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The Transformational Quest of Awakening to Daily Life: a Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Approach

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The Transformational Quest of Awakening to Daily Life: a Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Approach THE TRANSFORMATIONAL QUEST OF AWAKENING TO DAILY LIFE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL-HERMENEUTIC APPROACH KYLER EVANS B.H.Sc., University of Lethbridge, 2005 A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Lethbridge in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF EDUCATION: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY OF EDUCATION LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA January, 2008 © Kyler Evans 2008 Abstract In this thesis a phenomenological-hermeneutic method of inquiry, coupled with an embracement of ecological and transpersonal principles, was employed to delve into the paradoxical nature of the transformational quest to awaken to non-dual living. In particular there is a specific focus on the difficulty of embracing and living out a traditionally Eastern spiritual tradition for Western individuals. Analysis of interview transcripts with three participants, as well as, the author’s own journals, found four major “stages” in the journey to daily living in a non-dual state, with 13 sub-themes. These interpretive themes delineate the chronological path followed by the three co-researchers on their journeys into embracing non-dual living. The first major theme – heeding the call: honouring what is – outlines childhood experiences and answering a call to walk the path. The second theme– the unfolding process: pulling back the veil – illuminates the depth at which consciousness development can impact one’s lived experience. The third major theme – the wonderful land of oz: pointing to the answer within – explores the individuals’ experience with various teachers on the path of consciousness development. The fourth, and final, major theme – finding a lotus in the muddy waters of life – reveals the need for beings on the path to return to the particular moment to face unresolved attachments and demons. These findings suggest the significance of an integrative approach to therapeutic/counselling experience, an approach that includes Eastern practices and philosophies in the repertoire of counselling tools, to ensure the deepest possible understanding between, and connection within, the partners in the therapeutic alliance. - iii - Acknowledgements I would first and foremost like to acknowledge my wife, Gail, whom without her help and support this thesis would never have emerged in the form and formless ways that it has. In addition, I would also like to thank my thesis co-supervisor, Cynthia Chambers, for her assistance and the wisdom that she shared with me, greatly assisting me in one of the many forms of human expression. A special thanks to Gary Nixon, co- supervisor, and Jason Solowoniuk, both of whom with I share a connection and passion for the awakening process, for their great wisdom and friendship throughout the last few years. Lastly, a final thanks to my two committee members, Erika Hasebe-Ludt and Hillary Rodrigues for their support, editorial assistance and input in the writing of this thesis. - iv - Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ iv Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ v CHAPTER ONE: THE DREAM FOR WHICH ONE IS AWAKE ................................... 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 The Purpose of This Study ............................................................................................ 11 CHAPTER TWO: DEVELOPMENTAL AWAKENING ............................................... 13 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 13 Wilber’s Developmental Model of Consciousness Development ............................ 15 Table 1: Wilber’s Spectrum of Consciousness ......................................................... 17 Prepersonal ............................................................................................................ 17 Personal ................................................................................................................. 18 Transpersonal ........................................................................................................ 19 The Quest for Wholeness and Awakening ................................................................ 21 The “Unreachable Enlightenment” Versus Awakening ............................................ 23 Transformational Pathways to Awakening ................................................................... 25 The Pathless Path of Zen .............................................................................................. 29 Finding Your Original Face ...................................................................................... 32 1) Seeking the Ox .................................................................................................. 34 2) Discovering the Footprints ............................................................................... 36 3) Perceiving the Bull ........................................................................................... 36 4) Catching the Bull .............................................................................................. 38 - v - 5) Taming the Bull ................................................................................................ 39 6) Riding the Bull Home ....................................................................................... 40 7) The Bull Transcended ....................................................................................... 41 8) Both Bull and Self Transcended ....................................................................... 42 9) Reaching the Source ......................................................................................... 43 10) In the World .................................................................................................... 44 Non-dual Reality, Advaita Vedanta .............................................................................. 45 Ramana Maharshi: Who Am I .................................................................................. 48 Papaji: The Lion of Lucknow ................................................................................... 51 Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj: “I am That” ..................................................................... 53 Gangaji: Stop and Experience ................................................................................... 56 End of Seeking .......................................................................................................... 58 Psycho-spiritual Meld ................................................................................................... 60 Integrative Practices .................................................................................................. 63 Jack Kornfield ........................................................................................................... 64 John Welwood .......................................................................................................... 66 A. H. Almaas ............................................................................................................. 68 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 72 CHAPTER THREE: INTERPRETIVE RESEARCH ...................................................... 74 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 74 Specialized Qualitative Method ................................................................................ 74 A Return to Things Themselves................................................................................ 75 A Turn to Hermeneutics ............................................................................................ 77 - vi - Loss of Ecology ........................................................................................................ 82 The Three Levels of Research .................................................................................. 87 Interview Processes ................................................................................................... 91 Research Procedures ..................................................................................................... 93 Selection of Co-researchers ...................................................................................... 93 Interview Procedure .................................................................................................. 94 Textual Interpretation of the Interviews.................................................................... 95 Ethical Considerations .............................................................................................. 97 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 98 CHAPTER FOUR: TEXTUAL INTERPRETATIONS ................................................... 99 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 99 Participant Profiles
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