I wanted to make this post a tribute post to a great inspirational leader I am incredibly inspired by. Claudio Naranjo was a Chilean born Moorish, Spanish, Jewish decent. He was a a Psychotherapist who held a special vision for a more united and fair world. He was the founder of an institute called, “The Seekers after truth.” As well as one the founders and developer of Enneogram Personality Theories, which is a model of the human Psyche which is principally understood and taught as nine different but interconnected personality types. He became a medical doctor in the 1950’s later studying Psychology and later worked and conducted research fro Harvard and Berkeley. He became key figure at Eselan institute. He was close friends with Carlos Castaneda.
He has written over 20 acclaimed books on the subjects of Psychedelic assisted Psychotherapy as well as Spirituality, concerns for the way the world has become obsessed with economic gain at the expense of our health and well being as well as our planet. He was very interested in Buddhist philosophy as well as mediation practices. He was deeply concerned with the education for our kids globally and believed that true change and needed wisdom starts with education. A good equal and fair education.
He had a devastating tragedy when his young adult son was suddenly killed in a car crash. He went on a 2 year pilgrimage and created some of his best, insightful, incredible work after the pilgrimage.
He was a deeply caring teacher and had stated that he wanted to create a program for Psychotherapists that took out much of the stigmas and hierarchy of the Psychological world in Academia that had always been a certain nature that was not so inclusive to say the least. His trainings, institutes and programs were to provide access to teachings that would normally not be possible for certain people. He called this the “democratization of psychotherapy,” and education of future teachers, who may be able to assist their students in their personal growth.
He gave his last talk in 2019 in his 80s in Spain. His Parkinson’s disease had his arm swinging everywhere but he still delivers a key not address that shook the room.
Claudio Naranjo was not just a pioneer he was also a kind teacher and now who deeply cared about humans and the human condition. His love for humanity and what availabilities to the mental health world is undeniable and permanently changed because of this man and his work. I am forever grateful for what he has left behind for us.
A Desert Psychonaut 