Synchronicity, Archetypes & the Sacred Philosophy of the Future | Richard Tarnas|Mind Meld 399
Jul 18, 2024
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Professor, philosopher, and author Richard Tarnas discusses Platonism, Jung, depth psychology, and the modern meaning crisis. Topics include archetypal fluency, synchronicity, the importance of initiation and altered states, and developing a sense of the sacred in everyday life.
Recognizing archetypal energies in synchronicity reveals interconnectedness of psyche and cosmos.
Embodying acquired knowledge involves experiential understanding and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Initiating a shift towards deeper realities requires breaking free from limited perspectives and fostering authentic connections.
Deep dives
Recognition of Archetypal Energies in the World
Jung noticed that archetypal energies and meanings extend beyond human experience and can be found in synchronicity, where nature reflects archetypal principles. He emphasized the idea that psyche is not confined within individuals but that individuals participate in a psychically saturated cosmos where all things breathe together. This recognition led to a shift in perspective about the interconnectedness of the external world and our internal psyches.
Building a Container for Mystery and Wisdom
Creating a container to hold the mystery and wisdom involves engaging in conversations with others on a similar path, sharpening one's intellect, and pursuing lifelong learning. Dr. Richard Tarnas, known for his works on Western thought and psyche, exemplifies building such a container through his extensive academic and teaching career. The importance lies in embodying and feeling the knowledge acquired rather than merely discussing it.
The Search for Genuine Contact Beyond Subjectivity
The discussion delves into the quest for genuine contact beyond subjective projections and interpretations. By exploring interpretive structures and cultivating self-awareness, individuals can break free from limited perspectives and encounter deeper realities. Initiating a shift from an 'I-It' relationship to an 'I-Thou' connection with others and the world involves recognizing divine dimensions within oneself and fostering meaningful, authentic relationships based on mutual understanding.
Initiating Spiritual Epiphanies through Synchronicity
Instances of profound transformation can occur through synchronistic events that challenge ingrained beliefs and trigger spiritual awakenings. Jung's iconic anecdote of the golden scarab symbolizes a pivotal moment when a patient's Cartesian worldview crumbled under the weight of synchronicity, leading to a profound realization of a universe brimming with symbolic depth and meaningful connections.
The Collective Initiation Into a Symbolic Dying and Rebirth
Humanity faces an existential crisis demanding a symbolic death and rebirth, akin to a near-death experience on a global scale. The current planetary challenges urge individuals to shed outdated identities and embrace a more participatory, reverential, and co-creative existence. Wrestling with archetypal shadows and undergoing transformative initiations becomes essential to navigate the collective transition towards a more evolved and integrated way of being.
Richard is the author of Passion of the Western Mind and Cosmos and Psyche. He served as program director at the iconic Esalen Institute for a decade where he rubbed shoulders with great minds like Joesph Campbell, Terence McKenna, Ram Dass, Alan Watts, James Hillman, Stan Grof, and many more. Tarnas has an encyclopedic knowledge of history, philosophy, and spiritual traditions.
In this one, we continue our conversation about the crucial role of Platonism, Jung, depth psychology and the romantics in sense-making. Grappling with the modern meaning crisis. Developing a felt sense of the sacred in everyday life. The importance of initiation and altered states. The need for archetypal fluency, synchronicity, and much more.
