The thesis titled In the Dance of Light and Shadow: The Mystical Journey of the Goddess Kālī as the Supreme Absolute examines the spiritual tradition of worshiping the Goddess Kālī as the Supreme Absolute within the śākta tradition, situating it within the broader context of tantric and related mystical traditions. Through a detailed analysis of iconography, literary sources, and philosophical interpretations, it reveals how Kālī, as a dynamic divine figure, embodies the paradoxical transcendence of dualism between life and death, good and evil, where the bloodthirsty destroyer can also be a loving Mā to her children. Special emphasis is placed on exploring mystical experiences and ritual practices associated with the Goddess Kali, demonstrating how confronting the darkest aspects of existence can lead to profound spiritual transformation and awakening to a state of Oneness. The thesis also provides insight into how the metaphysical realm of the liberated and independent Kālī reflects and influences local social structures and expressions of spirituality in everyday life. In the concluding section, the author compares the symbolism of the Goddess Kali with Carl Gustav Jung’s archetypal theory, highlighting the possibility of universal psychological and spiritual themes such as shadow integration and the quest for wholeness.
|
