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THE SUFI JOURNEY TOWARDS NONDUAL SELF-REALIZATION LAUREN JULIA BONI Honours B.A., University of Toronto, 2005 a Thesis Submitted

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THE SUFI JOURNEY TOWARDS NONDUAL SELF-REALIZATION LAUREN JULIA BONI Honours B.A., University of Toronto, 2005 a Thesis Submitted THE SUFI JOURNEY TOWARDS NONDUAL SELF-REALIZATION LAUREN JULIA BONI Honours B.A., University of Toronto, 2005 A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Lethbridge in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE Health Sciences University of Lethbridge LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, CANADA © Lauren Julia Boni, 2010 ii Abstract Sufism is a living mystical tradition with tools and a theoretical framework geared to facilitate the realization of one’s full potential. This thesis examines the nature of such a realization, which culminates in an experience of nondual Self-realization. Transpersonal psychology provided the conceptual framework for this study, as it attempts to document the role that altered states of consciousness play in facilitating health and wellbeing. This research also drew heavily from the methodology of phenomenological hermeneutics and transpersonal phenomenology, which supported the investigation into the lived experience of five Sufi practitioners. The guiding research question of this exploratory inquiry asks, What has been the lived experience of Sufi practitioners on their journey towards nondual Self-realization? The research findings consist of eight themes that emerged during the analysis of the textual data. The implications of these findings impact the health and counseling fields, as well as the environmental crisis. iii Acknowledgements I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this poignant journey. To my thesis supervisor Dr. Gary Nixon, my sincerest gratitude for your tremendous insight along the way and for constantly making the link between the outer and inner journey. Thank you for allowing this to be an authentic experience, one which has unfolded organically. To my committee members, Dr. Brad Hagen and Dr. Hillary Rodrigues for your assurance and direction throughout this process. To my course instructors, Dr. Ruth Grant Kalischuk for sharing your enthusiasm for qualitative research and Dr. david Gregory for your belief and interest in this work. To Dr. Marcia Rich, my practicum supervisor, for your encouragement and wise instruction. To the Halveti-Jerrahi Sufi community for opening your doors to me, and especially to the respected Sheikh Tevfik Aydoner al-Jerrahi for your loving and welcoming presence. To the five co-researchers whose stories have moved me deeply, thank you for your openness of heart and for allowing me to relive the very precious moments of your sacred journeys. My deepest appreciation to all friends and family members… iv Table of Contents APPROVAL PAGE………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………II ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................. III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ IV LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................................................................VIII CHAPTER I ­ THE SUFI JOURNEY TOWARDS NONDUAL SELF­REALIZATION..................... 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 ARRIVING AT THE RESEARCH TOPIC...................................................................................................................... 1 Healing through Self­realization.................................................................................................................... 2 SITUATING THE SUFI JOURNEY WITHIN A HEALTH CONTEXT........................................................................... 3 Holism in the Health Field ................................................................................................................................. 4 A Holistic Psychology........................................................................................................................................... 5 PURPOSE...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 RESEARCH QUESTION(S) ......................................................................................................................................... 6 SIGNIFICANCE............................................................................................................................................................. 7 OVERVIEW OF THE THESIS....................................................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................. 9 CHAPTER II ­ A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE...........................................................................10 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................10 TWO CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF THE PSYCHE ....................................................................................................10 INTRODUCING KEY CONCEPTS ..............................................................................................................................14 ABRAHAM MASLOW’S WORK................................................................................................................................15 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs .........................................................................................................................15 Self­actualization ................................................................................................................................................17 Peak­experiences and Nondual States .......................................................................................................18 Farther Reaches of Human Nature..............................................................................................................20 PERENNIAL PHILOSOPHY .......................................................................................................................................21 The Necessity of Self­transcendence ...........................................................................................................23 The Perennial Need for Self­realization....................................................................................................24 TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY ............................................................................................................................25 Defining ‘Transpersonal’..................................................................................................................................26 Wilber’s Spectrum of Development .............................................................................................................28 Stage 10: Nondual Self­realization..............................................................................................................30 WHY SUFISM? ..........................................................................................................................................................32 Sufism and Perennial Philosophy.................................................................................................................34 Sufism Defined ......................................................................................................................................................34 Transforming the Nafs......................................................................................................................................35 The Seven Levels of the Nafs...........................................................................................................................38 The Seven Facets of the Soul...........................................................................................................................44 v CHAPTER SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................47 CHAPTER III ­ RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY........................................................49 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................49 WILBER’S THREE STRANDS OF EPISTEMOLOGY................................................................................................50 The Three ‘Eyes’ ...................................................................................................................................................50 Wilber’s Verification Procedure....................................................................................................................53 RUMI’S TWO KINDS OF INTELLIGENCE................................................................................................................54 INQUIRY IN THE HUMAN AND NATURAL SCIENCES...........................................................................................56 PHENOMENOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................................57
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