Psyche and the Sacred: Spirituality Beyond Religion

by Lionel Corbett

This book presents an approach to spirituality based on direct personal experience of the sacred. Using the language and insights of depth psychology, Corbett outlines the intimate relationship between spiritual experience and the psychology of the individual, unveiling the seamless continuity between the personal and transpersonal dimensions of the psyche. His discussion runs the gamut of spiritual concerns, from the problem of evil to the riddle of pain and suffering. Drawing upon his psychotherapeutic practice as well as on the experiences of characters from our religious heritage, Corbett explores the various portals through which the sacred presents itself to us: dreams, visions, nature, the body, relationships, psychopathology, and creative work. Referring extensively to Jung's writings on religion, but also to contemporary psychoanalytic theory, Corbett gives form to the new spirituality that is emerging alongside the world's great religious traditions. For those seeking alternative forms of spirituality beyond the Judeo-Christian tradition, this volume will be a useful guide on the journey.

Genres: Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Religion

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2007

Reviews

[Eleanor Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lionel Corbett, M.D., a teacher of depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, California, states that psychology is, in fact, the basis of our spirituality and sets out to provide proof. He points to our spiritual future:

"The next stage in our spiritual evolution is emerging...and requires
the development of a personal connection with the sacred,
unencumbered by doctrine, dogma, or preconceived ideas about the divine.

It also involves approaching problems such as the existence of evil and suffering with all the new insights that developments in depth psychology can bring to bear on this and other human predicaments." (p.6)

In Part 1 "Meeting the Mystery: Developing a Personal Spirituality, Corbett calls for a return to a personal approach to spirituality involving embodied experience and powerful emotions rather than doctrinal formulas. He points out that when religious ideas are divorced from natural psychology there are serious ruptures. If someone believed in Christianity, for example,

"such a person would not be found committing atrocities or war crimes, and the Sermon on the Mount would not be ignored when it was politically convenient to do so. The teachings of Jesus would fit naturally and instinctively into his or her behavior and
they would not need to be reinforced by threats of eternal damnation and they require no hierarchy." (p.33)

In Part 11, Through Psyche's Lens: A Depth Psychological Approach to Spiritual Questions, Corbett counsels we integrate our shadow material into conscious awareness instead of leaning on religions "that offer repentance, confession and the grace of God as antidotes to the shadow." (p.173)

In a riveting chapter, A Depth Psychology of Evil, Corbett describes Jung's understanding of the message of Jesus: Instead of subordinating oneself to Christ, we should, instead, seek to be similarly free-spirited, questioning of authority, confrontational and willing to suffer the consequences. Corbett rails against the laundering of religious personalities:

"In Jung's mythology, the divine penetrates the human psyche with darkness as well as light and our task is to struggle with the tension produced by aspects of the Self pulling in opposite directions. Rather than take on such a painful and difficult task, many people choose one of the traditional solutions to evil: let God take care of it in his own time. (p.173)

Eleanor Cowan, author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer

[Andrew Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there life after death? Do I believe in God? What is the meaning of life? I always thought I'd get round to answering these questions when, I don't know, I was older, I had more time or I had more experience of the world. Perhaps it was just I wasn't brave enough. Around four and a half years ago, I decided to start trying to engage with these questions. I started reading books (reviewed on this site), attending workshops and retreats and trying to decide my beliefs.

If I'd had enough knowledge when I started out, I would have asked for a book that explained the difference between religion and spirituality. I would asked for something that linked psychology (my era of specialty) with spirituality - with special references to Jung. I would asked for someone who had studied long and thought deeply and been prepared to give his (or her opinions) without pushing one true path. I would have asked for some practical ideas - without recruiting for one school of thought. I found all those ingredients in this book. Thank you Lionel Corbett.

Even more amazingly, this book gave me the space to think about my own direct spiritual experiences - what Corbett calls the Numinosum - rather than discount them (because they don't fit the Judaeo-Christian orthodoxy. It even gave me some ideas for a book of my own.

The only problem is how will I find a book to follow this one. Perhaps I should read it again? After all, there is a lot to digest and I expect I will get different lessons the second time around.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be a student of Dr. Corbett last year at Pacifica Graduate Institue. During my time there I read much of his work. This book specifically had a great impact on reigniting a part of me that I had suppressed for a very long time. During his class I was able to ask myself questions I had feared for decades, this impacted my relationship at that time and has since shed light on the way I move through the world. I love this authors work and treasure this book. Highly recommend.

[Ed Wojniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that explores the individuality of experience with the Transcendent. A good book for the one who's willing and brave enough to venture beyond the constraints of tradition into the wild and untamed.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! It puts to words a lot of what I’ve always intuited about God and religion. The section on Job was brilliant. Just loved the entire thing!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful.s. I recommend it to anyone concerned with religion and or the psychology of spirituality. Lionel Corbett is one of my favorite professors, and this is a very wise and compassionate book.