Changes

A key idea in Wilber's philosophical approach is the ''[[Holon (philosophy)|holon]]'', which came from the writings of [[Arthur Koestler]]. In considering what might be the basic building blocks of existence, he observed that it seems every [[entity]] and [[concept]] shares a dual nature: as a whole unto itself, and as a part of some other whole. For example, a cell in an organism is a whole and at the same time a part of another whole, the organism. <ref>The relation between individuals and society is not the same as between cells and organisms because individual holons can be members but not parts of social holons. See ''A Miracle Called "We"'' in '' Integral Spirituality'' and http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/kosmos/excerptA/notes-1.cfm. </ref>

A key idea in Wilber's philosophical approach is the ''[[Holon (philosophy)|holon]]'', which came from the writings of [[Arthur Koestler]]. In considering what might be the basic building blocks of existence, he observed that it seems every [[entity]] and [[concept]] shares a dual nature: as a whole unto itself, and as a part of some other whole. For example, a cell in an organism is a whole and at the same time a part of another whole, the organism. <ref>The relation between individuals and society is not the same as between cells and organisms because individual holons can be members but not parts of social holons. See ''A Miracle Called "We"'' in '' Integral Spirituality'' and http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/kosmos/excerptA/notes-1.cfm. </ref>

Another example is that a letter is a self-existing entity and simultaneously an integral part of a word, which then is part of a sentence, which is part of a paragraph, which is part of a page; and so on. Everything from [[quarks]] to [[matter]] to [[energy]] to [[idea]]s can be looked at in this way &mdash; everything in creation except perhaps creation itself is a holon.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Another example is that a letter is a self-existing entity and simultaneously an integral part of a word, which then is part of a sentence, which is part of a paragraph, which is part of a page; and so on. Everything from [[quarks]] to [[matter]] to [[energy]] to [[idea]]s can be looked at in this way &mdash; everything in creation except perhaps creation itself is a holon.

In his book ''[[Sex, Ecology, Spirituality]]: The Spirit of Evolution'', Wilber outlines approximately twenty tenets that characterize all holons.<ref>Wilber, Ken; ''Sex, Ecology, Spirituality'', 1995, p. 35-78</ref> These tenets form the basis of Wilber's model of manifest reality. Beyond this, Wilber's view is that the totality of manifest reality itself is just a wave on the ocean of the unmanifest, of Emptiness itself, which is not a holon.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

In his book ''[[Sex, Ecology, Spirituality]]: The Spirit of Evolution'', Wilber outlines approximately twenty tenets that characterize all holons.<ref>Wilber, Ken; ''Sex, Ecology, Spirituality'', 1995, p. 35-78</ref> These tenets form the basis of Wilber's model of manifest reality. Beyond this, Wilber's view is that the totality of manifest reality itself is just a wave on the ocean of the unmanifest, of Emptiness itself, which is not a holon.

=== AQAL: "All Quadrants All Levels"===

=== AQAL: "All Quadrants All Levels"===

AQAL (pronounced ''aqual'' or ''ah-qwul'') represents the core of Wilber's work. AQAL stands for "all quadrants all levels", but equally connotes 'all lines', 'all states' and 'all types'. These are the five irreducible categories of Wilber's model of manifest existence. In order for an account of the Kosmos to be complete, Wilber believes that it must include each of these five categories. For Wilber, only such an account can be accurately called "integral." In the essay, "Excerpt C: The Ways We Are in This Together", Wilber describes AQAL as "one suggested architecture of the Kosmos".<ref>{{cite web | title=Excerpt C: The Ways We Are In This Together | work=Ken Wilber Online | url=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/kosmos/excerptC/intro-1.cfm | accessmonthday=December 26 | accessyear=2005}}</ref>

