The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung made a number of revolutionary contributions to modern
Western psychology and his pioneering work was greatly enhanced through his contact with
Eastern religions especially Tibetan Buddhism. In these esoteric traditions Jung discovered a
holistic approach and a deep affinity for nature and in the yogic and tantric disciplines he
encountered a complex symbolic world that resonated with him deeply. Jung was particularly
drawn to the highly articulated and intricate symbolism of Tibetan Tantra which provided
considerable support for his seminal theories on the universal archetypes and the collective
unconscious. His cross-cultural and interdisciplinary engagement with Indo-Tibetan spirituality
later proved instrumental in establishing the basis of the modern East-West dialogue in which
the religions of the East-and in particular Buddhism-have become a central focus. Jung is also
widely acknowledged as the father of transpersonal psychology which in seeking to integrate
the wisdom traditions of East and West stands at the forefront of contemporary studies in
human consciousness and mysticism.
