Papers by Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.
Social Consequences of the Dualist/Non-Dualist perspective. , 2020
Usually, the social, relationship and environmental consequences of the dualist, rationalist vs n... more Usually, the social, relationship and environmental consequences of the dualist, rationalist vs non-dualist, transcendental perspective have not been explored in depth. In fact, there is little exploration regarding the direct social consequences of the adoption of either perspective after a focus on language, cognitive modeling, spirituality, and Awakening. Therefore, I want to use the excellent detailed analysis of the modern Jewish philosopher and educator, Martin Buber to show that whichever of the two perspectives (Non-Dualist/Dualist) one uses, there are significant relational consequences. Here is a good place to remind the reader that the Dualist and non-dualist perspectives are not exclusive from one another.
Pure and Serene Mind -T'ai Chi Pure and Serene Mind, 2026
As individuals progress through life, they develop the capacity to respond to external stimuli in... more As individuals progress through life, they develop the capacity to respond to external stimuli in ways that enhance survival, growth, and reproduction. Learning arises through constant interaction with the environment, enabling humans to retain external information, think reflectively, and make value-based decisions. While personal identity and societal constructs support civilization and survival, they also impose a cost: artificial cognitive activity consumes essential life energy. Decision-making rooted in conceptual values, rather than natural sensation, gradually separates the mind from its inherent life energy. Initially subtle, this divergence may become permanent, leading to persistent depletion of life energy and eventual decline.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN—IN THIS LIFE , 2025
Everything we see is a simplification. Humans see the world in three dimensions. That is a simpli... more Everything we see is a simplification. Humans see the world in three dimensions. That is a simplification. We are fundamentally limited, generalizing creatures living on autopilot. Categorization is the brain’s tool to organize nearly everything we and other creatures (i.e. mice) encounter in our daily lives. Grouping information into categories simplifies our complex world and helps us to react quickly and effectively to new experiences. Categorization and classification allow humans to organize things, objects, and ideas that exist around us and simplify our understanding of the world. Categorization is like your brain's very own personal assistant, grouping similar things together so you can find what you need when you need it.
A New World View is Necessary , 2025
Anthropomorphism, or the belief that humans are the center of the universe, is a long-held belief... more Anthropomorphism, or the belief that humans are the center of the universe, is a long-held belief that is actively harming humanity. Anthropomorphism teaches that the value of all non-human life on Earth is solely determined by how each organism benefits humans. Only when people embrace the truth that humans do not occupy the center of the universe will existence on Earth flourish. By learning to value the diversity and interdependence of all life, we may begin to embrace a wise spiritual, non-dualistic relationship. Humanity can then secure the foundation for a long term existence in conditions conducive and beneficial to human habitation.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN—IN THIS LIFE , 2025
We have seen that science supports the apophatic assertion that a transcendent reality is beyond ... more We have seen that science supports the apophatic assertion that a transcendent reality is beyond the ability of human conceptualization. Yet, at the same time, the Transcendent is a reality in the human life process. We have also seen that awakening or to surmount the ignorance of duality is a common experience of the mystic. The theoretical physicist Bernard d’Espagnat argues that indeed we cannot directly categorize and know the transcendental reality or mind-independent reality. He defines “veiled reality” as the underlying, mind-independent reality that is beyond our grasp. This model draws insights from modern physics to argue that the underlying reality of the universe is not directly accessible to our perception or conceptualization. It suggests that the reality we experience is a construction of our minds, based on limited sensory data and cognitive processes.
The Garden of Eden- In this Life, 2025
New book description: What if the story of the Garden of Eden wasn't just ancient myth, but a tim... more New book description: What if the story of the Garden of Eden wasn't just ancient myth, but a timeless guide to reclaiming our original wholeness? What if the "fall" from innocence was not the end, but an invitation to return-consciously-to a deeper unity with ourselves, each other, and the world? In The Garden of Eden in This Life, Dr. Rodger R. Ricketts-a clinical psychologist, mindfulness teacher, and lifelong student of the Buddha's teachings-unveils a profound perspective linking ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the apophatic (negative) spiritual tradition. Drawing from over forty years of study and practice, he explores how non-dualistic teachings from Buddhism, science, and multiple faith traditions reveal the limits of language, the illusions of separation, and the path back to an integrated state of being. You will journey through concepts like Sunyata (emptiness), the via negativa, and the psychology of transcendence-discovering how humanity's separation from nature and spirit can be healed through direct experience, compassionate living, and expanded awareness. This is more than a philosophical exploration-it's a practical roadmap for living with clarity, joy, and interconnectedness. Through cross-cultural insights, reflective practices, and meditative approaches, Dr. Ricketts shows how embracing the ineffable mystery of life can dissolve division, foster ecological and social harmony, and restore our inner paradise. Whether you are a seeker, a meditator, a student of comparative religion, or someone simply longing for a more meaningful existence, The Garden of Eden in This Life will inspire you to see beyond duality and step into a living experience of unity. If you are ready to move beyond dogma, transcend the limits of language, and reawaken to the timeless ground of being-this book will guide you there. Open these pages and begin your journey back to the Garden… in this life.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN—IN THIS LIFE, 2025
I have shown how our fundamental notions of reality are limited and that we are unable to compreh... more I have shown how our fundamental notions of reality are limited and that we are unable to comprehend actuality because we do not transcend our dualistic cognitive apparatus.. In this chapter, we have looked at transcendental idealism, which states that what we believe to be the “external” world is highly subjective because it is shaped by the way our cognitive apparatus presents it to us, not because reality really is like that. Every sentient being is enclosed within its own sensory limitations, perceiving but a tiny sliver of infinity. Our perceptual world is all we individually can conceive, and so we easily mistake it for all there is to possibly know. This is an illusion that all non- awakened sentient beings share.
Enough is Enough, 2025
Decapitations, mass killings, enslavement, enforced starvation, abductions, sexual assaults, and ... more Decapitations, mass killings, enslavement, enforced starvation, abductions, sexual assaults, and the persistent plight of poverty and conflict are tragedies that have plagued humanity throughout history. Now, with the advent of modern mass communication, these heinous acts are revealed in their complete brutality as never before, making it impossible for anyone to ignore how critical the state of human suffering can be. This heightened awareness now provides a powerful motivation to put an end to such suffering.
THE INTERCONNECTED UNIVERSE, 2024
Both science and spiritual and metaphysical teachings recognize that all things and events are in... more Both science and spiritual and metaphysical teachings recognize that all things and events are interconnected, and part of a greater Whole. Every part of the universe is directly or indirectly related to every other part, and the description of any one part is inseparable from the description of the whole. Sufi teacher Murat Yagan: “Interdependence is a state of mutual support for the greater good of the Whole.” The concept of an interconnected universe appears throughout history, in philosophical and spiritual writings:
FLOW AND MINDFULNESS, 2025
There are important similarities between the practices of flow and mindfulness, and this paper wi... more There are important similarities between the practices of flow and mindfulness, and this paper will focus on several of these parallels. With mindfulness, we are consciously at one with the action. In the context of mindfulness, wakefulness can best be described as a state of focused awareness in every waking moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2012). Wakefulness enhances our subjective well-being and heightens our contentment with our inner self and the world. Finally, we “lose track of time” as we remain absorbed in the ever-present moment.
The Buddha’s Radical Psychology: Explorations , 2016
This paper is a chapter of my book, The Buddha’s Radical Psychology: Explorations, 2016. It gives... more This paper is a chapter of my book, The Buddha’s Radical Psychology: Explorations, 2016. It gives a perspective about the Buddha's teaching of Illusion.
The Importance of Experiencing Non-Duality , 2025
Non-Duality - literally means “not two,” that two things we have understood as separate from one... more Non-Duality - literally means “not two,” that two things we have understood as separate from one another are in fact not separate at all. At the core of existence, non-duality is a fundamental wholeness that arises from a single, unified source that transcends seeming divisions. Everything is interconnected and inseparable, making dualities—an erroneous perception of difference and separation—illusory. Awakening to non-duality offers profound benefits for personal well-being, fosters harmonious social relationships, and provides a deeper understanding of existence.
