THE POWER OF REFLECTION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NONDUALISM AND MANIFEST REALITY IN THE WRITTEN WORK OF SWAMI SHANTANANDA by Carol Lynn Schopfer A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Institute of Transpersonal Psychology Palo Alto, California March 10, 2010 I certify that I have read and approved the content and presentation of this dissertation: _______________________________________________ ____________ Judy Schavrien, Ph.D., Committee Chairperson Date _______________________________________________ ____________ Terry O‘Fallon, Ph.D., Committee Member Date _______________________________________________ ____________ Judith Blackstone, Ph.D., Committee Member Date Copyright © Carol Lynn Schopfer 2010 All Rights Reserved ii Abstract The Power of Reflection: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Nondualism and Manifest Reality in the Written Work of Swami Shantananda by Carol Lynn Schopfer Consciousness has historically been described and evaluated from many different philosophical, spiritual, and scientific perspectives. This dissertation presents a study in the area of nondual consciousness that describes consciousness as a non-plural or indivisible phenomenon. The study looked at the relationship between nondualism and manifest reality in the written work of Swami Shantananda. The discussion of consciousness as a reflexive phenomenon was a key component of this study. This research used a textual content analysis in combination with intuitive inquiry to analyze and describe the major themes of Swami Shantananda‘s commentary on the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam. The Pratyabhijna-hrdayam is a collection of sutras within the Kashmir Shaivist yoga tradition that describes the process by which nondual reality condenses itself into manifest reality. The results of this study defined the following six categories or themes that are prominent within the commentary: vibration, bliss, paradox, creativity, luminosity, and reflection. The discussion of the results describes the ways in which these themes elucidate the relationship between nondualism and manifest reality. One of the prominent aspects of this discussion describes a process of projection and reflection as key in understanding the apparent difference between nondual reality and manifest reality. The conclusions and recommendations in this dissertation suggest further research and practical application in the areas of philosophy of consciousness, creativity theory, neuropsychology, mystical traditions, and transpersonal activities such as meditation, drumming, dancing, and chanting. Within these conclusions, a clear iii relationship was identified between the macrocosm, which is nondual reality, and the microcosm, which is material reality. Viewing the microcosm as a reflection of the macrocosm provides spiritual practitioners with an opportunity to understand the concrete world as a manifestation of the divine. iv Acknowledgments It is with great honour and gratitude that I acknowledge the many people who supported me through this process. I‘d like to begin by thanking the ITP faculty and staff for their exceptional commitment and dedication. Without their constant support, this dissertation would not have been possible. In particular, I am deeply grateful to my Committee Chair, Judy Schavrien, Ph.D., who has been present with me each step of the way offering exactly the guidance I needed at every moment. Her sensitivity, kindness, and brilliant scholarship are unparalleled. I would also like to thank my committee members, Judith Blackstone, Ph.D., and Terri O‘Fallon, Ph.D., for the dedication of their time and expertise. Their vast experiences in the field of transpersonal psychology and their deep seated wisdom added so much depth to the conversations surrounding this research. I would also like to thank the many family members and friends whose love, patience, and support held me together through the dissertation process. First, I must thank my fiance‘, Stephen Forrest, who has been my coach, cheerleader, and biggest supporter. His patience and understanding made this study possible. I‘d like to thank Joseph Schopfer for his quiet presence, acceptance, and for his belief in my ability to succeed. Most importantly, I would like to thank him for constantly encouraging me to learn, grow, and to stretch beyond my comfort zones. It is just this attitude that gave me the courage to attempt a project of this magnitude. I also offer my gratitude to Paul Forrest for providing so much material and emotional support over the years. His ever positive attitude and encouragement kept me motivated in times of doubt. I am deeply indebted to Cindy Kittredge and Patt Rehn for not only encouraging me, but for leading by example. The strength, courage, and commitment they display in their own lives each day made me believe that somehow, I would complete this study, no matter how daunting v the circumstances appeared to be. Finally, I would like to thank Jim Kittredge, Claudia Anderson, and Susan and Greg Coffin for their patience, kindness, and consideration during difficult times. vi List of Figures Figures Page 1. The projection of consciousness leads to the creation of a new object that, through its interaction with a subject, creates the process of reflection. The reflection in turn demands a reaction from the subject, creating a new object to act as an agent of reflection. 33 vii Table of Contents Copyright ........................................................................................................................................ ii Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... v List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 A Movement Toward Wholeness ....................................................................................... 1 The Big Questions .............................................................................................................. 4 Nondualism ......................................................................................................................... 5 Nondualism as an essentially contested concept .................................................... 6 Operational definitions of nondualism and manifest reality. ................................ 10 Personal, Social, and Transpersonal Relevance ................................................................ 11 Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 13 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 13 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 14 Notes to the Reader ........................................................................................................... 15 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 16 Intent and Overview .......................................................................................................... 16 Dualism and the Cartesian Subject/Object Dichotomy .................................................... 16 Approaches to Nondualism ............................................................................................... 19 The negation of dualistic thinking. ....................................................................... 20 The nonplurality of the world. .............................................................................. 21 The nondifference of subject and object ............................................................... 22 The possibility of mystical union between the individual and the Absolute ........ 23 Vedanta and dualism ............................................................................................. 24 Nondualism and the Relationship Between Subject and Object ....................................... 25 Nondualism in Kashmir Shaivism .................................................................................... 29 Reflexive Consciousness .................................................................................................. 34 Self-Reflexivity ..................................................................................................... 36 Object Relations ................................................................................................................ 36 Consciousness in Relationship .......................................................................................... 39 viii The Concept of Reflection in Kashmir Shaivism ............................................................. 44 Relevance .......................................................................................................................... 46 Chapter 3: Methods ......................................................................................................................