Introduction

I introduce my focus of research, mild everyday altered states of consciousness (ASCs), which are neglected in the literature. I look briefly at two areas of literature used in my research: Transpersonal anthropology and Transpersonal psychology. My rationale for the use of these literatures is that both study multiple states of consciousness, they assert the validity of spiritual experience and they recognize the therapeutic potential of Transpersonal experience. I trace a brief history of consciousness research and the development of Transpersonal psychology including debates around its boundaries of research. The work of William James is highlighted as a key inspiration for my research, as well as Abraham Maslow. In social anthropology I consider early pioneers Lucien Levy-Bruhl and Emile Durkheim, both of whom recognized the ASC experiences of non-Western peoples. I explore the development of transpersonal anthropology and some of its key aims. Victor and Edith Turner are highlighted for their recognition of the spiritual life of those studied, including ASCs. I emphasize the importance of studying non-Western ASC experience as part of consciousness studies. I introduce debates which will be explored in later chapters: universalism/relativism, truth claims around the metaphysical, and the notion of the ‘participatory’. I highlight problems with definitions of mild ASCs. I suggest a working definition which I used in my fieldwork.