Interesting and Surprising Facts about the Buddha and his Teachings That Are Often Ignored, 2020
The Buddha was the first thinker in known history to teach the doctrine of human equality and soc... more The Buddha was the first thinker in known history to teach the doctrine of human equality and social freedom amongst all humans. Society should be open to all, regardless of caste, color, or class. No caste, class, or race privileges existed among his lay followers or in the Order of the Sangha that he founded. Instead, social classes and castes are nothing but functional divisions of society, man-made, subject to change and resulting from social and historical factors. Any social doctrine based on the alleged superiority of a caste, class, or race, and advocating to keep it dominant using force, will lead to the perpetuation of social tensions and conflict, and never bring about harmony and equality. The Buddha’s doctrine of equality means each person should be treated equally with dignity and given an equal chance to develop their inherent potentials of economic, moral and spiritual progress, and of human perfection. Also, the Buddha was the first who attempted to abolish slavery, which included the traffic in, and the sale of, females for commercial purposes. In fact, this is a prohibited trade for his followers.
THE INTERCONNECTED UNIVERSE, 2024
Both science and spiritual and metaphysical teachings recognize that all things and events are in... more Both science and spiritual and metaphysical teachings recognize that all things and events are interconnected, and part of a greater Whole. Every part of the universe is directly or indirectly related to every other part, and the description of any one part is inseparable from the description of the whole. Sufi teacher Murat Yagan: “Interdependence is a state of mutual support for the greater good of the Whole.” The concept of an interconnected universe appears throughout history, in philosophical and spiritual writings and this paper explores the themes of those writings.
“Non-Duality: What the World Needs Now”, 2024
This paper includes two Accepted Poster Presentations for the International Society for Contempla... more This paper includes two Accepted Poster Presentations for the International Society for Contemplative Research Conference, in June, 2024, Padua, Italy:
Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Beneficial Personal and Societal Transformation and Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Non-Dualist Path Towards Enlightened Personal and Societal Transformation, plus a brief description and review of my latest published book, “Non-Duality: What the World Needs Now”, 2024, by Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.
Thoughts about The Buddha’s Teaching: Seeing Without Illusion - Rodger R Ricketts, 2016
The Buddha placed primary importance on our thinking and volition. In fact, our difficulties aris... more The Buddha placed primary importance on our thinking and volition. In fact, our difficulties arise when our thinking is unwholesome, in the past and in the present. Our citta or heart/mind is our kingdom or our own mentality. It is our private place where the swirl of thoughts continually passes across our mind. Only you can know what truly goes on there. There is both privacy and the possible control to think the thoughts you want. You can choose which thoughts to accept or refuse. Whichever thoughts you allow will shortly be expressed through your volition in the outer environment.
The God is No-Thing An Apophatic Assertion: An Introduction for Humankind’s Transpersonal Actualization– revised , 2023
The prevailing economic paradigm misapprehends reality because it is entrenched in an inherently ... more The prevailing economic paradigm misapprehends reality because it is entrenched in an inherently individualistic dualistic worldview, which overlooks the ultimate interdependence of all natural entities (Magnuson 2022, pp.77-80). For instance, the emphasis on material production and consumption as an end in itself, is not sustainable. This materialistic ideology creates not only human suffering, but also an inevitable degradation of Earth’s ecosystems, exemplified by the present ecological crisis. To modify these harmful economic systems, it is necessary to understand that economic reality is not an autonomous sub-system of social action, but a highly interdependent system of value creation. The necessary paradigm shift for our economic models requires a process of restructuring economic institutions and policy frameworks with the adoption of the wisdom that aligns them with sustainable and moderate economic outcomes. Such a synergistic perspective will create a broader economic paradigm that empowers humans to thrive and will allow all life forms to flourish. The paradigm advocated here to allow this is Transcendental/Buddhist economics.
The God is No-Thing An Apophatic Assertion: An Introduction for Humankind’s Transpersonal Actualization– revised, 2023
We can now consider the term "biocentrism" or "life-centered understanding of ourselves and natur... more We can now consider the term "biocentrism" or "life-centered understanding of ourselves and nature." Biocentrism encompasses all environmental ethics that "extend the status of moral object from not only human beings but to all living things in nature." Biocentric ethics, like "I-Thou" and dependent origination, calls for a radical readjustment of the relationship between humans, nature, and existence. Through this framework, humans can no longer view themselves with a narrow, self-serving perspective, with a form of speciesism that they warrant.
Uploads
Papers by Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.
Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Path Towards Beneficial Personal and Societal Transformation and Embracing Apophatic Philosophy: A Non-Dualist Path Towards Enlightened Personal and Societal Transformation, plus a brief description and review of my latest published book, “Non-Duality: What the World Needs Now”, 2024, by Rodger R Ricketts, Psy.D.