Embracing “Negative” Emotions: Pathways to Self-Knowledge

Jungian psychology is very different from Buddhist psychology. Institutional Buddhism is prone to label various human emotions as “poison.” Jungian psychology, on the other hand, adopts more of a gentle approach, encouraging acceptance and reflections. This is actually consistent with the Buddhist teaching of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness requires objective observation and the suspension of judgment. If we are too quick to judge, we cannot take a close look. Jiddu Krishnamurti said, "The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.”

Thomas Moore, a Jungian psychologist and author, presents a transformative perspective on emotions, particularly those often labeled as “negative,” in his influential work The Care of the Soul. For Moore, emotions like sadness, anger, fear, and even lust are not simply obstacles to be avoided or hidden. Rather, he views them as integral aspects of the human experience that contribute to the richness and depth of life. Moore’s approach emphasizes embracing and understanding these emotions as essential pathways toward greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Sadness: Embracing Grief and Melancholy

Moore emphasizes the value of sadness as a meaningful and transformative part of life. Instead of…