Here he approaches theodicy (the justification of god’s goodness, omniscience, and omnipotence in the face of evil) as an inevitable problem facing those on a spiritual path.

Here he addresses inconsistencies in the spiritual/political theory carrying great weight in Russia today.

Here he defines spiritual metaphysics as a structured approach with both an ontology and epistemology, designed to be tested in the contemplative and ritual practices of aspirants in different traditions. Because of its practical application and testing, it differs from conventional academic metaphysics. Spiritual metaphysics always starts with the ground of being, or the divine. [...]

Here he describes several dreams and synchronicities that provided him with a personal window into the afterlife, particularly those involving his poetic mentor, Lew Welch, who died of a suicide. These examples illustrate his sense of how a soul might progress in the supersensible realm. He also points out that the premier metaphysician of the [...]

Here he explains that Traditionalism is a particular version of Perennialism. It is associated primarily with René Guénon and Frithjof Schuon. It is distinct from the more heterodox approach of Aldous Huxley. Traditionalists feel that the orthodox systems of the world’s major religions afford the best possibilities for spiritual attainment. They particularly frown upon syncretism, [...]

Here he notes that René Guénon wrote about several types of initiation that deviate from authenticity: anti-initiation (i.e., materialism), pseudo-initiation (i.e., fantasy), and counter-initiation (i.e., potentially, if not actually, evil). He proposes that counter-initiation is the ultimate conspiracy theory – the conspiracy behind all other harmful conspiracies. He provide a number of examples, including Satanism, [...]

Although not a UFOlogist, Upton feels that the Traditionalist metaphysics of René Guénon affords him a foundation from which he can criticize the current wave of interest in UFOs. Guénon maintains that we are at the “end of times” in which dark paranormal forces are breaking through into our physical world. The UFO abduction literature [...]

Here he identifies himself with Sufism and describes the influence of figures like Huston Smith and Frithjof Schuon on his thinking. He defines the traditionalist movement as one that recognizes the core truths to be found in the esoteric wisdom of the great religious traditions. He recalls his early years with the beatnik poets, the [...]