersonaL Studies, 2002, \111. 21

 and applicable to any human group and any 72. "In short, transpersonal psychology stands
historical period. It also honors the spiritual for there-enchantment of psychology in com-
dimensions of existence and acknowledges the bination with the highest levels of theoreti-
deep human need for transcendental cal and clinical perception and skill. It advo-
experiences. In this context, spiritual search cates freedom and full self-realization for all
appears to be an understandable and beings. It sees the meaning and value of all
legitimate human activity. [p. 217] things and the sacredness of the life journey.
Grof, S. (2000). Psychology of the future: Lessons from mod- Without discounting suffering-psychologi-
ern consciousness research. Albany, NY: State University cal, social, political, environmental-
of New York Press. transpersonal psychology finds delight, com-
fort, and a sense of Home in the primal and
69. Ordinary psychology has adch·essed itself to profound interconnection of all existence."-
the ego and the instinctual personality. John Davis
Transpersonal psychology, while also interested [... ] Trans personal Psychology stands for
in the ego, is especially interested in the Soul, the study and cultivation of optimal mental
as a spiritual dimension that is beyond ego and health, and it calls for the inclusion of
the flow of mental phenomena[. .. ] spirituality in psychology as the foundation
Transpersonal psychology expands the for full human development. Psychology
scope of inquiry into human nature to explore benefits from a recognition and ability to work
the further reaches ofhuman development and with an expanded range of human potentials,
consciousness. Three decades of research providing a fuller and richer understanding
combining ancient wisdom with contemporary of therapy and growth. At the same time,
science have yielded a rich treasury of insights. psychological concepts and methods can
Formerly unsuspected states of consciousness benefit transpersonal seekers. Thus,
have been discovered, with higher stages of transpersonal psychology represents the
development and latent abilities that are integration of spirituality and psychology
potentially available to us all. through theory, research, and practice.
Italian Association ofTranspersonal Psychology. (2000).Assisi Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved Oc-
2000, Time of the soul: Consciousness, creativity, commit- tober 27, 2001, from Naropa University Web site: http://
ment [Brochure]. www.naropa.edu/transpersonall

70. Transpersonal psychology [...] aims to study 73. Transpersonal psychology embraces what
aspects of the psyche or cosmos beyond the writer/philosopher Aldous Huxley (1945)
personal, ego, or individual, such as called the "perennial philosophy." This
spirituality and mystical experiences. It might philosophy holds the following premises:
be considered an example of ontological
idealism (or dualism) if it posits a • The world as we know it is an expression of a
transcendental realm; or epistemological Divine ground of being.
idealism, insofar as it employs the methods of • Humans can know about the Divine ground
intuition and contemplation. [p. 206] of being from inference and from direct
Valentine, E. R. (2000). Metaphysics. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), intuition.
Encyclopedia ofpsychology (Vol. 5, pp. 204-209). New York: • All human beings possess a dual nature of
Oxford University Press. phenomenal ego and eternal Self.
71. "Transpersonal psychology" is a branch of • Each person can identify with either the
psychology that is concerned with the study of phenomenal ego or the eternal Self and each
those states and processes in which people person's life on earth is a means to the end
experience a deeper or wider sense of who they of identifying with the eternal Self.
are, or a sense of greater connectedness with Transpersonal psychology includes in its
others, nature, or the "spiritual" dimension. The mission a facilitation of human development
term "transpersonal" means "beyond the toward these transpersonal goals, as embodied
personal" and a common assumption in in the perennial philosophy. As such, it
transpersonal psychology is that transpersonal becomes a valuable resource for counselors
experiences involve a higher mode of who seek to integrate spirituality into their
consciousness in which the ordinary mental- practice. [p. 13]
egoic self is transcended.
Faiver, C., Ingersoll, R. E., O'Brien, E., & McNally, C. (2001).
Daniels, M. (n.d.). What is transpersonal psychology? In In- Explorations in counseling and spirituality: Philosophi-
troduction to Transpersonal Psychology. Retrieved Octo- cal, practical, and personal reflections. Belmont, CA:
ber, 27, 2001, from http://www.mdani.demon.co.uk/trans/ Brooks/Cole.
tranintro.htm

