Thank you kindly for the comments, much appreciated.

Shnakaracharya’s view on the transmigration of souls certainly does take a bite out of Jung’s challenge. But then, Jung was a good percentage Gnostic, which holds views on past lives similar to Hunduism. Not sure how he factors that one in. Also, Jung himself used yoga to get centered but apparently did not advocate it to his patients.

1. taking into consideration reincarnation, we cannot justifiably say - “my soul is American/British/Chinese”… only which ever part of my psyche is associated with my genetic make up and my cultural conditioning has this kind of identification (and this is the part which we are trying to get rid of).

2. Yoga is a transformative tool - the process gets rid of cultural conditioning - moves one away from differences and towards similarity between individuals, ie moves one towards the Purusa which is universal in nature - so these elements are progressively shed with time and practice.

3. As Katie points out most Americans do not have a cultural identity, and increasingly this is true for the global population which becomes increasingly part of popular culture - I wonder how Jung would have seen this. Maybe he would not have placed such emphasis on national culture and heritage in the formation of the human experience if he had been alive today.

However, regarding an individual cultural tradition - many Americans - in fact, probably most Americans - don’t have one. Not realistic to expect that, for instance, my immersion in yoga will draw me closer to my Celtic, Russian, Anglo-Saxon, Prussian, Baltic, Chinese and Jewish roots. Why not pick an Eastern one instead?

I was thinking that the sun-moon aspect of hatha yoga,
and the yoking of duality in asana, can work on the
level of evening out, physically, “duality” (left
right up down) so that we can be prepared, maybe even
of necessity, first (prior?) on a physical level, for
the event of experiencing the transcendant witness.

At least. like ogres and onions, and Jung, we can peel
away layers, which for someone (moi) who can only hope
to remain in roga chikitsa in this lifetime, that’s
offering PLENTY.

I keep being drawn to Helen Lukes, who I have on tape
& listen to on the drive (reno-crestone-reno heh heh)
and while what i am listening to is mainly about old
age, she has a winning way with enantiodromia,
although i didn’t know it was called that until i read
you.

But off the top of my head, it seems Helen is saying
that it is in the individual’s resolution of what
comes up in the peeling– opposites and more– that
liberation lies. And the emphasis is on individual.
(And what i like about jung is — there is liberation,
too, as a “goal”)Someone else is not going to do it
for you.

That said, old and delusional as i tend to be, I
always think we can bless each other and i sure do
miss your blessings!

There was something that came to me when i was listening to Helen on the last leg of my drive, after reading you– it had something to do with how to really do it, the liberation thing, the ingredient that can never be left out is true humility. I have often heard that said about ashtanga, as well–strong, limber people all over the world (maybe this is from Dena?) never make it through Nadi Shodana because you will fall on your sword if not truly humble.

Something like that!

warmly

joey