AQAL (pronounced ''aqual'' or ''ah-qwul'') represents the core of Wilber's work. AQAL stands for "all quadrants all levels", but equally connotes 'all lines', 'all states' and 'all types'. These are the five irreducible categories of Wilber's model of manifest existence. In order for an account of the Kosmos to be complete, Wilber believes that it must include each of these five categories. For Wilber, only such an account can be accurately called "integral." In the essay, "Excerpt C: The Ways We Are in This Together", Wilber describes AQAL as "one suggested architecture of the Kosmos".<ref>{{cite web | title=Excerpt C: The Ways We Are In This Together | work=Ken Wilber Online | url=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/kosmos/excerptC/intro-1.cfm | accessmonthday=December 26 | accessyear=2005}}</ref>

All of Wilber's AQAL categories &mdash; [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Quadrants|quadrants]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Lines, streams, or intelligences|lines]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Levels or stages|levels]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#States|states]], and [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Types|types]]&mdash;relate to relative truth in the [[two truths doctrine]] of [[Buddhism]], to which he subscribes. According to Wilber, none of them are true in an absolute sense: only formless awareness, "the simple feeling of being," exists absolutely.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

All of Wilber's AQAL categories &mdash; [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Quadrants|quadrants]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Lines, streams, or intelligences|lines]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Levels or stages|levels]], [[Integral theory (philosophy)#States|states]], and [[Integral theory (philosophy)#Types|types]]&mdash;relate to relative truth in the [[two truths doctrine]] of [[Buddhism]], to which he subscribes. According to Wilber, none of them are true in an absolute sense: only formless awareness, "the simple feeling of being," exists absolutely.

An account or [[theory]] is said to be AQAL, and thus ''[[Integral thought|integral]]'' (inclusive or comprehensive), if it accounts for or makes reference to all four quadrants and four major levels in Wilber's [[ontology|ontological]] scheme, described below.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

An account or [[theory]] is said to be AQAL, and thus ''[[Integral thought|integral]]'' (inclusive or comprehensive), if it accounts for or makes reference to all four quadrants and four major levels in Wilber's [[ontology|ontological]] scheme, described below.

Each [[holon (philosophy)|holon]], or unit of reality that is both a whole and a part of a larger whole, has an interior and an exterior. It also exists as an individual and (assuming more than one of these entities exists) as a collective. Observing the holon from the outside constitutes an exterior [[Perspective (cognitive)|perspective]] on that holon. Observing it from the inside is the interior perspective, and so forth. If you map these four perspectives into quadrants, you have four quadrants, or [[dimensions]] (these are unrelated to the three spatial dimensions).{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Each [[holon (philosophy)|holon]], or unit of reality that is both a whole and a part of a larger whole, has an interior and an exterior. It also exists as an individual and (assuming more than one of these entities exists) as a collective. Observing the holon from the outside constitutes an exterior [[Perspective (cognitive)|perspective]] on that holon. Observing it from the inside is the interior perspective, and so forth. If you map these four perspectives into quadrants, you have four quadrants, or [[dimensions]] (these are unrelated to the three spatial dimensions).

To give an example of how this works, consider four schools of [[social science]]. [[Sigmund Freud|Freud]]ian [[psychoanalysis]], which interprets people's interior experiences, is an account of the interior individual (or, in the diagram, the upper-left) quadrant. [[B. F. Skinner]]'s [[behaviorism]], which limits itself to the observation of the behavior of organisms, is an exterior individual (upper-right) account. [[Hans-Georg Gadamer|Gadamer]]'s philosophical [[hermeneutics]] interprets the [[collective  consciousness]] of a society, and is thus an interior plural (lower-left) perspective. [[Capitalism]] economic theory examines the external behavior of a society (lower-right).{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

To give an example of how this works, consider four schools of [[social science]]. [[Sigmund Freud|Freud]]ian [[psychoanalysis]], which interprets people's interior experiences, is an account of the interior individual (or, in the diagram, the upper-left) quadrant. [[B. F. Skinner]]'s [[behaviorism]], which limits itself to the observation of the behavior of organisms, is an exterior individual (upper-right) account. [[Hans-Georg Gadamer|Gadamer]]'s philosophical [[hermeneutics]] interprets the [[collective  consciousness]] of a society, and is thus an interior plural (lower-left) perspective. [[Capitalism]] economic theory examines the external behavior of a society (lower-right).

