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The Interpermeation of Self and World: Empirical Research, Existential Phenomenology, and Transpersonal Psychology

Will W. Adams

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology 1999 DOI: 10.1163/156916299x00093 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Phenomenological study Peer reviewed
Topics Philosophy of mind
Key points Argues that interpermeation is an essential phenomenon of human existence that transcends the self-world divide, and that conscious awareness of it tends to foster greater compassion and a transformed understanding of self and reality.

Abstract

AbstractThis study, based upon empirical phenomenological research, explores an essential phenomenon of human existence: the interpermeating communion of self and world. In interpermeation, the supposed separation of self and world is transcended. The being, energy, life, and meaning of the world "flow into" one's self and become integrated as part of who one is; simultaneously, one's being, consciousness, awareness, and self "flow into" the world (via perception and action) and become part of the world. Conscious of interpermeation, we tend to understand ourselves and reality differently, and to be more aware and compassionate with others and the natural world: awareness of interpermeation generates love as love generates awareness of interpermeation. A hermeneutic dialogue is offered between existential phenomenology, transpersonal psychology, and the world's spiritual traditions.

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