In my journey of self-discovery and understanding, I’ve been fascinated by the symbol of the dragon, a powerful representation of feelings and emotions. This enigmatic creature, often portrayed as guarding the hidden treasures of the psyche, symbolizes the unexpressed emotions, unmet needs, and suppressed desires that reside in the inner world of the mind. Carl Jung eloquently describes the psyche as the realm where “the dragon stands as the guardian of the treasure” (CW 9i, para. 283). The treasure, in this case, is the realization of the non-dual Self.

Dragons, in their mythological symbolism, can relate to the concept of the non-dual Self in profound ways. Often depicted as guardians of treasures or keepers of wisdom, dragons symbolize the formidable journey one must undertake to reach deeper understanding or enlightenment. This journey mirrors the path towards realizing the non-dual Self – a venture filled with challenges, requiring courage and insight to transcend the ego and its dualistic perceptions.

In many traditions, dragons are seen as embodying the primal forces of nature, existing beyond good and evil, and thus beyond dualistic categorizations. Their representation as creatures that integrate features of various animals (like scales of fish, wings of birds, and claws of lions) speaks to the unity of all life forms, a fundamental aspect of non-dual awareness. The dragon’s fearsome and awe-inspiring presence can be interpreted as a metaphor for the confronting nature of deep inner work needed to realize the non-dual Self – facing one’s deepest fears and the shadow aspects of the psyche.

Furthermore, dragons are often depicted as shape-shifters, capable of moving between different realms – earth, sky, and sea – which can be seen as an allegory for the non-dual Self’s ability to transcend different states of consciousness. The transformative power of dragons reflects the transformative journey of awakening to non-dual awareness, where the rigid boundaries of individual identity and separateness dissolve, revealing a more expansive, interconnected state of being.

The overwhelming presence of the dragon mirrors the intensity and complexity of our unconscious feelings. Emotions such as fear, grief, anger, and joy, formidable and deep-seated, are akin to a fierce dragon guarding its lair. Jung highlights the significance of confronting these feelings, stating, “the hero’s main feat is to overcome the monster of darkness: it is the long-hoped-for and expected triumph of consciousness over the unconscious” (CW 9i, para. 283). This triumph of consciousness is a critical part of our journey towards self-understanding and authenticity.

Within the dragon’s flames and shadows lie our unmet needs – longings for love, acceptance, autonomy, or security that often remain unacknowledged. Jung’s insight into the unconscious as “the primal sin, evil itself” (CW 9i, para. 283) reflects the inner turmoil we face in bringing these unconscious desires to light, particularly when they conflict with societal expectations or our self-imposed limits.

Getting to know our inner dragon involves engaging with the conflicting emotions within us. This is not about defeating these feelings but harmonizing with them and integrating them into our conscious experience. Jung underscores this necessity for balance, noting, “there is no consciousness without discrimination of opposites” (CW 9i, para. 283). This process of integration is crucial work on the path towards realization of non-dual state of consciousness.

As we progress, the dragon evolves from a symbol of fear and conflict to an emblem of the non-dual Self. This transformation signifies the unification of all aspects of our being – conscious and unconscious, light and dark. The dragon, once an intimidating presence, becomes a figure of wisdom and strength, embodying the harmony and unity of the non-dual Self.

Embracing the dragon is thus a transformative journey towards self-realization. The dragon’s fire, once a source of fear, becomes a beacon illuminating our path to deeper self-understanding and acceptance.

This path, marked by challenges and revelations, leads us to reconcile and harmonize the various facets of our psyche. As Jung aptly puts it, “Divine curiosity yearns to be born and does not shrink from conflict, suffering, or sin” (CW 9i, para. 283). This curiosity propels us to care for our inner dragon, guiding us closer to the non-dual Self and awakening us to a state of wholeness, where inner conflicts are resolved, and our true essence is fully realized. In this state of unity, the dragon, once a symbol of inner strife, becomes a symbol of our integrated, authentic Self, embodying the transformative power of embracing all aspects of our being.

Reference:

1. The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious (Collected Works of C.G. Jung Vol.9 Part 1)

Comments

I invite you to share your ideas on non-duality, spirituality, and symbols. We awaken together! All perspectives are welcome. Please feel free to include links to your writing if you write on these topics. Be aware that I do not always monitor comments. The content shared on this blog reflects my spiritual explorations and is not meant as psychological advice; for that, please consult a qualified mental health professional. Please read the terms of use.