Stanislav Grof’s Psychology of the Future
The author is one of the foremost writers in the field of transpersonal psychology. This book covers ideas about non-ordinary states of consciousness. His discussion is based, for example, on such fascinating human states of consciousness as past life experiences, peak experiences, communication with spirit guides and channeling, near-death experiences, crises of shamans as sorcerers, states of possession and Kundalini awakening. . He also reports on the findings of his original research on ‘psychedelic therapy’ and ‘holotropic breathwork’.
holotropic consciousness
He writes that in holotropic states, consciousness changes qualitatively in a very profound and fundamental way, although people normally remain fully oriented in terms of space and time, without completely losing touch with everyday reality. At the same time it is said that our field of consciousness is invaded by contents from other dimensions of existence in a way that can be very intense and even overwhelming. We thus simultaneously experience two very different realities, having each foot in a different world.
He goes on to say that holotropic states are characterized by dramatic perceptual changes in all sensory areas. When we close our eyes, we can see images drawn from personal history or visions that portray plants or animals, scenes from nature or the universe. We may be experiencing realms of archetypal beings and mythological regions. And even when we open our eyes, our perception of our surroundings can be transformed by vivid projections of this unconscious material. Various sounds, physical sensations, smells, and tastes may also be involved.
It also describes the characteristic emotions of these states. Feelings can be very intense. They can range from ecstatic ecstasy, contentment, and peace to terror, murderous rage, utter despair, or all-consuming guilt. Such states of mind seem to coincide with the heavenly paradises or hell realms described in the holy scriptures of the world’s religions.
He reports that, in these non-ordinary states of consciousness, we may not be able to trust our judgment of everyday practical matters, but we may be inundated with remarkable valid information on a variety of topics, as well as profound insights into our personal history. , unconscious dynamics and life problems. He writes that we can also “experience extraordinary revelations about various aspects of nature and the cosmos that by a wide margin transcend our educational and intellectual background.”
Finally, he comments that the most interesting ideas that are available revolve around philosophical, metaphysical, and spiritual issues. And that’s why he thinks that holotropic states of consciousness facilitate deep personality changes and spiritual opening.
spiritual nature of existence
Grof argues that experiences of this kind are the main source of mythologies, philosophies, and religious systems that describe the spiritual nature of existence.
He argues that the dogmas and activities of the major religions tend to obscure the fact that the only place true spirituality can be found is within the psyche of each one of us. Most people would probably agree with his statement that, at its worst, organized religion can function as a serious impediment to any serious spiritual quest, rather than an institution that can help us connect with the divine. . Because, by denigrating its members, it makes it difficult to believe that the divine is within them.
Altered states of consciousness are not unequivocal proof of the survival of consciousness after death. However, Grof points out that according to Western neuroscience, consciousness is a product of physiological processes in the brain and is therefore critically dependent on the body. Very few people, including most scientists, realize that we have no proof that consciousness is actually produced by the brain and that we don’t even have a remote notion of how something like consciousness could occur in terms of physical matter. .
While he remains an agnostic about what happens after death, Grof is absolutely clear that none of the interpretations based on careful study of altered states of consciousness is compatible with the monistic materialistic worldview of Western science. At the same time, he recognizes that the belief in survival and karma will have a profound impact on our behavior.
This book is published in the Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology, State University of New York Press. 2000. Grof has an encyclopedic understanding of the transpersonal world and it shows. However, the reader should be warned about the tendency to repetition. Many scientists will probably feel that he has exaggerated his case. However, I warmly recommend this book and give it a five star rating.
Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy