Jung and Eastern Thought

By Harold Coward

Subjects: Transpersonal Psychology
Series: SUNY series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology
Paperback : 9780887060519, 234 pages, July 1985
Hardcover : 9780887060526, 234 pages, July 1985

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Table of contents

Preface
Introduction by Dr. Joseph Henderson

Part One: Jung and Eastern Cultures
I. Jung's Encounter with Yoga
II. The Influence of Yoga on Jungian Psychology
III. Where Jung Draws the Line in His Acceptance of Yoga
IV. Jung's Criticism of Yoga Spirituality by Dr. J. Borelli

Part Two: Jung and Indian Thought: Conceptual Comparisons
V. Jung and Karma
VI. Jung and Kundalini
VII. Mysticism in Jung and Yoga
VIII. Prakrti and the Collective Unconscious: Purusa and Self by Dr. J.F.T. Jordens
IX. Prana and Libido: Prajna and Consciousness by Dr. J.F.T. Jordens
X. Conclusion: An Annotated Bibliography of Jung and Eastern Traditions by Dr. J. Borelli

About the Authors
Index

Description

Jung and Eastern Thought is an assessment of the impact of the East on Jung's life and teaching. Along with the strong and continuing interest in the psychology of Carl Jung is a growing awareness of the extent to which Eastern thought, especially Indian ideas, influenced his thinking. This book identifies those influences that he found useful and those he rejected.

In Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist cultures, yoga is a central conception and practice. Jung was at once fascinated and critical of yoga. Part I of the book examines Jung's encounter with yoga and his strong warning against the uncritical adoption of yoga by the modern West. In Part II Jung's love/hate relationship with Eastern thought is examined in light of his attitude toward karma and rebirth, Kundalini yoga, mysticism, and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

Coward's observations are rounded out by contributions from J. Borelli and J. Jordens. Dr. Borelli's Annotated Bibliography is an invaluable contribution to bibliographic material on Jung, yoga, and Eastern religion. A special feature is the Introduction by Joseph Henderson, Jung's most senior North American student and one of the few Jungians to have recognized the important influence of the East on Jung's thinking.

Harold Coward is Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities at the University of Calgary.