This paper should not be considered a scientific work, but simply the expression of a few ideas, supported by Buddhist and Jungian bibliography, and a "basis of discussion".

Foreword

This paper should not be considered a scientific work, but simply the expression of a few ideas, supported by Buddhist and Jungian bibliography, and a "basis of discussion". Furthermore, as I unfortunately do not have any books in English, except the three works mentioned found on Internet - I was almost always unable to quote directly but had to summarize the main contents of the cited works. Finally, the language is certainly not at all perfect, however I hope it is at least understandable.

Introduction

In this brief paper I would like to compare some aspects of Buddhism, in the theoretical and practical approach of Nichiren Daishonin, with some aspects of Jungian analytical psychology. Searching on Internet I discovered that several other authors have already compared Buddhism with Jungian analytical psychology, thus confirming my "suspicion" that these two ways of spiritual and psychological development are somehow not only linked but also very similar in many aspects.

Eric Pettifor (1) has, for example stressed the parallel between Zen Buddhism and Analytical Psychology, in the sense that, he writes, "both paths are transformational. The paradox in each of them is that the transformation is becoming more oneself, one's true self".

While Chuan Yuan Shakya (2) considers the possibility of the positive integration of the two approaches: "Jung's Depth Psychology tells us why we are the way we are. Zen provides the methodology by which we can change the way we are. And, in advanced spiritual states, the generic rationale, the "dramatic plot" of alchemy's androgyny, as well as the gestation and delivery of the Divine Child, or Lapis, is supplied by Jung while the methodology, i.e. the various meditation disciplines ....is supplied by Zen or Taoist techniques". I would agree with both authors because I find in Buddhism, at least in Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, parallel as well as integrative aspects to the Analytical Psychology of Carl Gustav Jung.