Dissertation Title:

Medieval Haṭha-Yoga and Hindu Alchemy: A Jungian Approach to Tantric Immortality

Candidate:

James Neville Kennard

Date, Time & Place:

July 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Virtual


Abstract

This hermeneutic study explores the esoteric context and complementary ritual discourse of Medieval Haṭha-Yoga and Hindu alchemy, from a Jungian depth psychological perspective. Its comparative approach draws on the essential values, fantasy images, and key concepts of esotericism, to describe a deeper web of relationship within culturally diverse traditions of alchemy. The Tantric vision of immortality is a symbolic expression of the ultimate soteriological value of living-liberation and self-realization. This highest aim is pursued through the corresponding materials and ritual processes of Haṭha-Yoga and Hindu alchemy. Haṭha-Yoga internalized and corporealized Hindu alchemical materials and processes, which sought to create an elixir of immortality. Original Haṭha-Yoga depicts a circular process of psychophysical regeneration, which gives birth to the golden and immortal yogic body. A psychodynamic interpretation is oriented through this spagyric cycle of transformation, through which the yogic body is serially ripened, and the self is realized.

Note

Defense locations during novel coronavirus and Covid-19 guidelines:
For the time being, in working to keep everyone safe using social distancing guidelines and considering the health and safety of everyone, all oral defenses will be hosted virtually through Pacifica’s resources.

Please note that neither campus is open at this time.

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Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies, Track ZZ, 2012
  • Chair: Dr. Alfred Collins
  • Reader: Dr. Glen Slater
  • External Reader: Dr. Sthaneshwar Timalsina
  • Keywords: Yoga, Alchemy, Rasayana, Tantra, Jung, Elixir, Sacrifice, Esotericism, Hatha Yoga, Immortality