The Mindfulness Movement and Transpersonal Psychology

Shared Contexts and Critiques

Abstract

This article explores the shared cultural origins, influences, and contexts of the mindfulness movement and transpersonal psychology with regard to the underlying social and cultural issues that are of particular importance to the future of these movements as contemporary forms of spirituality. Similarities in their self-understanding and their applications’ mechanisms of action are presented, and the potential of these movements is explored in the light of current social and environmental challenges. The assimilation processes of these movements as they move from traditional to secular contexts are outlined, and the influence of neoliberal values, capitalist discourses, and patriarchal structures on neoliberal forms of mindfulness and narcissistic tendencies in transpersonal psychology are described. Perspectives from historical, cultural, and transcultural studies illuminate the dangers of universal, asocial, and ahistorical views of spiritual practices and allow for a reflection on their changed meaning, function, and impact in new cultural contexts. Participatory, feminist, and multicultural critiques of these developments are summarized, and problems such as cultural bias and lack of social engagement are addressed. A concluding outlook reviews current approaches and developments in response to these critiques.