The Convergence of Psychology and Sufism: The Journey of the Self in the Thought of Jung and Mevlana

Abstract

This study aims to comparatively examine the concept of self within the framework of Carl Gustav Jung's analytical psychology and Mevlâna Celaleddin-i Rumi's Sufi understanding. The self, central to human existence, is considered a fundamental element in both approaches as a key component of the individual's inner transformation process. In Jung's theory, the self is defined as a psychological structure that develops through the integration of elements such as consciousness, the unconscious, archetypes, and the shadow, while in Mevlana's Sufi understanding, the self is understood through the process of purifying the ego, turning towards divine love, and achieving the consciousness of unity. The study examines Jung's concepts of archetypes, shadow, dreams, and symbolic thought in analytical psychology from a comparative perspective with Mevlana's understanding of the ego, love, surrender, and spiritual journey. In both thought systems, confrontation, contact with inner darkness, and the transformation process are considered necessary stages in the development of the self. While Jung explains the individual's attainment of psychological wholeness through the recognition and integration of unconscious contents, Mevlana views the maturation of the self through integration with divine love and the transcendence of ego-centered structures. Dreams, alchemy, and symbolic thought stand out as common tools for inner transformation in both psychological and Sufi traditions. In the Jungian approach, dreams and alchemy support the integration of the self through the symbolic language of the unconscious; in Sufism, these symbols are considered intuitive reflections of divine truth. In conclusion, this study reveals that although Jung and Mevlana are based on different epistemological foundations, they address the human journey of self-knowledge, transformation, and integration through universal and timeless common themes.