The transpersonal that can be defined is not the true transpersonal: A Taoist perspective on defining transpersonal psychology

This paper critiques the current definition of transpersonal psychology and proposes a new understanding by drawing on a Taoist metaphor. It argues that transpersonal psychology is fluid and formless, like water, and that its nature cannot be fixed by any single definition. The author suggests that transpersonal psychologists should continue to use the term while allowing its meaning to evolve individually, as the ultimate truth lies beyond any definition.

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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.