Meditation: A Route to Individuation
The following is a thesis written by Suzanne in 2009
Introduction
The aim of this thesis is to explore the possibility that the practice of meditation could be an alternative route to the process of individuation that is proposed by Jung. The thesis is divided into four chapters. In chapter one, Jung’s theory of the individuation process is examined. This includes a definition of individuation and how Jung’s explanation varied and evolved. The stages of the individuation process are identified and discussed. This includes a clarification of terminology. This led to a discussion of Jung’s definition of self, as again, this concept has varied meanings. This includes discussion about the relationship between self and God. Works referred to here largely consist of the published Collected Works of Jung and published volumes of letters. Finally, in the first chapter, I chose to critique Jung’s individuation process from the work of post-Jungians, particularly that of Samuels in order to provide an updated view of the individuation process
The second chapter explores, albeit briefly, the alchemical stages for the individuation process. This was undertaken for two reasons. Firstly, Jung was reluctant to commit himself to naming definitive stages or phases in the individuation process as he felt that this would be prescriptive, yet he did commit to alchemical phases. Secondly, some of the descriptions of the developmental phases have much in common with those described by the Christian mystics, thus establishing a common ground between the two. Thus, the alchemical phases were introduced as a second yardstick for measuring or comparing the stages of development in the individuation process and the development phases of meditation.
The third chapter investigates Jung’s views towards religious practice, Eastern religions and meditation. I then discuss phases of development within different schools of meditative practice drawing on studies undertaken by a range of academics, and discuss whether or not meditation can have the same aims, developmental phases and outcomes as the individuation process. Particular attention is paid to the work of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. My findings are reported in chapter four, the conclusion.
The third chapter investigates Jung’s views towards religious practice, Eastern religions and meditation. I then discuss phases of development within different schools of meditative practice drawing on studies undertaken by a range of academics, and discuss whether or not meditation can have the same aims, developmental phases and outcomes as the individuation process. Particular attention is paid to the work of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. My findings are reported in chapter four, the conclusion.