Self-realization is the deepest purpose of human existence though this term has different meanings in depth psychology and the Eastern contemplative traditions. The psychological journey of individuation leads to greater wholeness whereas the contemplative journey aims at spiritual awakening. While these two modes of inner work differ in their focus and methods, this program shows how they can be viewed as two complementary forms of human development. Particular attention is given to how Jungian forms of inner work and the methods of contemplative yoga may be integrated in a way that conjoins soul and spirit and that confers both wholeness and freedom.

Session 1: Jung and Yoga: Different but Complementary

This session explores the different aims and methods of Jung’s depth psychology and Hindu contemplative yoga traditions. Participants also learn a simple, efficacious form of meditation that serves as a foundation for additional practices presented in subsequent sessions.

Session 2: Contemplative Yoga Traditions and Practices

The second session situates meditation more specifically in the recombinant history of contemplative Hindu yoga traditions that include the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the teachings of the great sages of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism. Additional contemplative practices are taught that complement and amplify the form of meditation taught in session 1.

Session 3: Self-Inquiry and Integrative Practice

The final session focuses on how various forms of contemplative self-inquiry may serve as practices that most effectively connect Jungian psychology to contemplative yoga. Attention is also given to how each of us can design an array of practices that integrate the somatic, psychological, relational, and spiritual aspects of life.