Embodying the Filipino “transpersonal worldview” can remind us of our relationship with nature and promote respect for it

In the indigenous Filipino belief, nature is filled with spirits. After we pass on, we return to nature, becoming anito. This understanding of a living, breathing world is what Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao called the “transpersonal worldview.” Fr. Bulatao was an important figure in the field of Filipino psychology, and was known for using traditional methods of healing within his therapeutic practice. He recognized that this worldview influenced our relationship with nature and other people. The intersection of Filipino folklore and transpersonal psychology is my main research interest, and this paper is one of many potential applications of this field of study. In this paper, I explored the connection between Fr. Bulatao’s transpersonal worldview and Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess’ deep ecology, showing that these perspectives are not only relevant but necessary. The paper shares the Filipino worldview with a global audience, affirming the work done in the past by important figures within the field of Sikolohiyang Pilipino. The west seems to be rediscovering these ancient ways of knowing—which were intuitive to our pre-colonial ancestors. Embodying this worldview can remind us of our relationship with the land. This is especially important in a time of climate crisis, and, locally, in a time when our natural heritage and biodiversity are being desecrated (in the paper, I give the example of the Kaliwa Dam).  In future studies, I will explore other ways through which the transpersonal worldview is still being used by the modern Filipino.

Author: Carl Lorenz Cervantes (Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2023.42.1.1