The right sides of the quadrants are concerned with empiric observation &mdash; what does it do? The left sides of the quadrants focus on interpretation &mdash; what does it mean? Wilber contends that modern times evidence a pathological separation from healthy evolution due to a near-complete focus on the right sides, with the denial of the left sides as having '' no meaning'' being a fundamental cause of society's malaise.

The right sides of the quadrants are concerned with empiric observation &mdash; what does it do? The left sides of the quadrants focus on interpretation &mdash; what does it mean? Wilber contends that modern times evidence a pathological separation from healthy evolution due to a near-complete focus on the right sides, with the denial of the left sides as having '' no meaning'' being a fundamental cause of society's malaise.

All four pursuits &ndash; psychoanalysis, behaviorism, philosophical hermeneutics and Marxism &ndash; offer complementary, rather than contradictory, perspectives. It is possible for all to be correct and necessary for a complete account of human existence. Wilber has integrated these four areas of knowledge through an acknowledgement of the four fundamental dimensions of existence. Further, these four perspectives are equally valid at all levels of existence.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

All four pursuits &ndash; psychoanalysis, behaviorism, philosophical hermeneutics and Marxism &ndash; offer complementary, rather than contradictory, perspectives. It is possible for all to be correct and necessary for a complete account of human existence. Wilber has integrated these four areas of knowledge through an acknowledgement of the four fundamental dimensions of existence. Further, these four perspectives are equally valid at all levels of existence.

====Lines, streams, or intelligences====

====Lines, streams, or intelligences====

According to Wilber, all holons have multiple lines of development, or [[Theory of multiple intelligences|intelligences]]&mdash;in fact, over two dozen have been observed. They include [[Cognition|cognitive]], [[Ethics|ethical]], [[aesthetic]], [[Spirituality|spiritual]], [[kinesthetic]], [[Affection|affective]], [[Music|musical]], spatial, [[logic]]al-[[Mathematics|mathematical]], [[karma|karmic]], etc. One can be highly developed cognitively (cerebrally smart) without being highly morally developed (as in the case of [[Nazism|Nazi]] doctors). However, Wilber acknowledges, you cannot be highly morally developed without the pre-requisite cognitive development. So not all of the developmental lines are [[ontology|ontologically]] equivalent.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

According to Wilber, all holons have multiple lines of development, or [[Theory of multiple intelligences|intelligences]]&mdash;in fact, over two dozen have been observed. They include [[Cognition|cognitive]], [[Ethics|ethical]], [[aesthetic]], [[Spirituality|spiritual]], [[kinesthetic]], [[Affection|affective]], [[Music|musical]], spatial, [[logic]]al-[[Mathematics|mathematical]], [[karma|karmic]], etc. One can be highly developed cognitively (cerebrally smart) without being highly morally developed (as in the case of [[Nazism|Nazi]] doctors). However, Wilber acknowledges, you cannot be highly morally developed without the pre-requisite cognitive development. So not all of the developmental lines are [[ontology|ontologically]] equivalent.

====Levels or stages====

====Levels or stages====

Many criticize the strict hierarchical nature of Wilber's conception of the level. But consider, for example, the hierarchical nature of matter itself. Sub-atomic particles are composed of quarks. Atoms are made of sub-atomic particles. Molecules are made of atoms. Cell [[organelle]]s are made of molecules, etc. This is similar to how Wilber conceives of levels. One must attain the lower levels before the higher levels because the higher levels are ''constituted'' by the lower level components. Thus, when represented graphically, the levels should appear as concentric circles, with higher levels transcending ''but also including'' lower ones. Wilber also attacks the equating of hierarchy with [[Patriarchy#In gender politics|patriarchy]] using a similar line of argument.

