ABSTRACT
The author reviews the development of the conceptualization of the sublime from various metaphysical and psychological perspectives in medical history. Jung’s concepts on the sublime related to unconsciousness and complex theory are presented using dreams from his clinical cases. Depth psychology, delving into the individuation process within alchemical process, found sublimation was similar to experiencing sublime beauty. Although Jung warned of the danger of experiencing the sublime, he pointed out a positive aspect of the sublime: that consciousness could enlarge people’s ego-centred frame. The author summarizes the biochemical and neurophysiological explanations of the sublime. Meanwhile, near-death experiences full of mystic feelings are also explored in relation to the sublime. The author emphasizes the importance of the sublime, in that our ego, mostly confined within the realm of language, can be more mature and enlarged by touching upon the sublime moment.
