Transcript Carl Jung, Mandalas, and the Numinosum

Carl Jung, Mandalas, and the
Numinosum
Christian Mandala
Christ’s ascension into
heaven after his
resurrection from the dead
The circle is a clock (signifying time –
and hence human history).
The innermost region in which Jesus
is placed is black. In eastern
orthodoxy icons, the dark circle
signifies the via negativa (God
cannot be known).
Christ embodies not merely God but
the mystery of God, which in
Christianity is the union of God with
Humanity in the person of Christ.
Mandala in Islamic Mosque
The Five Buddhas Mandala
Quaternity with a Center
Each Buddha represents the
awakening from a particular delusion.
1. The delusion of ignorance becomes
wisdom of reality. (Center - white)
2. The delusion of pride becomes the
wisdom of oneness. (yellow)
3. The delusion of attachment
becomes the wisdom of discernment.
(red)
4. The delusion of jealousy becomes
the wisdom of achievement. (green)
5. The delusion of becomes the mirror
like wisdom. (blue)
Buddhist
Wheel of Life
Samsara is in the grip of Yama (God
of the Dead). From outer circle to
center:
1. the chain of dependent arising.
2. the six realms of existence
3. white path (left half) and dark
path (right half).
4. cock, snake, and pig are found in
the center - representing the three
poisons (greed, hate, and
ignorance). At center since they
are the inner source that puts
everything else in motion.
Miss X’s drawing after the beginning of intense inner activity following
therapy. Jung said that the snake here represents, not the spermatozoon, but
the phallus. The spermatozoon is depicted by the golden substance being
injected into the outer region of the nucleus. Miss X takes the red to signify
her fiery defense (emotion) against the intruding force. The force is coming
from “above” since “animus” is a spiritual force. Note also that “the nucleus”
is not at center, but forced down
The next picture in the sequence. Change has taken place. The snake is separated from
the circle, which is now enlarged and has blossomed with vivid colors (including an
outweighing blue over earlier red). Quaternity has now emerged in the image (four
swirling circles) and a fifth circle at the center – a stabilizing of conscious life. The four
are unified in the one at center.
While many mandalas have the snake inside (for completeness of opposing forces),
here it is outside the circle, suggesting to Jung the patient’s “critical attitude” towards
the darker side. But the leftward movement of the eddies in the circles (in the
direction of the snake) suggest a continuing trend towards the darker side of the spirit.
One of
Jung’s own
Mandalas.