The Transpersonal Worldview of Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao (1922–2015): Contributions to Transpersonal Psychology From the Philippine Experience

Jaime C. Bulatao was a Filipino Jesuit priest who founded the psychology department of the Ateneo de Manila University and cofounded the Psychological Association of the Philippines. He was known for his approach to clinical psychology that involved treating folk ailments using traditional healing techniques. Despite his behaviorist training, Bulatao prioritized the deeply personal and highly transpersonal aspects of human well-being. This paper explores Bulatao’s transpersonal worldview, and what this may contribute to the flourishing of transpersonal psychology as a whole. In particular, it looks at his theory of transpersonal personhood, as well as his unique yet pragmatic approach to dealing with spiritual emergencies.