Transformation of the Soul

These three short volumes are a compilation of the collected writings of Dr. David Blumenthal. David has written extensively over a thirty-five-year period on his experiences with and observation of psychology, consciousness and spirituality. These writings are not primarily based in philosophy, theology, theory or fact. As a consequence they are not presented as a scholarly thesis but rather as a record of David’s experiences.

During World War II he served in the Navy and the Merchant Marine, is a fifty-year scuba diver, holds a commercial pilots license and is a former flight instructor. As a result of this broad range of professional training and his multivariate experiences for over 80 years of living, these writings provide a rare view of one man’s experiences at the intersection of psychoanalysis, consciousness and spirituality.  

The first volume begins with a discussion of anguish. Anguish is, according to David, not an emotion but a universal experience in consciousness. All readers, if contemplative, will be able to relate to the experience of anguish for all live with it.

He continues to introduce ways of “seeing” or experiencing life. This vision is further defined and refined as the papers move through the years. According to David one’s vision with regard to one’s experience determines the depth that one will see in the experience. The vision one brings to life ultimately determines the experiential quality of that life. This is a critical piece in all of his collected writings.

Of particular significance to those interested in psychotherapy and healing is David’s view of spiritual psychotherapy as opposed to secular psychotherapy. The “active ingredient” of psychotherapy, according to David, is beyond the psychotherapist, the theory of psychological dynamics or the clinical technique. In fact, it is beyond this human experience.

He also discusses, in depth, the issues of sin and forgiveness in a way that will be intriguing to all who are thoughtful on these matters.

The second volume is composed of two papers. The first, “Into Thy Hand is Engraved My Soul,” reflects his view on “the fall” which he sees as the curse of ego. A fascinating discussion follows of how ego deceives and leads us to our sense of flawedness with the accompanying anguish in the form of shame and guilt. David then presents a most provocative alternative interpretation of the biblical story of King David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba.

The second paper in the second volume, “Aspects of Consciousness,” was written in 2002 and represents an expansion and a refining of David’s vision.   Based on his understanding of mechanics and his years of observation of consciousness, this discussion provides an understanding of the foundation of consciousness that will not be found elsewhere. David’s unique view is a major contribution to the literature in this area. His explanation on the limitation of our single point of consciousness and his differentiation between process and cause are also discussions that will challenge the reader.

Finally, the third volume is a compilation of shorter theses. In it David provides deeper understanding of how we “forget” what we are and what we are not and how this “forgetting” leads to our confusion and anguish. In his paper, “Playing for Higher Stakes,” he presents his experiences with surrender to the ever available and inevitable unity with Absolute. Also in this volume is David’s paper entitled “The Gift of the Adversary,” a bold explanation of the absolutely necessary role of evil in our ultimate salvation.

David’s discussion of anguish, healing and psychoanalysis brings credibility back to the arena of psychological intervention. Psychology, which views human experience as self- contained and transparent, has become largely focused on promoting the illusion of the manipulation of circumstance, within and without, to manage one’s life. This strategy is only temporarily effective. All healing is spiritual, and David’s vision offers hope for deeper transformation.