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Allan Leslie Combs: Celebrating the Life of a Trickster and Pioneer in Consciousness Studies

Introduction

In celebration of beloved author and teacher, Allan Leslie Combs, who passed away April 5, 2025, the editors at the Journal of Conscious Evolution present this special commemorative issue. Colleagues, students, family, and friends have all contributed to this compilation of reflections and musings on the magnanimous spirit and enduring influence of our founder. Combs created this journal and appointed us editors before his passing, and we have faithfully continued calling for papers and publishing scholarly research on human evolution and consciousness studies, as was his intent. We are indebted to his compassionate and wise guidance as a colleague and mentor, and we continue to appreciate his influence in our lives. We hope that the offerings in this special edition honor and continue his legacy of transformative and integral philosophical lines of inquiry and engagement. The contributions gathered here range from rigorous theoretical examinations to intimate personal reminiscences. We have also included historical accounts of the journal alongside artistic tributes inspired by Combs’s favorite literature. Together, this diverse collection reflects the vibrant humanity of the beloved mentor and singular scholar we honor.

With loving gratitude, Zeke Floro, Leila Kincaid, Fernando Ona