Searching for afrocentric spirituality within the transpersonal
Dwight Turner, Jane Callaghan, Alasdair Gordon-Finlayson
Transpersonal Psychology Review January 1, 2015 DOI: 10.53841/bpstran.2015.17.1.20 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe paper argues that the field of transpersonal psychology should incorporate African spiritual beliefs to avoid marginalizing non-Western perspectives. Using a culturally specific dream as an example, it critiques the field's limited engagement with African spirituality and suggests a more cosmopolitan approach is needed to prevent the creation of a spiritual 'Other.' The author explores reasons for this neglect and highlights the richness of African spiritual traditions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that transpersonal psychology should adopt a more cosmopolitan approach that includes African spiritual beliefs to avoid marginalizing non-Western traditions. |
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to show, via the lens of a culturally specific dream, how the transpersonal could benefit from broadening its approach to spirituality to include the wisdom of African spiritual beliefs. Considering some of the reasons for its lack of prominence, together with an exploration of some of the richness held within African spirituality, this paper suggests that a more Cosmopolitan approach to the Transpersonal is needed to avoid the creation of a spiritual Other. [This paper was based on the presentation at the 18th Annual Transpersonal Psychology Section Conference on 10–12 October 2015, The University of Northampton.]