The Cosmic Game: Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness (S U N Y Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology) [Paperback]

Stanislav Grof (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1998

In this, his culminating work, the leading international figure in consciousness research masterfully synthesizes his vast findings, drawing not only upon psychedelic therapy and Holotropic Breathwork, but also from literature, cross-cultural studies, ancient mystical sources and psychological data, resulting in a profound consolidation and articulation of what is now known about nonordinary states of consciousness.

The Cosmic Game discusses the broadest philosophical, metaphysical and spiritual insights gleaned in Grof's research concerning human nature and reality, addressing the most fundamental questions human beings have asked about the nature of existence since time immemorial.

Insights from research into nonordinary states of consciousness portray existence as an astonishing play of the cosmic creative principle that transcends time, space, linear causality, and polarities of every kind and suggest an identity of the individual psyche in its furthest reaches with the universal creative principle and the totality of existence. This identity of the human being with the Divine is the ultimate secret that lies at the core of all great spiritual traditions.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What moves this book into the status of a classic is that it is in substantial agreement with the world's great wisdom and spiritual traditions. This modern corroboration of the perennial philosophy is a stunning achievement and deserves publication to the widest audiences." -- Ken Wilber, author of Up from Eden: A Transpersonal View of Human Evoution and The Atman Project: A Transpersonal View of Human Development

"The Cosmic Game is the latest and best of Stanislav Grof's extraordinary contributions to our understanding of human consciousness. This book provides a coherent picture of how individual experience fits into universal patterns of consciousness" -- Frances Vaughan, author of Shadows of the Sacred: Seeing through Spiritual Illusions

"Perhaps the most important of all his works, representing as it does an integration of the most profound of his clients' experiences and demonstrating a remarkable convergence with the deepest spiritual experiences reported across centuries and cultures. This convergence is a finding of the greatest significance." -- Roger Walsh, author of The Spirit of Shamanism

"Grof is the world's leading authority on the deep exploration of the mind and soul... This is a wonderful gift!" -- Charles Tart, author of States of Consciousness and Psi: Scientific Studies of the Psychic Realm

From the Back Cover

In this, his culminating work, the leading international figure in consciousness research masterfully synthesizes his vast findings, drawing not only upon psychedelic therapy and Holotropic Breathwork, but also from literature, cross-cultural studies, ancient mystical sources and psychological data, resulting in a profound consolidation and articulation of what is now known about nonordinary states of consciousness. The Cosmic Game discusses the broadest philosophical, metaphysical and spiritual insights gleaned in Grof's research concerning human nature and reality, addressing the most fundamental questions human beings have asked about the nature of existence since time immemorial.

Insights from research into nonordinary states of consciousness portray existence as an astonishing play of the cosmic creative principle that transcends time, space, linear causality, and polarities of every kind and suggest an identity of the individual psyche in its furthest reaches with the universal creative principle and the totality of existence. This identity of the human being with the Divine is the ultimate secret that lies at the core of all great spiritual traditions.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (March 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791438767
• ISBN-13: 978-0791438763
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars getting to know you, getting to know all about you., January 1, 2002

By 

Orva Schrock "Author of "Worthless Boy"" (goshen, in United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cosmic Game: Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness (S U N Y Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology) (Paperback)

this book is a must read for anyone sincerely searching self knowledge. it covers much ground regarding the magnificence of life and existence itself. breathtakingly deep and broad in its scope: personal experience of "God", ways to find "God". the validity of personal mystical experience, ways of getting there, the reason evil exists, the nature of ultimate good, the list goes on and on. Stanislav Grof is a master of the transpersonal and speaks "as one having authority". i can't possibly rate this book highly enough. buy it! its a feast for the mind as well as the heart.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, June 18, 2004

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Daryl Paulson (Bozeman, Montana) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cosmic Game: Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness (S U N Y Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology) (Paperback)

Grof has written a super book that describes the many aspects of spiritual development. He aligns his core thoughts along the thoughts of Ken Wilber. This how ever is not Wilberian book and has many original insights, not mere theory. Grof is a gifted psychiatrist with no axe to grind. He, unlike Wilber who believes his theories hold and explain everyone else's theories, is much more open and unthreatened. He brings different viewpoints to his writing, without claiming to be the end all or have the last word. Get this book, you will not be let down.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, December 5, 2000

By 

Cem Çeboðlu (Istanbul Turkey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cosmic Game: Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness (S U N Y Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology) (Paperback)

The book amazed me up to a certain level. It was very thorough and I found the topics pretty interesting. While searching for some answers about who we are, this book has convinced me that maybe the questions were and are wrong. I recommend everyone interested in parapsychology, reincarnation and issues like that read this book. Especially the chapter about good and evil was full of ideas that had never crossed my mind. Very fulfilling.