Transpersonal Being
Confusion with other parts of THEE is easy here, particularly in relation to experience and spirituality. The have a direct relation to spirituality, but they are distinct from specific spiritual disciplines. Spiritual development is also distinct from identity development.
Note that the present focus is human existence (i.e. living in an ethical and creative way) not having amazing experiences of one sort or another. Within
, there are different states or levels of consciousness that we can generate using attention techniques (contemplation, meditation &c.) to attain various experiences.Within THEE, the generates a Typology of distinct as shown in the graphic. With one exception, these identity approaches generate mentalities that function perfectly well on both the and the . The choice of will probably depend on upbringing and life events. Intelligence appears to be largely irrelevant.
However,
is somewhat different from the others, and could be confusing. has a drive for spirituality, even though the person may not be on a as such. In this mindset, there is a desire for union with others, an awareness of the role of imagination, and the use of faith is overt. What is the «self» in other is perceived here as the «soul». «God» then becomes the only possible source of personal growth. Nevertheless there are many transpersonal schools of psychotherapy aiming to help people having trouble with coping, just as there are diverse therapy schools oriented to those using other mentalities.It is also important to be aware that the spiritual dimension of existence is fully open to everyone, irrespective of their particular
. Philosophies have developed spiritual methods adapted to each of them.To make it more complicated, a THEE taxonomic principle requires 4 different hierarchically-arranged styles of all 7 of the approaches. So that leads to a further refinement based on delineating 4 forms of . However, we are now way beyond current concerns. Suffice it to say there is resonance, but no immediately relevant correspondence, between the and . The two frameworks deal with two different aspects of life: being human as part of managing your life (existence), and self-development as part of managing your experiences (self).
The
, despite its focus on spirituality and God, reflects a personal position, and is therefore egocentric, just like all . The are the backdrop on which our innate and unavoidable egocentricity plays out. What this means should become more evident as we explore «goodness».- Back to More Reflections.
Originally posted: 12-Oct-2012.