Many criticize the strict hierarchical nature of Wilber's conception of the level. But consider, for example, the hierarchical nature of matter itself. Sub-atomic particles are composed of quarks. Atoms are made of sub-atomic particles. Molecules are made of atoms. Cell [[organelle]]s are made of molecules, etc. This is similar to how Wilber conceives of levels. One must attain the lower levels before the higher levels because the higher levels are ''constituted'' by the lower level components. Thus, when represented graphically, the levels should appear as concentric circles, with higher levels transcending ''but also including'' lower ones. Wilber also attacks the equating of hierarchy with [[Patriarchy#In gender politics|patriarchy]] using a similar line of argument.

As Wilber remarks in the CD interview ''Speaking of Everything'': "This can all be done deductively". In other words: 'I could be wrong about the precise characteristics of some or all of the stages or levels. But nonetheless, it's clear that psychological and cultural development follows a pattern, and that pattern is always from more partial to more whole.''{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

As Wilber remarks in the CD interview ''Speaking of Everything'': "This can all be done deductively". In other words: 'I could be wrong about the precise characteristics of some or all of the stages or levels. But nonetheless, it's clear that psychological and cultural development follows a pattern, and that pattern is always from more partial to more whole.''

====States====

====States====

A state is basically a level that is attained only temporarily. Once you have unlimited access to a state of consciousness, then it is a permanent structure, or a developmental level.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

A state is basically a level that is attained only temporarily. Once you have unlimited access to a state of consciousness, then it is a permanent structure, or a developmental level.

States of consciousness include: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep, and nondual. (In the mystical traditions of which Wilber is a part, these four states correspond to four realms:  

States of consciousness include: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep, and nondual. (In the mystical traditions of which Wilber is a part, these four states correspond to four realms:  

* Spirit (or [[nondual]]; Buddhist [[Svabhavikakaya]] stage of the Dharmakaya)

* Spirit (or [[nondual]]; Buddhist [[Svabhavikakaya]] stage of the Dharmakaya)

Therefore, it is theoretically possible for someone at a low [[cognitive]] level to experience an advanced mystical state.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Therefore, it is theoretically possible for someone at a low [[cognitive]] level to experience an advanced mystical state.

====Types====

====Types====

These are valid distinctions that are not covered under Wilber’s other categorizations. Masculine/feminine, the nine [[Enneagram]] categories, and [[Carl Jung|Jung]]'s archetypes and typologies, among innumerable others, are all valid types in Wilber's schema. Wilber makes types part of his model in order to point out that these distinctions are different from, and in addition to the already mentioned distinctions: quadrants, lines, levels and states.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

These are valid distinctions that are not covered under Wilber’s other categorizations. Masculine/feminine, the nine [[Enneagram]] categories, and [[Carl Jung|Jung]]'s archetypes and typologies, among innumerable others, are all valid types in Wilber's schema. Wilber makes types part of his model in order to point out that these distinctions are different from, and in addition to the already mentioned distinctions: quadrants, lines, levels and states.

===Theory of truth===

===Theory of truth===

Wilber argues that there are multiple aspects to existence, and that each has its own truth-standard, or test for validity, as follows:{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Wilber argues that there are multiple aspects to existence, and that each has its own truth-standard, or test for validity, as follows: 2007}}

# ''Exterior individual/3rd person'' - "We check to see if the proposition ''corresponds'' with or fits the facts, if the map accurately reflects the real [exterior] territory... if we cannot disprove it we may assume it is accurate enough. But the essential idea is that... my statement somehow refers to an ''objective state of affairs'', and it fairly accurately somehow corresponds with those objects or processes or affairs. [...] All of which is fair enough and important enough, and I in no way deny the general importance of empirical representation. It's just not the whole story..."

