Integral Literary Art

Some of my favourite pieces written by Ken are those about art and art theory.  These are the pieces I seem to return to again and again.  And now I have another one to add to my favourites list, a follow on as it were – one that addresses a topic that has been raised over and over again on this website – just what exactly is Integral Art?

According to Ken, “The primary criterion of integral art is the consciousness of the artist producing it.”

There we have it at last.  A clear definition as it were.  This statement and the declaration that integral art can only be “seen” from the correspondingly high state or stage that produced the work of art, will no doubt  be criticized by some but discussed and elaborated upon by many for a long time to come.  

The distinction between a soul artist and an integral artist emphasizes the need for healthy development of multiple intelligences and an integral life practice.

Whereas soul art is art from a higher realm, integral art is from a healthy higher realm that is integrated with itself and its lower realms.

Both these forms of art can evoke a state experience of a higher realm in the beholder.  This state might be temporary but its effect on us is to make us “just a little, little bit better...”

Amidst introducing all these points, Ken provides the reader new to integral theory with a clear explanation of states and stages.

This foreword to a book which appears to be in Ken’s words, “a book of very extraordinary art”, is an example of the very art it seeks to describe.

Pure beauty of form and content, a peak reading experience of integral literary art, this piece of writing leaves the reader a little bit better...