In this book Almaas brings together concepts and experiences drawn from contemporary object relations theory, Freudian-based ego psychology, case studies from his own spiritual practice, and teaching from the highest levels of Buddhist and other Eastern practices. He challenges us to look not only at the personality and the content of the mind, but also at the underlying nature of the mind itself.

In both depth psychology and spiritual teachings, a vital issue that remains largely unclear is that of change, of inner change in particular. The question of that leads to change is unresolved; there is no general agreement on the crucial factors contributing to inner transformation. The debate about what leads to psychic change is still going on in depth psychology, and the various spiritual teachings attribute inner transformation to different, and sometimes contradictory, factors.

We will discuss here the arising of space as a crucial step in the process of change and inner transformation. According to our observations, the arising of space always precedes change. This step is only rarely mentioned or specifically acknowledged in psychological circles. Some of the spiritual teachings acknowledge it, refer to it, and sometimes describe it, but usually only from the most basic and general perspective. As the material in this book indicates, we see the subject of space as crucial in these matters and thus deserving more specific and detailed study and understanding. - A. H. Almaas

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"In a remarkable and direct way, Almaas introduces us to the space or ground of Mind within which mental structures operate. He shows how inner spaciousness can be experienced in somatic, psychological and spiritual ways, details some of the many levels of inner space and, more importantly, illustrates how these experiences of space can lead to fundamental healing and integration of our being... The deep spiritual and psychological knowledge which Almaas brings to this work places him in the forefront of a new movement in psychologdy which draws on the practices and understanding of ancient and Eastern traditions and the best contemporary and Western psychology as well." - Jack Kornfield from the Introduction to The Void

Contents

Part One   The Void and the Self
1.    The Mind
2.    Depth Psychology and the Mind
3.    Ego Psychology and the Mind
4.    Object Relations Theory
5.    Self-Image and Boundaries
6.    Self-Image and Space
7.    Self-Image and Body-Image in Relation to Space
8.    Inner Space and Spatial Extension
9.    Self-Image as the Structuralization of Space
10.    The Psychodynamic Approach to Space
11.    Discussion of Technique
12.    Phenomenology of Space
Part Two    The Void and Transformation
13.    Space and Essence
14.    Space and Sexuality
15.    Space and Inner Change
Part Three   The Void: Expansion or Deficiency
16.    Deficient Emptiness
17.    Space and Deficient Emptiness
18.    The Genesis of Deficient Emptiness
19.    Emptiness Is Emptiness
Part Four   The Grades of Emptiness
20.    The Grades of Emptiness