Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Downes P.
2011
March
Psychology and Developing Societies
Concentric and diametric structures in yin/yang and the mandala symbol: A new wave of eastern frames for psychology
Published
()
Optional Fields
Concentric diametric discourse mandala primordial Yin/Yang
23
1
121
153
A silent discourse pervades psychology regarding how its theories are framed. This framing process needs to be brought more to the fore to challenge the traditional frames in Western psychology and to explore frames drawn more from Eastern traditions. Two primordial archetypal symbols, yin/yang and the mandala were partially developed by Jung in his attempt to employ Eastern frames for psychological understanding. Both symbols are highlighted as offering a prelinguistic discourse of implication requiring further examination. A relational discourse of assumed connection and assumed separation, expressed through concentric and diametric structures of relation underlying yin/yang and the mandala, are argued to be meaningful for psychology. Jung's attempts to embed psychological theory with Eastern symbolic frames can be construed as the first wave of this process for psychology, and a new wave of interpretation of these primordial symbols offers fresh insights for a culture-inclusive and context-sensitive psychology. © 2011 Department of Psychology.
0971-3336
10.1177/097133361002300105
Grant Details