The image of the Jungian Self in the work of St. Teresa of Ávila
Ján Knapík
The Figurativeness of the Language of Mystical Experience 2021 DOI: 10.5817/cz.muni.p210-9997-2021-10 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the figurative language of mystical experience, as seen in St. Teresa of Ávila's autobiography, reflects the Jungian archetype of the Self (das Selbst), and contends that symbols created by the unconscious possess a spontaneous, life-giving potential that is important in human life. |
Abstract
This paper focuses on the figurativeness of the language of mystical experience in the context of Jung’s theory of collective unconsciousness. It analyses the autobiographical work of St. Teresa of Ávila and tries to identify images that mirror the archetype of the whole, or the Jungian Self (das Selbst). The main objective of the paper is to reveal the life-giving potential and spontaneous nature of symbols created by the unconscious and to highlight their scope and importance in human life.