Psyche as Soul~ where Psychology, Spirituality and Mysticism all merge together!

 

I've always been curious and skeptical of answers coming through 'Divination' wherein God would come on or answer through an elevated individual/seer... yet I also knew that there was something that was yet beyond my understanding. A part of me wants to believe and the other is doubtful!

However, having had numerous instances where I've had an inkling of the future either through dreams, visions or a clear thought... I knew there was so much to the 'Psyche' than what's been given its due as it holds the Conscious, Unconscious and all that in between!

Recently, visited Bangarmakki Temple in Malnad and happened to see when the God comes on the priest- 'Ahavahana' in Kannada.  Again, call it 'Synchronicity' that a gentleman paved way for me to see the Aarti and also the Ahvahana as it was my first visit.

      He explained how the Intent was important to be sent to the Priest- in psychological terms a Projection to the Psychic Field... Then it’s up to the individual to go and seek answers, in this case the Priest. Belief playing an important role here. 

Now that I've been integrating 'Jungian work',

 I realize that it was the ability to 'tap into the Psychic Field comprising of  the Unconscious'

which was the key to divination, be it in any culture (an article that had fallen into my hands very recently).  Since,  every individual may not 

be able to decipher or see through the Psychic Field yet or consistently.

  

           Animism- a school of thought I resonate with states how everything in Nature/Life is talking to us. I have learnt so much of Neuroscience through my little niece Ekaa & my pet Hielo!

Carl Jung and Alan Watts are two thinkers (among others) who emphasize on how the Unconscious contains the Light and Shadow; and this held out the answer to my divination question.

    When one connects to the 'Divinity within' is where one is able to see through or accomplish divine tasks (and this doesn't happen overnight).

   The other extreme would be where the ‘Shadow’ is constantly denied and pushed deeper/repressed... leading to the other extreme of the spectrum- Disassociation and Mental Health Conditions.

 This is probably why many old schools especially Shamanism looks at mental challenges as a catalyst to awakening. This doesn't however mean that every one with dissociation (mental health issue) can become a healer!

     It also explains what happens with many of our own Baba's who have fallen from grace after moving upward... Here comes the need to look, work and integrate the shadow along with the light.

As I saw the seer in his trance, I felt reverence for choosing this work, bringing the energy, to take on such harsh treatment to the body. Was it to hear 'One's Calling' and be a beacon to humanity... with their words of solace and wisdom... Or was this my Projection to feel that that way?

     It would have taken years of discipline to build body-mind to be able to connect to the Light/Source/Divinity within consistently & provide much sought answers to the seekers.  I saw nothing but compassion in his eyes as he spoke to one after another seeker... which again is one of the tenets for Life and Psych work!    

                                                                                             

   As we all might have experienced, the occasional forebodings that’s come to us regarding ourselves or a loved one. Yet, unless we constantly work on getting to that state via ritual and discipline- it will be a one-off experience. Like Jung compared his ‘Morning Dream Analysis to Morning Worship’; he made working with the Psyche as part of his ritual and was able to connect to the Psyche Dynamism which has been a light to holistic Psychology. No wonder he is called the Modern Shaman!

Like it’s often said in Depth Psychology, we first have to work on and understand ourselves better- in order to have compassion and empathy for the client/other. I recall, hearing Dalai Lama saying the same at a talk on ‘Courage and Compassion’. As Analysts/Therapists, it is essential to listen and aid the client without being judgmental about what they’re sharing. Anyone who has touched us is because of this Energy that they brought and not just with their wisdom.

   

I feel it's not this or that but 'this and that' approach- the Integration of what ancient practices meant...  and how we can inculcate it because our ancestors fared a lot better than the current generations as they connected to everything, especially Nature.

As advanced we are in our knowledge base, we have not yet conquered or overcome basic problems. The Philosophy of Life and Psychology ought to embody the ‘Mysteries and Rationality’- the right and the left brain- the Conscious and Unconscious experiences. Psyche is an enigma indeed and can open wonderful treasures provided we’re ready to delve into it with due care and caution!

And by no means am I saying blindly following any and every practice... but being open and using our sense of discernment... to inculcate all aspects of Life and Psyche for the betterment of our individual self and all its beings- human and animal.

As I’m searching for an image to capture the essence- Shiva’s third eye comes to mind- isn’t it after all the ‘knowing eye’... perhaps for another time..

In awe of life's unfolding mysteries. Hope my ranting touched some chord!