Publisher's Synopsis
The Sacred Thread is an ancient symbol of the invisible tie that links all living beings among each other as well as with their transcendental source of origin (s tr tman). In the Eastern tradition, women and men are considered to be mature personalities only if they not only fulfill their practical everyday duties, but also orient their lives towards a cosmic spiritual reality. Rudolf Högger, a Swiss psychologist who has spent much time of his life in Nepal and India, has accompanied a seven years old Hindu boy on his path of initiation (upanayan) into this spiritual realm. In the present account, he not only describes a number of symbols and rituals which were instrumental in the process, but also draws parallels to many elements from the Buddhist, Jewish, Christian as well as Muslim traditions and offers respective interpretations in the light of Jungian psychology. Thus, the book builds helpful bridges between different cultures and religions, between East and West, bewteen modernity and tradition. It ecourages the reader to discover new meaning in his own religious practice and cultural environment.
