Two Patterns of Transcendence

Abstract

Participant observation and open-ended interviews with Indian and English elderly who were recognized as spiritually mature provided data for evaluating Washburn's claim that a period of egoic regression precedes movement to the transpersonal level. Hermeneutical analysis of interview protocols and research notes indicated that half of those nominated in each sample had reached the transpersonal level, but of these, only about half gave indications of having undergone a regressive transition period. On the basis of this, and other internal evidence, support was found for Wilber's theory. Cross-cultural similarities at the higher levels of spiritual development are seen as providing support for the claims of the perennial philosophy.

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