The word "transpersonal" is spelled with the following IPA phonetic transcription: trænzˈpɜːsənəl. The "t" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar stop, while the "r" is an alveolar approximate. The "æ" sound is pronounced as a near-open front unrounded vowel, while "z" represents the voiced alveolar fricative. The "p" is a voiceless bilabial plosive, and the "s" is a voiceless alveolar fricative. The "ə" sound represents the mid-central vowel, and the final "l" is an alveolar lateral approximate.
Transpersonal is an adjective that refers to experiences, phenomena, or perspectives that go beyond the individual's personal identity and ordinary human limitations. Stemming from the field of psychology and spirituality, transpersonal refers to a broad range of topics that explore the interconnectedness of the self with the greater universe, spiritual realms, or higher states of consciousness.
In a psychological context, transpersonal views human nature as reaching beyond the ego and the individual's personal experiences, including aspects like collective consciousness, religious experiences, and mystical states of mind. It acknowledges the existence of realms beyond the conventional understanding of personality and explores concepts such as enlightenment, self-transcendence, and the expansion of consciousness.
In a spiritual sense, transpersonal explores the nature of the self as part of a larger cosmic whole, beyond the boundaries of time and space. It encompasses experiences of oneness with nature, divine connection, and a search for spiritual meaning that surpasses individual identity. Transpersonal spirituality often facilitates personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of enlightenment, embracing various practices like meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation.
The transpersonal perspective recognizes that there is more to life than what is observable and emphasizes the potential for growth and transcendence beyond ordinary human experiences. It encourages individuals to explore the deeper dimensions of their being, to transcend the limitations of the personal ego, and to seek a connection with something greater than themselves.
The word "transpersonal" is derived from the Latin word "trans" meaning "beyond" or "across", and the English word "personal". The term was originally coined in the field of psychology by the Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof in the 1960s. He used it to describe experiences and phenomena that go beyond the individual or personal level of consciousness. Transpersonal psychology explores spiritual, mystical, and transcendent aspects of human experience and consciousness, beyond what is solely personal or ego-based.