Q. Is it permissible to complete a PhD in Applied Transpersonal Psychology. It is a degree done by my own research?
A. Transpersonal psychology is defined by positivepsychology.com as the study that investigates experiences that extend our awareness beyond (trans) our individual sense of embodied identity (personal). Such experiences can cause perceptual shifts in our worldview accompanied by emotions like awe, wonder, joy, and peace.
While positive psychology investigates the psychology of well being, flourishing, and optimal experience (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), transpersonal psychology seeks to better understand non-ordinary states of consciousness and their role in psychological transformation, healing, and integration (Hartelius et al., 2013).
Although, in some sense this branch of Psychology has and is used also for religions purposes, if those studies dedicated to other religions are avoided, it should be in principle permitted.
Since they are many details in the texts and principles involved, when encountering conflicting issues with our Emuna and Torah believes, further inquiry, questions and correct guidance should be investigated, searched and inquired. Yet similar conditions apply also to the study of other sciences.
Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a warned to be extremely careful, and guide yourself constantly with an excellent, outstanding, very knowledgeable, Talmid Hacham, who also very well understands all the issues involved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
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