Relational Dharma: a Modern Paradigm of Transformation—a Liberating Model of Intersubjectivity

Presented are the theoretical and experiential foundations of the author’s interdisciplinary model of intersubjectivity, inspired by a contemporary, trans-sectarian and creative re-envisioning of the Buddhist doctrine of dependent co-arising (paticca samuppada). Relational Dharma seeks to illuminate the nature of co-genesis through engaging awareness within a progression of insight within intersubjective experience in human relationship. The purpose of this model is to support refinement of our understanding of relatedness as a means toward liberation from self and self-other generated suffering and capacitate greater influence upon of ones’ own and other’s higher freedom. The doctrine of dependent co-arising, from classical Buddhist perspectives, and a theoretical overview of its mechanics as a living architecture of interdependence that can be directly experienced across myriad phenomena, is explored. Clinical implications are discussed as they apply to resolving trauma, posttraumatic growth, and growth through adversity, along with a framework determining and guiding expressions of higher human relatedness.