What is, and how 'Self' develops ?

'Self' in Buddhism.

Quoting from 'Buddha & Love' book by Lama Ole Nydahl, 'Self' is 'the physical-emotional mixture one believes themselves to be'.


'Self' in Jungian Psychology.

'Self' is alternative concept to 'Ego' in Jungian Psychology; ... in a polish language 'Self' is translated to 'Jaźń'; ... in a german language it's 'das Selbst'.

'Self' is archetype, holding personal unity & wholeness of a human, in both 'individual dimension', as well as in the 'group dimension', in both conscious & unconscious life aspects.

'Self' is archetype of fullness, compleness, of psychological whole.

'Whole' is true source of the meaning of word 'Holy', in Buddhism, probably in other Religions as well.

In this sense, 'Self' is the destination instance of the 'Ego Development', inborn possibility of everyone. But perhaps Buddhism goes beyond that, even more.

'Self' development is related with important ideas, with religious values, with needs, with authorities.

In Jungian Psychology, a human is born with 'Self' - primal, central, soul center. Then ego is created by human & shaped by surroundings - secondary soul center. Self-development & Self-discovery in psychotherapy, return to self, ... - is crowning of the process for building one's personality, of self-fulfillment, of finding the treasure, of discovering the philosopher's stone.

-- Paraphrased from 'Jungian Psychology's Basics' book by Zenon Waldemar Dudek.


See also, if You wish: Jungian Archetypes.


'Individuation' in Jungian Psychology.

Dynamic relation between 'ego' & 'Self', is in Jungian Psychology explained as ego-Self axis.

There's mention of 'individuation', development where:
- 'inflation' occurs when 'ego' closes to 'Self'.
- 'alienation' occurs when there's loss of bond with this archetype or with other archetype(s).

When one tries to develop Self, unavoidable are illusions, fascinations & disenchantments.

-- Paraphrased from 'Jungian Psychology's Basics' book by Zenon Waldemar Dudek.


See also, if You wish: Individuation Archetypes (Jungian).