Psychologies East and West I (playlist)

Psychologies East and West: A Symposium







ROBERT ORNSTEIN
CHARLES TART
PETER BRENT
ARTHUR DEIKMAN
IDRIES SHAH


PSYCHOLOGIES: EAST AND WEST

There is a growing realization that contemporary Western approaches to the mind leave fallow the capacities for a more comprehensive perception of ourselves. That we have left undeveloped an holistic consciousness has influenced our conception of our capacities, our approach to health and disease and our understanding of the nature of education.

Many people have sensed this lack and have turned their interest to the esoteric traditions of the East, often without understanding the bases and the relevance of many of these traditions. Although the interest itself may be genuine, many of the specific doctrines and practices are suited only to the static societies of the East, or are suited to an earlier historical era, and are not relevant to the needs of contemporary people.

We will attempt to peel away some of the local coloration and obsolete or inappropriate doctrine from these traditions. We will present both appropriate historical and sociological information as well as contemporary examples of formulations of Eastern spiritual thought suited to current problems in psychology, education and medicine.

This symposium will bring together speakers who represent Eastern spiritual traditions and those who have traveled extensively in the East, with psychologists concerned with the integration of these ideas into the Western context.

 Live lectures from 1976; released c. 1984.