Sympathy for the Devil: Response to Lisa M. Cataldo and Mark Epstein

Abstract

The dialogue between spirituality and Buddhism is enriched by Lisa Cataldo's and Mark Epstein's sophisticated commentaries on my article. Cataldo warns against a simple-minded identification of spirituality with “goodness,” and questions my suggestion about abolishing the superego. In retrospect I agree with her. She wonders about my work with the body and I elaborate on this. Epstein objects to my “organizing the truth,” but I see no way to avoid this as long as we are using words and concepts. He believes I am being dualistic in reifying transcendent experience. This was a considered choice on my part in the paper. I explain why and also describe in greater detail my concept of identifying with the authentic self with some further thoughts on the Diamond Approach of A.H. Almaas.

Keywords:

• spirituality
• psychoanalysis
• self
• Buddhism
• Jung