Individuation: The Door to Self-Realization

The journey toward Self-realization has been the goal of many ancient practices. The author uses heuristic methodology to examine his experience integrating the psychological process of individuation and the Hindu spiritual practice of Bhakti yoga. The author describes how analytical psychology and spiritual practices are interrelated, complementing and supporting each other. The differences between individuation and Self-realization and how one might lead to the other are illustrated, as are the benefits of spiritual practice in supporting the reintegration of shadow and the creation of a relationship with the Self. Ways in which psychotherapists can help clients in their journey toward individuation and Self-realization by bringing spirituality into therapy are discussed. The longing for union with something that is more than, and stands behind, the ego is both psychological and spiritual: connection with the inner Divine, or the archetypal Self, is the only way to satiate this hunger.