The Essence ofTrampersonal Psychology 29

74. transpersonal 1: extending or going beyond recognized as not only an important focus of
the personal or individual2: of, relating to, or psychological theory and research but an
being psychology concerned esp. with esoteric essential foundation of psychological health
mental experience (as mysticism and altered and healing. [p. viii]
states of consciousness) beyond the usual Tamas, R. (2002). Foreword. In J. N. Ferrer, Revisioning
limits of ego and personality. transpersonal theory: A participatory vision ofhuman spiri-
Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. (2001, lOth ed.). tuality (p. vii-xvi). Albany, NY: State University of New
Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. York Press.

75. It [transpersonal psychology] embraces the 79. Broadly inclusive, it [transpersonal psychology]
combined fields of clinical psychology, spiritual focuses on psychological, physical, and
and pastoral counseling as well as any spiritual experiences that are transpersonal-
philosophies which recognize the close connection reaching through, across, and beyond the self.
between the body and the spirit. Transpersonal It is concerned with the study of the origins
Psychology works on the basic assumption that and development of humanity's deepest
physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual potentials and their impact on individuals,
growth are interrelated. Transpersonal groups, and cultures [... ]
Psychology focuses attention on the human The field was founded with a commitment
capacity for self-transcendence as well as self- to open inqui.J.-y, experiential and empirical
realization and is concerned with the optimum validation, and a holistic approach to human
development of consciousness. [p. 1) experience.
National Association for Transpersonal Psychology. (n.d.). Association for Transpersonal Psychology. (n.d.). [Flyer]. Re-
What is Transpersonal Psychology? Retrieved November ceived January, 2002. San Francisco, CA.
14, 2001, from http://www.starlighter.com/natp/
80. Transpersonal psychology contributes to the
76. [... ] transpersonal psychology stresses spiri- more traditional concerns of the discipline an
tuality, transcendence, and compassionate acknowledgment of the spiritual aspect of
social action [... ) [p. x:xiv, n. 1] human experience [ ... ] One basic tenet of
Schneider, K. J., Bugental, J. F. T., & Pierson, J. F. (Eds.). transpersonal psychology is that there is in
(2001). Introduction. In The handbook of humanistic psy- each individual a deeper or true self that is
chology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice experienced in transcendent states of
(pp. xix-xxv). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. consciousness. Distinct from the personality
and the personal ego, it is the source of inner
77. Transpersonal theory is concerned with the wisdom, health, and harmony. [p. 452]
study of the transpersonal and spiritual Fadiman, J., & Frager, R. (2002). Personality and personal
dimensions of human nature and existence. growth (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Etymologically, the term transpersonal means
beyond or through (trans-) the personal, and
is generally used in the transpersonal Thematic Analysis
literature to reflect concerns, motivations,
experiences, developmental stages (cognitive,
moral, emotional, interpersonal, etc.), modes
of being, and other phenomena that include
T o BETTER grasp the degree of congruence in
the contents of the compilation, we did a
frequency analysis ofhow often different themes
but transcend the sphere of the individual
personality, self, or ego. [p. 5] in the entries occurred. Table 1 presents the
themes and their associated frequencies for those
Ferrer, J. N. (2002). Revisioning transpersonal theory: A par-
ticipatory vision of human spirituality. Albany, NY: State themes occurring six or more times in the 80
University of New York Press. entries comprising the compilation. (In tabulating
frequencies we did not count the same theme
78. Compared with the positivism and reductionism occurring more than once in a given entry.)
that had long dominated the field, The most frequently occurring theme (n =53;
transpersonal psychology's inclusion and
validation of the spiritual dimension ofhuman
66.2%) reflected going beyond or transcending the
experience opened the modern psychological personal, ego, or self in some sense- not
vision to a radically expanded universe of surprising, since the term "transpersonal" directly
