Masochism: A Jungian View

by Lyn Cowan

What are the true spiritual and psychological pleasures of shame, pain, humiliation, and submission? Are the secrets to these pleasures contained in the clinical literature of Krafft-Ebing, Freud, Jung, and Murray? Are the symptoms of masochism inherent in the religious belief of Dionysus—Lord of Souls, Lord of the Dead—and Jesus? Lyn Cowan presents these answers in a book as surprising and fresh as an unexpected lash of the whip.

“Redeeming masochistic modes from ‘the hell of meaninglessness,’ Cowan makes a persuasive case for the very extremes of masochism as manifesting a ‘religious instinct.’ ”
—Utne Reader

Genres: Psychology, Sexuality, BDSM

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1982

About the author

Cowan, Lyn was a brilliant, highly respected and influential Jungian analyst who studied at the Jung Institute in Zurich, and graduated from the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts where she later served as Training Director and President. Lyn authored several books and articles on Archetypal Psychology. Her papers will likely be archived at Pacifica Graduate Institute. In addition to her analytic practice, Lyn was an engaging lecturer who presented internationally, entwining her storytelling and love of horse racing with her Jungian teachings and scholarly expertise.

Reviews

[Scott Smith]

A brief, powerful book that argues that, perhaps, masochists are saner than the rest of us because, seeing the brutality of everyday life, they simply decide to cop to it in ritualized form.

[olia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished the first chapter and it seems this is quite good book.
The emphasis is more on psychological problems, than sex perversions. The etymology of the word "psychopathology" is considered: when the soul (or psyche) has some problems, it could decide to suffer, thus paying for recovery.

Of course, Greek gods (Dionysus, Aphrodite, Priapus) are used as symbols.
But the main role for spoiling collective subconscious belongs to Christianity. Those concepts of sin, suffering, sacrifice are so common now, that even if we consciously discard them, they just live in our heads.

And then, masochism is a strong player against an ego, thus being defensive mechanism for psychics.
Ego must(or thinks that must) dominate, while the main idea of masochism is total denial of control.

[Stephanie McClure]

"she describes that moment when we learn to "embrace the shadow" as a necessary stage in the psychic journey leading to recovery and the restoration of well-being." remembered rapture pg 8 bell hooks

[Ayoto Ataraxia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the biggest Jungian, but Lyn Cowan does a great investigation through a Jungian lens on the registry of Masochism. Life changing.

[Amanda Schwalm · Rating 5 out of 5]

very thoughtful

This is a very thoughtful treatment of the subject. If you find yourself or our loved while dealing with masochism, I highly recommend this book.

[Neyv O.L.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My psychiatrist recommended me to read this book to broaden my horisonts.
I'd like to say that I understood it, but nope. It's hard to get on which side author is. It' like she tries for the reader to have his own opinion in the end without pushing or pointing directions.
This book made me see bdsm culture in entirely different way, from scientific and mistical perspective.