The Ego and the Dynamic Ground: A Transpersonal Theory of Human Development

Rating:
Summary: Turning back the clocks
Review: Integrated the work of Jung, Neumann and Grof with extensive noteworthy material from diverse fields of investigation. Developed a concise model which accommodates and extends the prior work. Continued the development of a multidimensional view of psychosocial structures and motifs as elaborations of underlying fundamental properties of consciousness. His explication of the structure and development of consciousness is the clearest and most concise that I am aware of, and fits best with my own experimental data. The best roadmap available for those who choose to stray from the herd. Summaries of his Transpersonal perspective and research interests are available.

Rating:
Summary: knowing Who You Are
Review: This is a very in depth preview of the human journey from birth through what many people would call Enlightenment from the perspective of a therapist. The overall energy is one of the highest that I have calibrated (Map of Consciousness from "Power versus Force") making it, what I would consider a Classic. It is a must for all therapists and for those who wish to know who they are.

Rating:
Summary: knowing Who You Are
Review: This is a very in depth preview of the human journey from birth through what many people would call Enlightenment from the perspective of a therapist. The overall energy is one of the highest that I have calibrated (Map of Consciousness from "Power versus Force") making it, what I would consider a Classic. It is a must for all therapists and for those who wish to know who they are.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Map
Review: This is the best book on transpersonal psychology I've ever read. It does not require huge metaphysical leaps of faith. The explanations of the difficulties on the spiritual path related toreconnecting to the Dynamic Ground are nothing short of brilliant. It puts mystical experiences, Jungian psychology, and spiritual development into a clear, coherent model which makes perfect sense. I've used Washburn's model in a university level course I've taught on transpersonal psychology and have started a Washburn study group with my friends.

Rating:
Summary: return to the depths
Review: Whatever may be said about the technicality of the alternatives offered here to the usual transpersonal paradigms, Washburn does a fine job of recogizing that our vitality as awakening beings isn't only to be found on the heights of spirit; it also lives in the vales, in the lowlands and places of origin. The problem with verticality worship is that "enlightenment" becomes a goal by which one transcends everything, leaps over everything, instead of working through unresolved conflicts and lingering vulnerabilities.