realities-Eastern and Western, ancient and suggests this meaning (see, e.g., Sutich, 1976).
contemporary, esoteric and mystical, shamanic Although this theme appeared the most frequently,
and therapeutic, ordinary and non-ordinary, the precise meaning of terms like "ego" and "self'
human and cosmic. Spirituality was now have yet to be explicated and agreed upon in
30 The International journal ofTranspersonaL Studies, 2002, V0l. 21
the transpersonal literature (Ferrer, 2002, p. Table 1
196, n. 9; Lajoie & Shapiro, 1992a, 1992b). 10 Thematic Frequency Analysis*
The second most prevalent theme (n = 49;
61.2%) encompassed the notion of spirituality. Frequency Theme
This theme, too, can be traced to the origin of
transpersonal psychology, one of the aims being 53 (66.2%) Going beyond or transcending: the
to enable the study of religious/spiritual individual, ego, self, the personal, personali[)',
experiences independently of institutionalized or personal identi[)'; existence of a deeper,
religion and theological frameworks (Shapiro, authentic, or true Self
1994; and see Maslow, 1970). The number of
entries that contained both of the most frequent 49 (61.2%) Spirituali[)', psychospiritual, psychospiritual
themes was 27 (33.7%). development, the spiritual, spirit
Beyond the two prevailing themes, the
26 (32.5%) Non-ordinary states of consciousness; altered
frequencies of other themes ch·opped precipitously,
states of consciousness; other modes of
as Table 1 indicates. These themes, occurring six
consciousness; transcendent states; higher
or more times, were: special states ofconsciousness;
states of consciousness
interconnectivity/unity; going beyond other schools
of psychology; emphasis on a scientific approach; 17 (21.2%) Interconnectiveness; cosmic unity or
mystical experience/mysticism; studying the full consciousness; cosmic relationship; uni[)',
range/spectrum of consciousness/experience; unitive, unitive consciousness
emphasis on recognizing greater human potential;
inclusion of non-Western psychologies; meditation; 17 (21.2%) Goes beyond other schools of psychology
and the existence of a wider reality. Some examples
14 (17.5%) Emphasis on transpersonal psychology as a
of infrequently occurring themes (occurring fewer
scientific approach or discipline; using
than six times) were: perennial philosophy; optimal
scientific methods; inregracing a scientific
mental health; transformation; mystery of being;
and reality or consciousness as constructed. approach with other approaches
Two earlier studies have some bearing on the 14 (17.5%) Mystical experience; mysticism
thematic frequency analysis. In an analysis ofthe
"Statement of Purpose" published in the Journal 14 (17.5%) Full range or spectrum of consciousness or
of Transpersonal Psychology from its inception human experience
in 1969 through the first issue of 1982, Lajoie,
13 (16.2%) Greater! deepest/highest/ fullest/ infinite
Shapiro, and Roberts (1991) found that while some
potential
terms were deleted in the Statement and others
were added, some terms continued to appear in 10 (12.5%) Inclusion of non-Western psychologies
one form or another, including peak experiences,
ecstasy, mystical experience, essence, bliss, awe, 7 (8.7%) Meditation
wonder, unitive consciousness, oneness, cosmic 6 (7.5%) Existence of a wider reali[)'
awareness, cosmic play, spirit, sacralization of
everyday life, and individual and species-wide
*Based on total of 80 entries
synergy. Of these concepts, mystical experience,
unitive consciousness, oneness, cosmic awareness,
and spirit appear with some frequency in the spanning the first twenty-three years of the
present study. However, it should be noted that transpersonal psychology movement were
among the ongoing terms that appeared in the compiled and subjected to a thematic frequency
Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology Statement, analysis, similar to the present study. The most
ecstasy, bliss, awe, wonder, cosmic play, and frequent themes, occurring 15 or more times in
individual and species-wide synergy were rarely, the 37 entries analyzed, were: states of
if ever, the subject of articles published in the consciousness; highest or ultimate potential;
journal (Lajoie, Shapiro, & Roberts, 1991). beyond ego or personal self; transcendence; and
In a second study by Lajoie and Shapiro spiritual. Themes that occurred 5 to 14 times
(1992b), definitions of transpersonal psychology were: transpersonal experience; cross-cultural