# ''Exterior individual/3rd person'' - "We check to see if the proposition ''corresponds'' with or fits the facts, if the map accurately reflects the real [exterior] territory... if we cannot disprove it we may assume it is accurate enough. But the essential idea is that... my statement somehow refers to an ''objective state of affairs'', and it fairly accurately somehow corresponds with those objects or processes or affairs. [...] All of which is fair enough and important enough, and I in no way deny the general importance of empirical representation. It's just not the whole story..."

=== The pre/trans fallacy ===

=== The pre/trans fallacy ===

{{Integral thought}}

{{Integral thought}}

Wilber purports that many claims about non-rational states make a mistake he calls the [[pre/trans fallacy]]. According to Wilber, the non-rational stages of consciousness (what Wilber calls "pre-rational" and "trans-rational" stages) can be easily confused with one another. One can reduce supposed "trans-rational" spiritual realization to pre-rational regression, or one can elevate pre-rational states to the trans-rational domain. For example, Wilber claims that Freud and Jung commit this fallacy. [[Freud]] considered mystical realizations to be regressions to infantile oceanic states. Wilber alleges that Freud thus commits a fallacy of reduction. Wilber thinks that [[Jung]] commits the converse form of the same mistake by considering pre-rational myths to reflect divine realizations. Likewise, pre-rational states such as tribal thinking, [[groupthink]], and the occultism of the Nazis or Charles Manson may be misidentified as post-rational states.  Wilber characterizes himself as having fallen victim to the pre/trans fallacy in his early work.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Wilber purports that many claims about non-rational states make a mistake he calls the [[pre/trans fallacy]]. According to Wilber, the non-rational stages of consciousness (what Wilber calls "pre-rational" and "trans-rational" stages) can be easily confused with one another. One can reduce supposed "trans-rational" spiritual realization to pre-rational regression, or one can elevate pre-rational states to the trans-rational domain. For example, Wilber claims that Freud and Jung commit this fallacy. [[Freud]] considered mystical realizations to be regressions to infantile oceanic states. Wilber alleges that Freud thus commits a fallacy of reduction. Wilber thinks that [[Jung]] commits the converse form of the same mistake by considering pre-rational myths to reflect divine realizations. Likewise, pre-rational states such as tribal thinking, [[groupthink]], and the occultism of the Nazis or Charles Manson may be misidentified as post-rational states.  Wilber characterizes himself as having fallen victim to the pre/trans fallacy in his early work.

 

=== Wilber on science ===

=== Wilber on science ===

Wilber describes the current state of the "hard" sciences as limited to "narrow science", which only allows evidence from the lowest realm of consciousness, the [[sensorimotor]] (the five senses and their extensions). What he calls "broad science" would include evidence from [[logic]], [[mathematics]], and from the [[symbol]]ic, [[hermeneutics|hermeneutical]], and other realms of [[consciousness]]. Ultimately and ideally, broad science would include the testimony of [[meditation|meditators]] and [[spiritual practice|spiritual practitioners]]. Wilber's own conception of science includes both narrow science and broad science, e.g, using [[electroencephalogram]] machines and other technologies to test the experiences of meditators and other spiritual practitioners, creating what Wilber calls "integral science".{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Wilber describes the current state of the "hard" sciences as limited to "narrow science", which only allows evidence from the lowest realm of consciousness, the [[sensorimotor]] (the five senses and their extensions). What he calls "broad science" would include evidence from [[logic]], [[mathematics]], and from the [[symbol]]ic, [[hermeneutics|hermeneutical]], and other realms of [[consciousness]]. Ultimately and ideally, broad science would include the testimony of [[meditation|meditators]] and [[spiritual practice|spiritual practitioners]]. Wilber's own conception of science includes both narrow science and broad science, e.g, using [[electroencephalogram]] machines and other technologies to test the experiences of meditators and other spiritual practitioners, creating what Wilber calls "integral science".

