SYMBOLS OF TRANSPERSONAL EXPERIENCES

A discussion of what is transpersonal—and therefore, in a certain sense supernormal— should be prefaced by a clarification of what is meant by "normal. " The current criterion of normality is generally considered to be represented by the average man who observes the social conventions of the environment in which he lives-in other words, one who is a conformist. But "normality " understood in this way is a conception that offers little satisfaction; it is static and exclusive. This normality is a "mediocrity " which either refuses to admit or condemns everything outside the conventionally accepted and thus considers it "abnormal " without taking into account the fact that many so-called abnormalities in reality represent the first steps or endeavours to rise above mediocrity. Now, however, a reaction against this narrow-minded cult of "normal " has set in; thinkers and scientists of our time are opposing it vigorously. Among the most outspoken one may mention Jung (1933), who has not hesitated to state: To be 'normal ' is a splendid ideal for the unsuccessful, for all those who have not yet found an adaptation. But for people who have far more ability than the average, for whom it was never hard to gain successes and to accomplish thei