The ultimate journey : consciousness and the mystery of death

Beyond personal history and archetypal themes, a comprehensive psychology must address the significance of birth and death. Stanislav Grof, M.D., known for his pioneering work on the psychological and spiritual aspects of birth, now shares insights from over fifty years of research into death and dying. He distills teachings from ancient wisdom and modern science on how to confront death. This ultimate journey is a profound challenge, influencing our approach to life and death. Those who engage in deep self-exploration often develop a sense of planetary citizenship, reverence for all forms of life, and a universal spirituality. Such radical inner transformation may be humanity's best hope for survival. The text explores ancient and aboriginal rituals and spiritual practices that illuminate the experience of death, offering ways to ease the dying process and integrate it meaningfully into life. It also summarizes contemporary studies that provide new perspectives on phenomena related to death, including psycho-spiritual death and rebirth, near-death experiences, and the expanded cartography of the psyche derived from Grof's extensive research in psychedelic therapy, Holotropic Breathwork, and spontaneous psychospiritual crises.