According to Wilber's theory, narrow science trumps narrow religion, but broad science trumps narrow science. That is, the natural sciences provide a more inclusive, accurate account of [[reality]] than any of the particular [[exoteric]] religious traditions. But an integral approach that evaluates both religious claims and scientific claims based on intersubjectivity is preferable to narrow science.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

According to Wilber's theory, narrow science trumps narrow religion, but broad science trumps narrow science. That is, the natural sciences provide a more inclusive, accurate account of [[reality]] than any of the particular [[exoteric]] religious traditions. But an integral approach that evaluates both religious claims and scientific claims based on intersubjectivity is preferable to narrow science.

===Current work===

===Current work===

In 2005, at the launch of the [[Integral Spiritual Center]], a branch of the [[Integral Institute]], Wilber presented a 118-page rough draft summary of his two forthcoming books.<ref>{{cite web | title=What is Integral Spirituality? | work=Integral Spiritual Center | url=http://integralspiritualcenter.org/Integral%20Spirituality.pdf | accessmonthday=December 26 |accessyear=2005}} (1.3 MB [[portable document format|PDF]] file)</ref> The essay is entitled "What is Integral Spirituality?", and contains several new ideas, including Integral post-metaphysics and the Wilber-Combs lattice.

In 2005, at the launch of the [[Integral Spiritual Center]], a branch of the [[Integral Institute]], Wilber presented a 118-page rough draft summary of his two forthcoming books.<ref>{{cite web | title=What is Integral Spirituality? | work=Integral Spiritual Center | url=http://integralspiritualcenter.org/Integral%20Spirituality.pdf | accessmonthday=December 26 |accessyear=2005}} (1.3 MB [[portable document format|PDF]] file)</ref> The essay is entitled "What is Integral Spirituality?", and contains several new ideas, including Integral post-metaphysics and the Wilber-Combs lattice.

"Integral post-metaphysics" is the term Wilber has given to his attempts to reconstruct the world's [[spirituality|spiritual]]-[[religion|religious]] traditions in a way that accounts for the [[Modernism|modern]] and [[post-modern]] criticisms of those traditions.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

"Integral post-metaphysics" is the term Wilber has given to his attempts to reconstruct the world's [[spirituality|spiritual]]-[[religion|religious]] traditions in a way that accounts for the [[Modernism|modern]] and [[post-modern]] criticisms of those traditions.

The Wilber-Combs Lattice is a conceptual model of [[consciousness]] developed by Wilber and [[Allan Combs]]. It is a grid with sequential [[states]] of consciousness on the x axis (from left to right) and with developmental structures, or [[levels]], of consciousness on the y axis (from bottom to top). This lattice illustrates how each structure of consciousness interprets experiences of different states of consciousness, including mystical states, in different ways.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

The Wilber-Combs Lattice is a conceptual model of [[consciousness]] developed by Wilber and [[Allan Combs]]. It is a grid with sequential [[states]] of consciousness on the x axis (from left to right) and with developmental structures, or [[levels]], of consciousness on the y axis (from bottom to top). This lattice illustrates how each structure of consciousness interprets experiences of different states of consciousness, including mystical states, in different ways.

Wilber has high praise for [[Zen]] teacher [[Dennis Genpo Merzel]] Roshi's [[Big Mind]] technique.{{Fact|date=December 2007}}

Wilber has high praise for [[Zen]] teacher [[Dennis Genpo Merzel]] Roshi's [[Big Mind]] technique

