Is there an Ultraconscious beyond the Unconscious?
Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal February 1, 1970 DOI: 10.1177/070674377001500108 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that ultraconsciousness, a supra-sensory and supra-rational state described since antiquity, has been neglected by modern psychiatry and merits attention. Drawing on Bucke's nine phenomena and Kelman's concept of kairos, the author contends that this state can be recognized by knowledgeable psychiatrists, encouraged in patients, and serve as an aid to psychotherapy, since it is probably latent in all people. |
Abstract
The Ultraconscious (nirvana, satori, samedhi, ‘cosmic consciousness’, unto mystica, etc.) is a supra-sensory, supra-rational level of expanded consciousness which has been known since antiquity, yet has received little attention from modern psychiatry. Dr. Richard Bucke in his book Cosmic Consciousness listed the following phenomena at the ultimate peak of ultraconsciousness, regardless of the procedure by which it is achieved: 1) Awareness of intense light. 2) Emotions of supreme rapture and transcendental love. 3) Intellectual illumination and uncovering of latent genius. 4) Identification with creativity, infinity and immortality. 5) Absence of all physical and mental suffering. 6) De-emphasis of material wealth. 7) Enhancement of physical vigour and activity. 8) A sense of mission. 9) A charismatic change in personality. Freud, through his concepts of free association and the unconscious, dared to challenge the supremacy of pure reason and helped to free psychiatry from the grip of an ‘exact science’, thereby paving the way to greater rapprochement between Eastern and Western thought. Kelman believes that ultraconsciousness (kairos) can be recognized by the knowledgeable psychiatrist, can be encouraged in the patient and can be an important aid to psychotherapy, for kairos is probably latent in all of us.