Beyond personal history and archetypal themes, a comprehensive psychology must also address the fundamental significance of birth and death. Stanislav Grof, M.D., renowned for his pioneering contributions regarding the psychological and spiritual aspects of the birth process, now adds invaluable insights from more than half a century of research and personal discovery into the experience of death and dying.
Dr. Grof distills teachings from ancient wisdom and modern science that suggest how to face the process of death and dying. The Ultimate Journey describes ancient and aboriginal ritual and spiritual practices that help us understand the experience of death, develop effective ways of making dying easier, and integrate it as a meaningful part of life. The book also summarizes modern studies that shed new light on psycho-spiritual death and rebirth, near-death experiences, and the new expanded cartography of the psyche that has emerged from Grof’s fifty years of research in psychedelic therapy, Holotropic Breathwork, and spontaneous psychospiritual crises.
Those who come to terms with death in deep experiential self-exploration tend to develop a sense of planetary citizenship, reverence for life in all its forms, and a spirituality of a universal and all-encompassing nature.
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Why this book matters
- Draws on more than fifty years of Grof’s research in psychedelic therapy, Holotropic Breathwork, and transpersonal psychology to illuminate the mystery of death and dying
- Synthesizes ancient wisdom traditions and modern science into a practical and compassionate guide for facing the ultimate journey
- Documents near-death experiences, psycho-spiritual death and rebirth, and the expanded cartography of the psyche that only Grof’s lifetime of research could produce
- Argues that coming to terms with death transforms us — cultivating planetary citizenship, reverence for life, and a universal spirituality
- An essential companion to Grof’s full body of work and an indispensable resource for anyone working with dying patients, grief, or the deepest questions of human existence
