Neutrality of Psychosynthesis

By Roberto Assagioli, from the Assagioli Archive in Florence, translated by Gordon Symons. Original title: Psicosintesi – Religione – Filosofia.

Since the question of the relationship between psychotherapy and religion has been raised, we consider it appropriate to clarify that, as regards Psychosynthesis, there is no possibility of conflict. It can be said that in a certain sense Psychosynthesis can be considered “neutral” with respect to both religion and philosophies. However, “neutrality” does not mean “indifference”.

With regard to religion, two different aspects can be distinguished:

1) “existential religion” or spiritual experience, that is, the direct experience of spiritual realities. This is the experience that the founders of religions, mystics, some philosophers, and many other people have had, albeit in different degrees.

2) The theological and metaphysical formulations of this experience, and the institutions that were established in the different historical periods to communicate the results and fruits of this experience to the masses of men. Finally, the methods, forms and rites to help humanity participate, albeit indirectly, in the “revelation”.

Psychosynthesis fully recognizes the reality and validity of spiritual experience, the existence of higher values ​​and the “noetic” dimension (as Frankl calls it). The neutrality of Psychosynthesis refers only to the second phase of religion: that of formulations and institutions. It appreciates, respects and recognizes the need for those institutions and formulations, but does not take a position on them.

On the contrary, it can help achieve direct experience. It can indicate to those who have no faith nor any clear philosophical conception, methods and techniques for reaching spiritual realization. But whoever has a faith of his own, who belongs to a Church or follows a given philosophical current, has no reason to fear Psychosynthesis. It does not intend to interfere in any way to change their beliefs; rather, it can help make better use of their religion’s methods and techniques.

Furthermore, Psychosynthesis can help to understand that similar or equal experiences can be expressed and formulated with different enunciations and symbols, and in this way it can help each one understand formulations different from his own, and to take an open attitude towards them.