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Ibn ‘Arabi and the Perennial Philosophy: Insights for Depth Psychology

Ibn ‘Arabi and the Perennial Philosophy: Insights for Depth Psychology

by | Aug 1, 2024 | ,

1. Who was Ibn 'Arabi? Ibn 'Arabi (1165-1240), the great Andalusian Sufi mystic and philosopher, is widely regarded as one of the most profound and influential figures in Islamic spirituality. Considered by some to be the greatest of all Muslim philosophers, his vast corpus of writings offers an unparalleled exploration of the nature of reality, the human soul, and the path to spiritual realization. At the heart of Ibn 'Arabi's thought is a vision of the unity and interdependence of all existence, a perspective...

Suhrawardi and the Illuminationist Philosophy: Insights for Depth Psychology

Suhrawardi and the Illuminationist Philosophy: Insights for Depth Psychology

by | Aug 1, 2024 | ,

Who was Suhrawardi? Shahab al-Din Yahya ibn Habash Suhrawardi (1154-1191), known as Shaikh al-Ishraq or the "Master of Illumination," was a Persian philosopher, mystic, and founder of the illuminationist school of Islamic philosophy. His works, such as Hikmat al-Ishraq (The Philosophy of Illumination) and Hayakil al-Nur (The Temples of Light), offer a unique synthesis of Zoroastrian, Platonic, and Islamic ideas, and present a vision of reality as a hierarchy of lights emanating from the divine source....

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: Reconciling Matter and Spirit

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: Reconciling Matter and Spirit

by | Aug 1, 2024 |

Who was Pierre Teilhard de Chardin? Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955), the French Jesuit priest, paleontologist, and philosopher, devoted his life to reconciling the realms of matter and spirit, science and religion. His unique vision sought to bridge the apparent chasm between the tangible world of atoms and molecules and the intangible world of consciousness and divinity. Teilhard's thought, as expressed in his seminal work The Heart of Matter, resonates with the ancient wisdom of Gnosticism, which...

Friedrich Hölderlin: This Influence on Jung and Modern Mysticism

Friedrich Hölderlin: This Influence on Jung and Modern Mysticism

by | Jul 31, 2024 | , ,

Who was Friedrich Hölderlin? The Course of Life (Lebenslauf) You too wanted more, but love Forces all of us under. Pain’s necessary curve Returns us to our beginnings. Whether up or down, in the holiness of night, Speechless nature determines all the days to come; Yet in the labyrinths of death You can find a straight path. I know this—not once, like mortal instructors Did you heavenly, all-knowing gods Have the foresight to lead me Along a level path. Everything’s a test, say the gods. Having found his strength,...

D.T. Suzuki: Zen Scholar and Cultural Ambassador

D.T. Suzuki: Zen Scholar and Cultural Ambassador

by | Jul 31, 2024 |

Who was D.T. Suzuki Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (1870-1966), better known as D.T. Suzuki, was a pivotal figure in the introduction of Zen Buddhism to the West. A prolific writer, lecturer, and translator, Suzuki played a key role in shaping the Western understanding of Zen and its influence on Japanese culture. His work bridged Eastern and Western thought, sparking a fascination with Zen that continues to this day. This essay provides an in-depth exploration of Suzuki's life, key ideas, and enduring impact on the...

The Kabbalistic Concept of Ein Sof

The Kabbalistic Concept of Ein Sof

by | Jul 31, 2024 | , ,

The Depth Psychology o Kabbalistic Concept of Ein Sof What is Kabbalah? Kabbalah is a mystical tradition within Judaism that seeks to understand the nature of divinity, the structure of the universe, and the purpose of human existence. The term "Kabbalah" comes from the Hebrew root "k-b-l," which means "to receive" or "to accept," referring to the reception of divine wisdom and the acceptance of spiritual practices. Kabbalah emerged in 12th century Provence and Spain, drawing on earlier forms of Jewish mysticism...

J.B. Rhine and Eugene Osty: Pioneers of Parapsychology

J.B. Rhine and Eugene Osty: Pioneers of Parapsychology

by | Jul 31, 2024 | , ,

Who were J.B. Rhine and Eugene Osty? The field of parapsychology, which investigates psychic or psi phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis, has long been a subject of fascination and controversy. Two pioneering researchers who made significant contributions to the scientific study of these phenomena in the early 20th century were J.B. Rhine and Eugene Osty. Through their innovative experiments and tireless efforts to bring scientific rigor to this unconventional area of inquiry, Rhine and...

The Enduring Wisdom of Ernest Becker’s “The Denial of Death”

The Enduring Wisdom of Ernest Becker’s “The Denial of Death”

by | Jul 31, 2024 |

Who was Ernest Becker? In the labyrinth of the evolving profession of psychology few books have had as subtle influence on the profession as Ernest Becker's "The Denial of Death." Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1974, this groundbreaking book offers a profound exploration into the human psyche's struggle with and avoidance of  the inevitability of death. Becker's thesis, rooted in the concept of "terror management theory," suggests that the fear of death underpins much of human behavior,...

Embracing Your Inner Grendel:

Embracing Your Inner Grendel:

by | Jul 31, 2024 | ,

A Jungian Perspective on Shadow Work and Healing from Fiction In his 1971 novel "Grendel," John Gardner reimagines the Old English epic "Beowulf" from the perspective of the titular monster. This postmodern retelling offers a provocative exploration of the complex interplay between hero and villain, good and evil, and the role of the shadow in the human psyche. By presenting Grendel as a thinking, feeling being grappling with existential questions and the search for meaning, Gardner invites readers to confront...

The 12 Archetypes: How They Shape Our Lives as Consumers, Voters, and Romantic Partners

The 12 Archetypes: How They Shape Our Lives as Consumers, Voters, and Romantic Partners

by | Jul 31, 2024 | ,

Archetypes Across Culture and Advertising and Myth The concept of archetypes, as popularized by psychologist Carl Jung, has found its way into various aspects of our lives, from the way we consume products to how we vote and even how we navigate our romantic relationships. In her book "Awakening the Heroes Within," Carol Pearson introduces a model of 12 archetypes that have become widely recognized in popular culture. These archetypes are: The Innocent, The Lover, The Orphan, The Creator, The Hero, The Jester,...