Jung’s encounter with the Taoist-alchemical text The Secret of the Golden Flower was an important event in the development of his psychology. On the one hand, it gave him confirmation for the method of active imagination which he had been developing, and it gave him confidence to begin to publish his findings about the process. On the other hand, the text formed a link to alchemy, the subject that would come to dominate Jung’s later years of research and study.
In this class, we will read through both the original text of the Golden Flower, translated by Richard Wilhelm, as well as Jung’s commentary on the text. We will discuss its importance to Jung’s work, giving particular attention to the method of active imagination. Finally, we will explore the relevance of this work for the practical application of the symbolic life in contemporary life.
Mondays March 4, 11, 18 & 25
REQUIRED READING:
The Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life
(Translated by Richard Wilhelm, with a commentary by C.G. Jung)
RECOMMENDED READING:
Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung
The Transcendent Function by C.G. Jung (in Collected Works vol. 8)