The philosophy of the Yijing and Jungian analytical psychology: a comparative study

The Yijing (Book of Changes) occupied a very significant position in C.G. Jung's mind, which was closely related to Richard Wilhelm's active recommendation and introduction of the Yijing wisdom. Inspired by the Yijing, Jung set forth the 'principle of synchronicity', by which scholars tend to discuss the relationship between Yijing and Jungian psychology. In fact, Jungian analytical psychology conceives in-depth onto-cosmological connotations corresponding to the philosophy of the Yijing. The terms invented or employed by Jung such as 'archetype', 'Self', 'individuation', 'mandala,' 'anima and animus', 'persona and shadow' are interrelated with the connotations of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) (○) and liang yi (two-mode) () in the Yijing philosophy. A comparative study of the two disciplines can help us gain a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of both, and further improve the exchanges of Eastern and Western cultures.