Continuing with the discussion of the ego-self axis that is accelerated by the process of Integrative Coaching, we are reminded by Jungian psychologist, Lionel Corbett, that Eastern traditions, have always been aware of the transpersonal level of the psyche, long before Jung helped introduce the idea into Western psychology, of the interpenetration at two levels.
Witter Bynner in his introduction to The Way of Life: According to Lao Tzu comments that while most of us, as we use life, try to open the universe to ourselves, the eastern philosopher, LaoTzu, opened himself to the universe. “There is no need to run outside for better seeing, ”said Lao Tzu,“ or to peer from a window. Rather abide at the centre of your being; for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see if he is wise who takes each turn: The way to do is to be.” (Bynner, 1994, p.55)
I am particularly fond of these words by Lao Tzu. “Being” rather than “doing” feels like the eternal challenge for us in this world obsessed with doing and I might add, with having. How can we just “be”? When we access the Self I believe we experience “being,” and at least in that moment of time, we understand that “being” is enough, as we experience the comfort, peace and ease that accompanies the journey into Self.
The Indian sage, Sri Aurobindo (2003) tells us that the transcendent Self in individual man is as complete because (it is) identically the same as the Transcendent Self in the universe “In this way the Absolute which would otherwise be beyond knowledge, becomes knowable; and the man who knows his whole Self knows the whole Universe.”(p.16)
Jung believed it was human’s task to become conscious of the contents that press upwards from the unconscious. “Neither should he persist in his unconsciousness, nor remain identical with the unconscious elements in his being, thus evading his destiny, which is to create more and more consciousness. As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. It may even be assumed that just as the unconscious affects us, so the increase in our consciousness affects the unconscious.” (Cited in Edinger, 1984, p.57).
Jung seemed clear that we have an obligation to become conscious of the unconscious; and by doing so our increased consciousness may in turn affect the unconscious. As each Integrative Coaching client connects to internal wisdom, the very act of the connection, of opening to the wider consciousness, may in turn affect the wider consciousness itself; each part affecting the whole, and the whole affecting each part.
References
Bynner, Witter (translator). The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu (New York, Capricorn Books, 1994)
Corbett, Lionel, M.D. A New Myth of God: Religious Function of the Psyche Lecture Series (Los Angeles, University of Philosophical Research)
Edinger, Edward.F The Creation of Consciousness: Jung’s Myth for the Modern Man (Toronto, Inner City Books, 1984)
