Integral Psychology: Sri Aurobindo, the Mother

In this essay I argue that psychology must follow the lead of the new physics and new biology in adapting a quantum and relativity-based conceptual approach in order to sustain its relevance for the future. Although C. G. Jung realized this in his approach to psychology many years ago, mainline psychology has not followed suit and continues to follow a Newtonian and Cartesian formula. I also show how the yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and Jung’s psychology of individuation are compatible.

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An Aurobindian Perspective on Jung’s Psychology of Individuation

In this essay I concentrate on important foundational aspects of Jung’s psychology of individuation. I begin with an Aurobindian perspective based on the understanding of a Sri Aurobindo ashram psychologist and early sadhak of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Prof. Indra Sen. He also acknowledged the value of Freud’s discoveries for moral development and self-knowledge. More importantly from the point of view of this essay, his view on Jung is particularly favorable, including recognizing the central value of the psychic being in Jung’s approach to healing and the process of individuation. I then show how Jung not only had experiential knowledge of the psychic being or central Self, but that it is an integral aspect of his approach to psychology. Following that I discuss the dynamics of the individuation process, which involves integration of the shadow and the persona, and the anima/animus, which, in turn, forges a link to the archetypal psyche including the archetype of the Self.

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The Evolution of Consciousness and Individuation: Gesber, Sri Aurobindo and Jung

In this essay I trace the evolution of consciousness from the time of origins and the archaic structure of consciousness, through the magic structure, the mythical structure and the mental structure up to the present incipient integral culture of consciousness using Jean Gebser’s structural categories. Continue reading “The Evolution of Consciousness and Individuation: Gesber, Sri Aurobindo and Jung”

Jung’s Gnostic Creation Myth: The Creative Shadow Pleroma and the Development of his System of Psychology

This essay is about Jung’s Gnostic creation myth, which he wrote in 1916 as an important part of his encounter with the unconscious.  He called it the Seven Sermons to the Dead, and attributed its writing to Philemon, a winged being he encountered in dreams and fantasies, who assumed the role of guru with superior insight. Continue reading “Jung’s Gnostic Creation Myth: The Creative Shadow Pleroma and the Development of his System of Psychology”