The Mission of the Institute of East-West                    Interdisciplinary Studies

This institute of higher learning, contemporary research, documentary film, academic course offerings, and transformative counseling was founded by    Dr. Judson Davis, who over the course of nearly three decades has derived tremendous inspiration and insight through the pioneering work of many eminent psychologists, spiritual explorers, and religious practitioners. Their work constitutes the foundation of the modern East-West dialogue, which came to prominence in the early decades of the 20th century and continues to this day, providing a fascinating channel through which to examine some of the world's most inspiring philosophical and mystical traditions. The writings, theoretical precepts, and cross-cultural perspectives enunciated by C. G. Jung, Marie-Louise von Franz, Alan Watts, Joseph Campbell, Mircea Eliade, Jules Cashford, Anne Baring, Stanislav Grof, Christopher Bache, Ken Wilber, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Ananda Coomaraswamy, D. T. Suzuki, and many others serve as the framework for this inquiry into the mystery of human existence and its many forms of profound spiritual expression. 

       Of particular interest to this theme is the intersection between modern Western psychology and ancient Eastern contemplative traditions, which, through cross-cultural and comparative investigation, provides unique opportunities for insights into the enigmatic inner workings and creative impulses of humanity. A deeper understanding of certain primary aspects of Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, for example, can be greatly accentuated through the lens of Jungian depth psychology, just as the underlying precepts of Zen can be applied to great benefit in a modern Western therapeutic context. Through engaging these seemingly disparate traditions within the framework of interdisciplinary research and practice, one discovers many intriguing facets  of universal wisdom that forever await further exploration. In the pages that follow, these and many other captivating aspects of humanity's long and ever-evolving spiritual journey are examined through published articles, online courses, short documentary films, and an array of artistic representations from many of the most preeminent periods in human history. Archetypal themes

and images, especially as they are found in the art, architecture, and symbolic expressions of the world's numerous cultural and religious traditions, serve 

as principle connecting links in this study. In addition, the defining tenets of

East-West spiritual counseling are presented in detail as a means of providing clarity into this dynamic form of inner guidance. Interested parties can make inquiries and book online counseling sessions and course offerings through the provided links in the Contact section, and additional content can be accessed on the institute's social media sites and its Youtube channel.

       Below you'll find a collection of some of the most prominent archetypal figures and motifs that have arisen throughout world history as ardent expressions of the sacred. In concert with Jung's pioneering work in depth psychology, and as articulated through the research of von Franz, Campbell, Eliade and others, these mythic forms are understood as arising from deep within the collective human psyche. Engaging these numinous images through creative visualization and deep imaginal contemplation thus serves as a potent avenue through which to penetrate and explore the consecrated regions of the inner and outer dimensions of life, leading to expanded depths of personal and universal meaning and a greatly enhanced sense of shared purpose in our lives. This represents a homecoming, a return to Source that fosters an unfolding realization of the fundamental sanctity of earthly existence in what Jung (bor-rowing from medieval alchemy) termed unus mundus, or one unitary world. This is the awakening to the union and interrelationship of all things, which through the spirited adventure of discovery reveals the sacred mysteries of life.                                          Blessings on your Journey!