Ajith Parakum
Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, delved deeply into the human psyche, introducing groundbreaking concepts like the collective unconscious, archetypes, and synchronicity. Jung believed in the significance of individuation and spiritual growth, leaving a profound impact on psychology, philosophy, and modern thinking about the unconscious mind.
Synchronicity, one of Jung’s most intriguing concepts, refers to meaningful coincidences that are not linked by direct causality but seem to align in a purposeful way. He argued that these events reflect an underlying order in the universe, where inner experiences and outer events converge with profound significance. Synchronicity challenges traditional scientific views of causality, suggesting connections based on meaning rather than physical laws. Jung saw this as offering insights into the deeper, collective unconscious shared by all humanity.
A famous example Jung shared involved a patient recounting a dream about a golden scarab. During the session, a beetle resembling a scarab tapped on the window. Jung interpreted this as a meaningful coincidence, symbolizing transformation, which helped break the patient’s psychological resistance in therapy.
In the political realm, synchronicity can explain events that, while not directly linked, align with deeper societal shifts or shared concerns. Social movements or political upheavals that occur simultaneously in different parts of the world, without direct coordination, mirror Jung’s idea of synchronicity. These events may reflect a collective frustration with inequality, governance issues, or authoritarianism, showing how individual actions and larger political dynamics intertwine through shared meaning rather than causality.
A recent instance of political synchronicity occurred during the widespread protests in 2019, spanning Hong Kong, Chile, Lebanon, and Iraq. Though these movements arose independently, they shared common grievances such as inequality, corruption, and demands for democratic reforms. The simultaneous emergence of these protests, despite the lack of coordination, reflects Jung’s idea of meaningful coincidence, revealing a global undercurrent of dissatisfaction and a collective call for change.
In South Asia, countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and Nepal exhibit a form of synchronicity in their struggles with political instability, economic crises, and governance failures. All have faced economic downturns, rising debt, and inflation, compounded by global challenges like the pandemic and climate change. This synchrony reflects shared experiences of vulnerability and governance issues, pointing to deeper regional connections and a common demand for reform.
One striking example of synchronicity in Sri Lankan politics is the rise of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Despite leading the one-seat United National Party (UNP) after a major electoral defeat, Wickremesinghe became president in 2022 amid an unprecedented economic and political crisis. His elevation followed the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fueled by mass protests. Wickremesinghe’s unlikely rise, combined with his experience in navigating crises, aligns with Jung’s concept of synchronicity, as his role became pivotal in stabilizing the country during a time of turmoil.