The Essence ofTranspersonaL PsychoLogy 31

(Asian/East/West); inner states; unitive Transpersonal psychology is the area of
consciousness; holistic; transformation; and psychology that focuses on the study of
mystical/mysticism. Although no direct transpersonal experiences and related
phenomena. These phenomena include the
comparison between these results and the present causes, effects and correlates of transpersonal
study is possible because the criteria for selecting experiences and development, as well as the
entries in the two compilations differ, 11 we note disciplines and practices inspired by them. [p.
that most of the themes of the earlier 1992 study 203)
are represented in our Table 1. Walsh, R., & Vaughan, F. (1993). On transpersonal defini-
Our overall conclusion, based on the thematic tions. Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology, 25, 199-207.
analysis of the entries in the compilation, is that
contemporary views of the essence of 9. In cases where we found another (verbatim or near-
transpersonal psychology over the past decade verbatim) citation source for a given entry, we included
the additional source for the convenience of readers.
favor the theme of going beyond the personal and
the theme of spirituality, although, less frequently, 10. For an example of the potential intricacy of more
the essence of transpersonal psychology also precisely characterizing a concept like ego in a single
reflects a variety of other characterizations. tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, see Guenther (2001).
11. We chose to focus the present compilation on the
Notes essence of transpersonal psychology rather than on
definitions of the field in the hope of capturing more
1. Including a few from 2002 that came to our attention information about bow transpersonal psychology is
before going to press early in the year. conceptualized.
2. The Internet is where we exercised the most selectivity,
inasmuch as this medium reflected the most idiosyncrasy References
in potential entries-not surprisingly, as it is generally
less subject to external review than books and journals Ferrer, J. N. (2002). Revisioning transpersonal theory: A par-
and is more often associated with marketing endeavors. ticipatory vision of human spirituality. Albany, NY: State
The compilation is likely to be least exhaustive with University of New York Press.
Green, J. (Trans.). (199.8). The recorded sayings of Zen Mas-
respect to.the Internet, where search engines can produce
ter Joshu [Chao-chou ch'an-shih yu-lu]. Boston:
thousands ofwebsites with some link, however tenuous,
Shambhala.
to the phrase "transpersonal psychology"; moreover, the Guenther, H. (2001). The emergence of the ego/self
contents of websites can periodica.lly change. complementarity and its beyond. International Journal
3. We did not include entries that ¥.Vere a diJ:ect or nearly ofTranspersonal Studies, 20, 19-31.
direct quote of a previous entry in our compilation unless Lajoie, D. H., Shapiro, S. I., & Roberts, T. B. (1991). A histori-
addit~onal substantive material was included, and in
cal analysis of the Statement of Purpose in the Journal of
Transpersonal Psychology. Journal ofTranspersonal Psy·
these cases (entries 25, 65, and 80) we included only the
chology, 23, 175-182.
additional material.
Lajoie, D. H., & Shapiro, S. I. (1992a). On defining
4. Although we consulted several dozen English-language transpersonal psychology. Psychologia, 35, 63-68.
dictionaries of various sizes, we only found four that Lajoie, D. H., & Shapiro, S. I. (1992b). Definitions of
referred to transpersonal psychology, though some others transpersonal psychology: The first twenty-three years.
contained the term "transpersonal." Journal ofTranspersonal Psychology, 24, 79-98.
Maslow, A. H. (1970). Religions, values, and peak experiences.
5. The total number of citations for the 80 entries is 85 New York: Viking Press. (Paperback reissue of 1964 edi-
because five entries are listed with two sources. tion; preface added 1970)
Shapiro, S. I. (1994). Reli~on, spirituality, and transpersonal
6. Bracketed material, including bracketed ellipses, are psychology. International Journal ofTranspersonal Stud-
our additions unless otherwise noted. ies, 13(1), 33-41.
Sutich, A J. (1976). The emergence of the transpersonal ori-
7. The nine items in this list are captions, each of which entation: A personal account. Journal of Transpersonal
the author explains in more detail. Psychology, 8, 5-19.
8 . Cf. following variant entry of same year:
Transpersonal experiences may be defined as
e:x:periences in which the sense of identity or self
extends beyond (trans) the individual or personal
to encompass wider aspects of humankind, life,
psyche, or cosmos [... )

32 The International journal ofTranspersonal Studies, 2002, Vol. 21