Abstract

The primary goal of this investigation is to explore the concepts of self and ego, and their relationship in the context of the nascent field of integral psychology. First, the problem, its significance and historical context are explored. In addition, the field of integral psychology and its corresponding methodology are introduced and developed. ;Inspired by Haridas Chaudhuri's triadic principles of uniqueness, relatedness, and transcendence in integral psychology, an extensive review of literature of the concept of self in Western psychology and several Eastern psychospiritual traditions is undertaken to establish universal, cross-cultural support for the experience of self in three distinct spheres of consciousness: egocentric, psychocentric and cosmocentric. The review of literature includes William James and Baldwin among other early American psychologists, as well as the schools of psychoanalysis, analytical psychology, psychosynthesis, existential/phenomenological psychologies, and humanistic and transpersonal psychologies. From Eastern traditions Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sufism are discussed. ;After establishing support for a tri-spheric understanding of self, the investigator proceeds to construct a parsimonious model for self in integral psychology. According to this model, the process of integral self-realization consists of a harmonious experience of self in all three spheres of consciousness, necessitating a balanced personality. This model stresses the uniqueness of individual constitution and an individualized approach to the process of integral self-realization, a dynamic and evolutionary interpretation of spiritual development and self-realization which advocates healthy ego development and reconciliation of the ego-Self dichotomy