What is the difference between psychosis and mystical states of consciousness? What do the great esoteric traditions have to tell us about the farthest reaches of the human mind? How can we recognize cult behavior, whether it occurs in isolated groups or the culture at large? What are the most sensible and effective approaches to meditation? These questions and many more are answered in this profound and exciting anthology by a founding researcher in the field now known as transpersonal psychology. This is the rare book that provides both an education and a transformative experience for readers interested in the history of open-mindedness. Contents include: Foreword by Charles T. Tart, Ph.D. A Functional Approach to Mysticism The Empathic Ward Psychotherapy of Severe Depression Sufism and Psychiatry Evaluating Spiritual and Utopian Groups The Overestimation of the Mystical Experience Treating Former Members of a Cult The Meaning of Everything Mindfulness, Spiritual Seeking and Psychotherapy Service as a Way of Knowing The State-of-the-Art of Meditation AND ELEVEN MORE TOPICS "