09 Aug Transpersonal Psychology: DIversity
How can a deeper understanding of diversity and/or ecology expand the scope of Transpersonal Psychology as a field?
Transpersonal Psychology was originally the study of the so-called Perennial Philosophy, the supposed one truth that underlies all spiritualities. Of course what was meant by “all spiritualities” was those founded and maintained by White and Asian men, mostly celibates. TP gave lip service to other forms of spirituality such as the Indigenous, shamanic (mostly because White men were experimenting with psychedelic drugs), and women-centered ways, but these were considered inferior, or, part of the “trans fallacy.” This viewpoint made everyone else wrong, or lesser. Even this morning I was reading a well-known spiritual teacher who stated that those who do not agree with him are obviously of a lower level of consciousness. He actually used the word “low.”
As TP has expanded to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life, this has included the honoring of other humans, the planet and universe, animals, and ourselves and our bodies. The readings this week reflect that. The richness of engaging with such a broad range of perspectives: Black, feminist, the disabled, autistic, Cuban and Santerían, Queer Theory, ecopsychology, and lions, tigers and bears, speaks to a spiritual lens that is inclusive rather than exclusive. Multiple points of view, in fact, all points of view are invited to the table. This is a worldview in which love is primary, rather than mind, love which connects us rather than judgement which divides.
As a field, TP will be able to research more widely what are the common human experiences and exceptional experiences, rather than just measuring the white, college-educated subjects who make up most of the research. Not only will TP be able to research more widely, but our assumptions about what is “spiritual” are being challenged and our arrogance confronted.
© 2023 Catherine Auman
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