The author is one the foremost writers in the field of transpersonal psychology. This book covers ideas regarding non-ordinary states of consciousness. His discussion draws on for example such fascinating human states of consciousness as past-life experiences, peak experiences, communication with spirit guides and channelling, near-death experiences, crises of shamans like witch-doctors, states of possession, and awakening of Kundalini. He also reports findings from his original research into 'psychedelic therapy' and 'holotropic breathwork'.
Holotropic consciousness
He writes that in holotropic states, consciousness is changed qualitatively in a very profound and fundamental way although people typically remain fully orientated in terms of space and time, not completely losing touch with everyday reality. At the same time it is said that our field of consciousness is invaded from contents from other dimensions of existence in a way that can be very intense and even overwhelming. We thus experience simultaneously two very different realities, having each foot in a different world.
He goes on to say that holotropic states are characterised by dramatic perceptual changes in all sensory areas. When we close our eyes we may see images drawn from personal history or visions portraying plants or animals, scenes from nature, or of 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.
He also describes emotions characteristic of these states. Feelings can be very intense. They may range from ecstatic rapture, content and peacefulness, to terror, murderous anger, utter despair, or consuming guilt. Such states of mind seem to match either the celestial paradises or hellish realms described in sacred scriptures of the world's religions.
He reports that, in these non-ordinary states of consciousness, we may not be able to rely on our judgment of everyday practical matters but we can be flooded by remarkable valid information on a variety of subjects as well as deep insights concerning our personal history, unconscious dynamics, and life problems. He writes that we can also "experience extraordinary revelations concerning various aspects of nature and of the cosmos that by a wide margin transcends our educational and intellectual background."
Finally he comments that the most interesting insights that become available revolve around philosophical, metaphysical and spiritual issues. And so he thinks 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 describing the spiritual nature of existence.
He maintains that the dogmas and activities of mainstream religions tend to obscure the fact that the only place where true spirituality can be found is inside the psyche of each of us. Most people would probably agree with his assertion that at its worst organised religion can actually function as a grave impediment for any serious spiritual search, rather than an institution that can help us connect with the divine. For, 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 survival of consciousness after death. However, Grof points out that according to Western neuroscience, consciousness is a product of the physiological processes in the brain, and thus critically dependent on the body. Very few people, including most scientists, realise that we have no proof that consciousness is actually produced by the brain and that we do not even have a remote notion of how something like consciousness could possibly happen in terms of physical matter.
Whilst remaining 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 are compatible with the monistic materialistic worldview of Western science. At the same time he acknowledges that a belief in survival and karma will have a profound impact on our behaviour.
This book is published in the Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology, State University of New York Press. 2000. Grof has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the transpersonal world and it shows. However the reader should be warned about a tendency towards repetition. Many scientists will probably feel he has over-stated his case. Nevertheless I warmly recommend this book and give it a five-star rating.
Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy