Contemporary vs. Traditional Psi Development

Several of the contemporary programs discussed in this chapter are continuations of previous traditions. The TM sidhis program has its basis in the Yoga Sutras. Theosophical notions are infused in the training of the Church of Divine Man. Ritual magic provided inspiration for the program described in Initiation Into Hermetics. Spiritualism is the basis for the training of psychic healers in the Philippines.

There are several salient systems features that generally distinguish contemporary psi development systems from those existing in pre-scientific times. Personal instruction from a teacher is somewhat de-emphasized, largely, we may presume, as a result of mass communication and mass merchandising techniques. Also, in contemporary programs there is a much greater emphasis on rapid results in psi development systems. More programs seem to place a higher value on psi per se rather than as a byproduct of a larger spiritual development. Also, there is less emphasis on ethics in modem systems, which are generally devoid of religious framework. Some modem systems which emphasize ethics in their rhetoric, nevertheless seem to have a tendency to mold their teachings in subtle ways to enhance the treasury of their organizations. Furthermore, in order to please a scientifically minded public, contemporary traditions have introduced a new element - pseudoscientific concepts. Yet oddly enough, with the exception of the partnership between researchers and spiritualists in the 19th century, academic research provides very little more evidential information about contemporary programs than about pre-scientific traditions related to psi development. There is a tendency, with some notable exceptions, for parapsychologists to avoid professional interactions with psychics and occultists outside the safety of the laboratory environment.

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