Nondualism and the Divine Domain

Abstract

mental nature of reality, which is frequently confused in transpersonal psychology: nondualism. Perhaps nowhere in transpersonal psychology has nondualism received a more thoughtful treatment than in Wilber’s (1995, 2000a) spectrum/quadrant theory. Wilber initially posited a spectrum theory of consciousness, in which he integrates all psychological, philosophical, and spiritual treatises on the development of human beings—from the inception of one’s Very Being into an incarnated birth to their attainment of Divine Enlightenment and immersion in nondual reality. His quadrant theory goes on to elaborate on this depiction of consciousness, organizing the vast expanse of existence into four fundamental dimensions: interior and exterior, as well as individual and collective. Every aspect of existence is thought to be subsumed within the general structure of an allinclusive consciousness—indeed, even the nondual reality that serves as its ultimate ground and final denouement. Wilber has written extensively, lucidly, and beautifully about nondual reality. His passages on God and Spirit are carefully crafted and offered lovingly. Perhaps no one since Jung (1964) has done more to authenticate spiritual reality within the professional community of psychology and make its lofty precepts accessible to the lay reader. His synthesis of spiritual revelation from the various traditions of humanity’s great saints and sages is remarkable, not only because of their prodigious scope, but also because of the subtle and profound realizations inherent within them. His body of work covers a sprawling expanse of spiritual literature and can be deemed not only a mammoth undertaking, but a work of extraordinary value for both science and spirituality. Humanity has benefited immeasurably from his work. However, for all its scope and remarkable cogency, it is not unprecedented. The Ruchira Avatar, Adi Da Samraj (1991, 2000b) has also written extensively, lucidly, and beautifully about nondual reality. Avatar Adi Da’s revelation of nondual reality takes place as part of an overall schema that accounts for all aspects of human development and incarnate being: the seven stages of life. These stages progress through a potential sequence of human maturation, spiritual growth, and Divine Enlightenment in any given individual’s life (see Adi Da, 2000b, pp. 103-131, 385-390): First Stage: individuation and adaptation to the physical body. Second Stage: socialization and adaptation to the emotional-sexual (or feeling) dimension of being. Third Stage: integration of the psycho-physical personality and development of the verbal mind, discriminative intelligence, and the will. Fourth Stage: ego-surrendering devotion to the Divine Person and purification of body-based point of view through reception of Divine Spirit-Force. Fifth Stage: Spiritual or Yogi ascent of attention into psychic dimensions of the being and mystical experience of the higher brain.