The transpersonal that can be defined is not the true transpersonal: A Taoist perspective on defining transpersonal psychology
Scott Buckler, April Woodward, Ho Law
Transpersonal Psychology Review 2019 DOI: 10.53841/bpstran.2019.21.1.17 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that transpersonal psychology should be understood as fluid and formless, like water, and that its definition should evolve individually rather than be fixed. |
Abstract
This paper aims to provide an understanding on the meaning of transpersonal psychology. It first examines the current definition of transpersonal psychology and its inherent problems and challenges. It then offers a new insight on the definition by drawing a parallel metaphor from the Taoist perspective and concludes that the nature of transpersonal psychology is fluid like water which is formless. Transpersonal psychologists may well be continuously calling themselves Transpersonal psychologists and let the transpersonal continuously evolve and be defined by the individual concerned. The truth is out there, beyond the definition.
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Shadow, Self, Spirit: Essays in Transpersonal Psychology Transpersonal Psychology Review 2021
- Transpersonal psychology: Defining the past, divining the future. The Humanistic Psychologist 2007
- Transpersonal Psychology as a Scientific Field International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2002
- The Challenges, Prospects, and Promise of Transpersonal Psychology International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2007
- The Essence of Transpersonal Psychology Contemporary Views International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 2002
and 2 more in the library