Sunday, April 15, 2001		Dream theme

Dreaming of religious symbols
By Vinaya Katoch Manhas

TO understand the importance of religious symbols, different schools of thought came out with their own interpretations. As per individual psychology, man created the concept of a supreme being, i.e. God, out of a sense of fear caused by an inferiority complex. Dependence on one’s father during childhood is the principal root of the origin of religion and its symbols, according to psychoanalysis. Dependence on God is a continuation of this attitude during the later stage of a person’s life. As per Freud, the concept of God is the revival of the father and son relationship. God is the exalted father. Analytical psychology refuted both these thoughts. For them religion is a matter of the unconscious.

Thus the belief in the existence of the supreme being originated out of psychological necessity. As people found it difficult to concentrate on abstract, idol-worship started. This in turn led to the origin of various symbols which have a deep impact on our psyche and thus often preoccupy our dreams.

Dreaming of Ma Kali and Ma Durga are not uncommon among Hindu women. Most of these women are dominated by their in-laws and other members of the family. These goddesses symbolise destruction and strength, respectively. Such dreams and the following attacks of hysterical fits signify a latent desire in these women to have power over those who dominate them.

In fact, a unique example is of a middle-aged Parsi lady who often dreamt of circles and never understood why. In fact if one is aware of the religious symbols of Persians then it is not difficult to analyse this dream. Persians place the sacred fire which they worship in a circular area. This dream acquires significance due to its repetitive nature. In following sessions of psychotherapy it was found that guilt was the factor behind the repetitive nature of this dream. A few months ago the lady had undergone a major operation. During her illness she became very religious and often prayed to god for full recovery. Once cured, she rarely went to the fire-temple, which is the place of worship for Parsis. This led to feelings of guilt, which got an outlet in her dreams, wherein she was constantly reminded of her duty towards god.

Thus, yet again religious significance of the symbol acquires importance.