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Ken Wilber in Dialogue: Conversations with Leading Transpersonal Thinkers

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This book is an edited collection of papers, many given at the 1997 California Institute of Integral Studies conference on Ken Wilber. Wilber has provided the most comprehensive transpersonal and now integral philosophic theory ever presented. The transpersonal and integral movements are very much in his debt. Yet as C.G. Jung said, the brighter the light the darker the shadow and this applies to Wilber. While his theories are grand, his and his criticisms of others bold even insulting, he has world renouned thin skin. That is, he can not tolerate criticism. Natually then this book has not agreed well with him. But as critics say to their frustration, Wilber avoids answering criticisms by 1) ignoring them, 2)responding to what has not been criticized, 3)referring them to one of his works that has not been published, 4) referring them to one of his works that does not answer the criticism, 5)claiming the works criticized were from a different Wilber era (eg. Wilber 1,2,3,4,5)and then not address the issue, or 6)claiming critics did not read him correctly. Getting a straight answer from Wilber, as some have said, is like clasping soap in a bath tub with greasy hands. Yet in Wilber's defense, some of the works presented in this book clearly do not credit him where credit is due, or find some small item he did not include in his theory and therefore reject his entire theory collection. Whether you like and appreciate Wilber's work or not, this collection of writings is very informative and does point out that even Wilber's theories have holes.

This was supposedly Wilber's first authorized audio interview. It is of course a very brief intro to his ideas, and great if you are new to him. There are some interesting personal information that he shares as well.

If you want more though, then you need to obtain "Kosmic Consciousness" (7 CD's) from Sounds True. A much more intense course on his various topics. Great for putting on your iPod for those long road trips.

(I swear i am not related to any company, nor am i trying to endorse any of them.)

I have been reading Wilber for about 3 years, and hearing him has been interesting, to get to know the man behind the thoughts a little bit better.

As part of his Integral Institute, he is now giving lectures (something he said he would never do), in Boulder, CO. I look forward to enrolling.

Best of luck on your search and journey....