Transpersonal Anthropology

In this chapter I focus on  Transpersonal anthropology and examine the work of some of its key authors. I look at the history of this sub-discipline. I introduce the scientific approach taken by Charles Laughlin and then focus on those who reject such an approach. I explore the work of Victor and Edith Turner who were pioneers in  Transpersonal anthropology. I examine some key characteristics of Transpersonal anthropology: accepting the spiritual world as valid including a recognition of anomalous experience; an interrogation of methodology including participation of the researcher; a focus on shamanism and healing; and the importance of the natural world as partners in this and other realities. I also consider studies of shamanism including Michael Harner who is a renowned expert, Robin Wright and Paul Stoller. In these ethnographies we see a much wider understanding of consciousness and ASCs than in the West: interaction with the natural world and with spirits involving ASC experience is a vital part of many non-Western cultures. A collective consciousness which includes all living things and the spirit world is recognized. Finally I offer a summary which (a) points to the need to study non-Western multiple levels of consciousnesses and realities, (b) looks at a common pathway shared by Transpersonal Psychology and Anthropology, and (c) examines the possibility of more cross-pollination between them.