Michael Washburn Books

The book offers a fresh interpretation of the ego, emphasizing its development and significance in spiritual life. It challenges traditional views, proposing a revised framework for understanding how the ego evolves and influences personal growth and spirituality. Through this lens, readers are invited to explore the complexities of the ego and its impact on their spiritual journeys.

A passionate conversation among the best minds in transpersonal studies about the ideas of Ken Wilber, the prominent contemporary thinker whose first book, The Spectrum of Consciousness, published by Quest in 1977, launched the transpersonal psychology movement. Transpersonal thinkers taking part in this dynamic dialog combine Eastern & Western spirituality with mainstream fields such as psychology, medicine, physics & ecology to map the human drive toward Spirit. Contributors include best-selling authors Jack Kornfield (A Path with Heart), Joseph Goldstein (Insight Meditation), Michael Murphy (The Future of the Body), Stanislav Grof (The Holotropic Mind) & Jeanne Achterberg (Rituals of Healing). Wilber's spirited response to each probing assessment of his ideas & the authors' rebuttals give readers ringside seats at an engaging sparring match among intellectual & spiritual superstars.

Breaching the divide between psychotherapy and the sacred, this work presents the synergistic potential of these powerful traditions through the insights of respected pioneers. It serves as a timely introduction to the growing transpersonal orientation in psychotherapy, showcasing a diversity of theories, techniques, and issues that highlight the comprehensive nature of this emerging perspective. Since its original release in 1980, it has become a classic in the field, featuring contributions from major figures such as Stanislav Grof, John Nelson, and others. The articles encompass a wide range of perspectives, from behavioristic approaches to innovative uses of chakra energies, offering a rich summary of the current state of transpersonal psychotherapy. The editor emphasizes the historical alliance between scientific healing and mysticism, tracing its roots from early shamans to influential figures like William James and Carl Jung. This anthology showcases traditional and spiritual methods for alleviating mental suffering and fostering spiritual growth. The editor, Seymour Boorstein, a respected psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, has curated these representative works on transpersonal psychology, providing valuable insights for both professionals and non-professionals alike. The professional community acknowledges his significant contribution to the field.