Great article, Rich. I agree that "integral" can only ultimately be a yoga or yogas, and not a theory or theoretical framework. At the same time, theoretical frameworks are useful at a relative level and at the current stage at which humanity is. From Sri Aurobindo's aphorisms: 74. Practical knowledge is a different thing; that is real and serviceable, but it is never complete. Therefore to systematise and codify it is necessary but fatal. 75. Systematise we must, but even in making and holding the system, we should always keep firm hold on this truth that all systems are in their nature transitory and incomplete. (Someone ought to e-mail these to Wilber and Co. ;-) ) Some snippets of a conversation I was having with some friends on the dangers of ideological thinking and the necessity of relative metaphysical systems: Ned: The problem, I think, is that nobody understands what spiritual metaphysical systems are. Spiritual metaphysical systems are not the same as rational metaphysical systems. They never claim to be eternal or absolute – it is the “finger pointing to the moon” sort of situation. Zak: No true metaphysician has ever claimed that there are universally valid, perspective-free, interpretation-free foundational elements of reality [so-called "pure" metaphysics as defined by Wilber's camp]. Metaphysics is based on getting along with established relative facts, in order for the individual to have a perspective of change, growth and union with the higher conditions of the mind. The goal of metaphysics has nothing to do with this peripheral information [i.e. intellectually expressing things in a perspective-free way], but rather is dealing with something totally different -- the qualitative quest to improve the human condition. Matt: Rationalist metaphysics (the kind that assert themselves as eternally true) are what I think need to be shown the door. Spiritual metaphysics, on the other hand, seem almost to be a necessity, as indeed we are trying to enact realms of being which haven't fully manifested yet, and so our ongoing experiences and descriptions play a vital role in their development. Building temporary frameworks and guiding metaphors which describe these new territories is definitely an aid to our own and others' spiritual development. We just have to be sure to keep our eyes trained to the moon!