The Aperspectival Playfulness of Allan Leslie Combs

Abstract

This commemorative article reflects on the work of the late Dr. Allan Leslie Combs, a pioneering scholar in consciousness studies and an influential mentor. The essay argues that his scholarly writing, characterized by profound openness, heartfelt compassion, and sharp wit, represents an embodiment of the integral consciousness he writes about. Through a close reading of his essays and a personal reflection on his mentorship, the article connects his playful style to Jean Gebser’s concept of aperspectival consciousness and frames his humor within Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of divine “play” (lila), concluding that, for Combs, scholarship is an embodied practice and his manner is a sign of deep developmental attainment. Keywords: Allan Combs, consciousness studies, integral consciousness, aperspectival playfulness, Jean Gebser, Sri Aurobindo, mentorshi