Sacred Psychology

A Global Perspective

By (author) Samuel Bendeck Sotillos

Book cover: Sacred Psychology

Extent: 150 pages

Publisher: Equinox Publishing

Subjects: Philosophy, Psychology, Psychoanalysis, & Psychotherapy, Religious Studies

Series: Global Philosophy

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 2025)

ISBN: 9781800505742

6.14 x 9.21 inches

Price: $32.00

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(September 2025)

ISBN: 9781800505735

6.1 x 9.17 inches

Price: $80.00

In stock

Examples are given of the fundamental differences that are found between modern psychology and the traditional psychologies of various religions, which also existed in the West prior to the Enlightenment era. Furthermore, this book will show how non-Western philosophy can help rehabilitate an authentically healing psychology in support of promoting sound mental health in our afflicted modern culture.


Psychology today pathologizes all aspects of the human condition without ever examining its own ills, which have caused it to become fragmented. People from non-Western backgrounds are often adversely affected by the limitations of the discipline, and often avoid treatment altogether. By contrast, a true “science of the soul” has existed for millennia in all the world’s diverse spiritual cultures. Although a plethora of modern therapies are now available, they are hindered in their efficacy by having become entirely divorced from sacred reality. This work argues that it is necessary to restore this “science of the soul” by drawing on the perspective of non-Western wisdom traditions as understood since time immemorial. Examples are given of the fundamental differences that are found between modern psychology and the traditional psychologies of various religions, which also existed in the West prior to the Enlightenment era. Furthermore, this book will show how non-Western philosophy can help rehabilitate an authentically healing psychology in support of promoting sound mental health in our afflicted modern culture. Sacred psychologies, therefore, afford us the best opportunity to tackle the innumerable challenges that confront human beings today, such as trauma, mental illness, addiction, death, and the meaning of our lives.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Theoretical Presuppositions

Chapter 1. A Wayward Beginning

Chapter 2. Birth as Theophany

Chapter 3. The Metaphysics of Trauma

Chapter 4. The Enigma of Psychosis

Chapter 5. Addiction and Wholeness

Chapter 6. Death as Transformation

Conclusion

Rehabilitating Psychology

 
  • By (author) Samuel Bendeck Sotillos

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