Chapter V of Psychological Types (1921) represents one of Jung's most challenging texts.
To decipher its meaning, one must understand the connections between the three components of this chapter-
-the conflict of opposing cognitive functions,
-the emergence of the numinous uniting symbol,
-the psychological relativity of that symbol il
Those three interlocked subjects leads to the conclusion that Jung was addressing transcendent experiences. He posits that when both opposing functions are equally developed, the unconscious generates a numinous symbol that represents the conjunction of opposites. Jung describes this symbol using various metaphors, such as the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, the treasure in the lotus, the birth of the Saviour, and Pandora's jewel, emphasizing its significant numinous nature.
The three segments of Chapter V form the foundation of his theory regarding mystical experiences. He asserts that the introversion of psychic energy from the sacrifice of something of great value such as projections of God or the sacrifice of one's cognitive identity (the dominant or auxiliary cognitive function) results in transcendent experiences, which he believes do not stem from a metaphysical source but rather arise from a rare yet normal psychological function in humans.
According to Jung, the transcendent experience being a symbol that unites opposites is always contingent upon the amount of psychic energy accumulated in the unconscious. The chapter 5 of the book Psychological Types marks Jung's second effort, following his essay The Transcendent Function, to provide a psychological explanation for mystical experiences.
The complete article on that subject is available free from Academia.org
