The Nondual Realization of Advaita Vedanta Does Not Support a Psychological Theory of Consciousness (Editor's Introduction)
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies December 31, 2024 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2024.43.1-2.iii (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Vedanta Psychoanalysis Epistemology Theology |
| Key points | Argues that nondual theories of consciousness drawing on Advaita Vedanta often fail to adhere to both traditional teachings and scientific standards, and that psychology must separate experiential phenomenology from spiritual interpretations. |
Abstract
Advaita Vedanta is seen as something of an authoritative source for nondual philosophies and theories of consciousness that postulate a pure featureless awareness at the base of mental experience. These approaches deviate from both the lineage-based teachings of Advaita Vedanta and the necessary standards of science, constructing compromises that fall short of traditional fidelity and psychological rigor. Dialogues between psychology and Advaita Vedanta need to delineate clearly between a sensate phenomenology of experience and spiritual interpretations that may be implicit within experiential descriptions.