The Secret of the Golden Flower: The Original Texts of "Taiyi Jinhua Zongzhi" and "Huiming Jing" and Their English Translation
This book is a modern translation and interpretation of the classic Taoist inner alchemy texts "The Secret of the Golden Flower" (Taiyi Jinhua Zongzhi) and "Huiming Jing," incorporating in-depth commentary by the renowned psychologist Carl Jung. The course explores the intersection of ancient Eastern life cultivation techniques and modern Western depth psychology (such as the collective unconscious and mandala symbolism).
Course Overview
Content Summary
This book is a modern translation and interpretation of the classic Taoist Neidan (Internal Alchemy) texts The Secret of the Golden Flower (Taiyi Jinhua Zongzhi) and The Book of Consciousness and Life (Hui Ming Jing), incorporating profound commentary by the renowned psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. The course explores the intersection of ancient Eastern life cultivation techniques and modern Western depth psychology (such as the collective unconscious and mandala symbolism).
Initiating a cross-cultural dialogue on life between Eastern Neidan and Western Depth Psychology.
Author: [German] Richard Wilhelm, [Swiss] C.G. Jung / Authors, Deng Xiaosong / Translator
Acknowledgments: Published by Central Compilation & Translation Press in October 2016.
Learning Objectives
- Trace the historical lineage of the printing and translation of The Secret of the Golden Flower from the Qianlong era to the early 20th century.
- Elaborate on the core definitions of "Turning the Light Around" (Hui Guang) and "The Golden Flower" (Jinhua) on psychological and cosmological levels, and their role in integrating opposing forces.
- Differentiate the psychological mapping of Nature (Xing / Soul / Animus) and Life-Force (Ming / Po / Anima) and their dynamic relationship in practice.
- Identify Cognitive Obstacles: Accurately describe the points of conflict between Western scientific objectivity and Eastern subjective intuitive experience.
- Understand Psychological Mechanisms: Master the core argument of "the violation of the soul by the intellect" and its manifestation in the collision of Eastern and Western cultures.
- Reflect on Practice Misconceptions: Understand the profound meaning of "If a depraved person practices the right path, the right path becomes depraved." Comprehend why mere imitation of techniques cannot achieve true spiritual evolution.
- Understand the Cross-Cultural Connotation of "Dao" (Tao): Elaborate on the psychological background of Richard Wilhelm translating "Dao" as "Meaning" (Sinn), and differentiate the roles of Nature (Xing) and Life-Force (Ming) within the unity of life.
- Master the Psychological Mechanism of "Turning the Light Around": Explain how "Turning the Light Around" serves as a "movement around a center" to achieve the reunification of consciousness and the unconscious.
- Identify the Protective Function of the Mandala: Explain how the mandala structure acts as a "psychological moat," protecting and integrating around the individual's core Self.
- Understand Cross-Cultural Psychological Terminology: Differentiate the connotations of Anima, Animus, and Po (魄) within psychological and cultural contexts.