Concluding Reflections

Abstract

A significant precedent for the collapse of our global world-system is evident in societal collapses where consumption of resources exceeded ecological limits. Jared Diamond’s work shows clearly the human resistance to changing a way of life even when faced with its imminent demise. Axial Age spiritual practices of transcendence confront the ego with its deep identification, rooted in both evolution and history, with the power structures of society. They aim to overcome this identification, transform the self, and rescale its identifications, cares, and anxieties to their properly human proportion. This practical spirituality also demands critical reform of world religions, based as these are on Axial Age foundations. Practicing transcendence also holds promise for assisting us psychologically to take responsibility and face our world in crisis.