=== Influences on Wilber ===

=== Influences on Wilber ===

Wilber's conception of the perennial philosophy has been primarily influenced by [[Madhyamaka]] [[Buddhism]], particularly as articulated in the philosophy of [[Nagarjuna]].<ref>{{cite web | title=The Kosmos According to Ken Wilber: A Dialogue with Robin Kornman | month=September | year=1996| work=Shambhala Sun | url=http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2059|accessdate=2006-06-14}}</ref>  Wilber has been a dedicated practitioner of Buddhist meditation since his college years, and has studied under some widely recognized meditators, such as [[Dainin Katagiri]], [[Maezumi Roshi]], [[Chogyam Trungpa]] [[Rinpoche]], [[Kalu Rinpoche]], [[Penor Rinpoche]] and [[Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche]]. The nondual mysticism of [[Advaita Vedanta]], Trika (Kashmir) Shaivism, [[Tibetan Buddhism]], [[Zen Buddhism]], [[Plotinus]], [[Ramana Maharshi]], and [[Andrew Cohen]], as well as the teaching and works of [[Adi Da]], which Wilber has on several occasions singled out for the highest praise (while expressing reservations about Adi Da as a teacher),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/misc/adida.cfm/ |title=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/misc/adida.cfm/ |accessdate= |format= |work= }}</ref> are also strong influences. These influences have led Wilber to assert that those desiring enlightenment should seek out "the outlaws, the living terrors, the Rude Boys and Nasty Girls of God realization" and that "Every deeply enlightened teacher I have known has been a Rude Boy or Nasty Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wie.org/gurupandit/ken-wilber-foreword.asp|title=http://www.wie.org/gurupandit/ken-wilber-foreword.asp |accessdate= |format= |work= }}</ref>

Wilber's conception of the perennial philosophy has been primarily influenced by [[Madhyamaka]] [[Buddhism]], particularly as articulated in the philosophy of [[Nagarjuna]].<ref>{{cite web | title=The Kosmos According to Ken Wilber: A Dialogue with Robin Kornman | month=September | year=1996| work=Shambhala Sun | url=http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2059|accessdate=2006-06-14}}</ref>  Wilber has been a dedicated practitioner of Buddhist meditation since his college years, and has studied under some widely recognized meditators, such as [[Dainin Katagiri]], [[Maezumi Roshi]], [[Chogyam Trungpa]] [[Rinpoche]], [[Kalu Rinpoche]], [[Penor Rinpoche]] and [[Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche]]. The nondual mysticism of [[Advaita Vedanta]], Trika (Kashmir) Shaivism, [[Tibetan Buddhism]], [[Zen Buddhism]], [[Plotinus]], [[Ramana Maharshi]], and [[Andrew Cohen]], as well as the teaching and works of [[Adi Da]], which Wilber has on several occasions singled out for the highest praise (while expressing reservations about Adi Da as a teacher),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/misc/adida.cfm/ |title=http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/misc/adida.cfm/ |accessdate= |format= |work= }}</ref> are also strong influences. These influences have led Wilber to assert that those desiring enlightenment should seek out "the outlaws, the living terrors, the Rude Boys and Nasty Girls of God realization" and that "Every deeply enlightened teacher I have known has been a Rude Boy or Nasty Girl".[http://www.wie.org/gurupandit/ken-wilber-foreword.asp|title=http://www.wie.org/gurupandit/ken-wilber-foreword.asp]

   

   

Wilber's conception of [[evolution]] or psychological development draws on [[Aurobindo]], [[Adi Da]], [[Andrew Cohen]], [[Jean Gebser]], the [[great chain of being]], [[German idealism]], [[Erich Jantsch]], [[Jean Piaget]], [[Abraham Maslow]], [[Erik Erikson]], [[Lawrence Kohlberg]], [[James Mark Baldwin]], [[Jürgen Habermas]], [[Howard Gardner]], [[Clare W. Graves]], [[Robert Kegan]] and [[Spiral Dynamics]].

Wilber's conception of [[evolution]] or psychological development draws on [[Aurobindo]], [[Adi Da]], [[Andrew Cohen]], [[Jean Gebser]], the [[great chain of being]], [[German idealism]], [[Erich Jantsch]], [[Jean Piaget]], [[Abraham Maslow]], [[Erik Erikson]], [[Lawrence Kohlberg]], [[James Mark Baldwin]], [[Jürgen Habermas]], [[Howard Gardner]], [[Clare W. Graves]], [[Robert Kegan]] and [[Spiral Dynamics]].