暗网吃瓜

Abstract

Yogic teachings depict the aim of life as reuniting with Spirit, and Paramahansa Yogananda (1982, 1995, 2011) expounded on the deep meaning of living one鈥檚 life in this way. Although the practice of meditation has been shown to allow for greater access to experience outside of functional ego consciousness (Bruce et al., 2010; Nanda, 2005; Yogananda, 1995), the connection of how Spirit may be felt directly while engaged in life鈥檚 activities is less well understood. This study explored how Paramahansa Yogananda鈥檚 teachings about communing with Spirit might impact a therapist鈥檚 ability to be aware of a Force greater than themself while actively engaged in the therapy room. Using an alchemical hermeneutic methodology, this research integrated Yogananda鈥檚 writings with literature on including the Divine in clinical work from therapists of diverse spiritual traditions including Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim faiths, providing a larger context in which the therapist, client, and therapeutic relationship can hone a connection to Spirit (Hoffer, 2018; Tan, 2001; York Al-Karam, 2018). Directing attention toward love, service, and surrender to Spirit were revealed as potential guides toward greater connection with the Oceanic Presence that unites all beings, both in one鈥檚 personal life and clinical work (Yogananda, 1982, 2000, 2011).