Transpersonal

The term Transpersonal is often used to refer to psychological categories that transcend the normal features of ordinary ego-functioning. That is, stages of psychological growth, or stages of consciousness, that move beyond the rational and precedes the mystical. The term is highly associated with the work of Abraham Maslow and his understanding of "peak experiences", and was first adapted by the human potential movement in the 1960's.

Among the psychologial sciences that have studied transpersonal phenomena we find the schools of Transpersonal psychology, Humanistic psychology and Near-Death Studies. Among the forerunners to the development of transpersonal theory we find the school of Psychosynthesis (founded by Roberto Assagioli), and the Analytical school of C.G Jung.

In integral theory, transpersonal refers to stages of human development through which a person's self-awareness extends beyond the personal. Integral theorists include Ken Wilber, Michael Murphy, Michael Washburn, Allan Combs,Jean Gebser, Don Beck, and Clare Graves. The work of all of these theorists is inspired, in varying degrees, by the writings of the Hindu philosopher Sri Aurobindo.