Description

C.G. Jung described "the uncertain path that leads to the depths of the unconscious" as "unpopular, ambiguous, and dangerous, a voyage of discovery to the other pole of the world." In order to navigate this boundless ocean Jung needed set of coordinates or a theoria. In alchemy the theoria or doctrine is as important as the practica, the work in the laboratory. Jung's method of psycho-spiritual development, the individuation process is the practica and his model of the psyche is the theoria. In Cunning Secret of the Wise the author looks at theoria that complement Jung's doctrine (Nietzsche, Henry Corbin) and theoria that contradict it (Rene Guenon, Frithjof Schuon). He also writes about the origins of his own theoria and in the last three chapters he explores the vast theoria of Ibn 'Arabi, the Greatest Shaykh (Shaykh al Akbar).