A Noteworthy Seminar at İİKV: "The Unconscious and Tahkik-i İman (Investigative Faith)"

The İstanbul İlim ve Kültür Vakfı (İİKV - Istanbul Science and Culture Foundation) hosted a notable seminar that converged modern psychology, philosophy, and the perspective of faith.

Titled "The Unconscious and Tahkik-i İman (Investigative Faith)," the seminar was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunluoğlu and moderated by Prof. Dr. Bayram Özer.

Between Matter and Meaning: An Objective and Subjective Balance

In his speech, Kurşunluoğlu drew attention to the critical relationship between mind and matter, and the afakî (objective/external) and enfüsî (subjective/internal) worlds.

"Matter and meaning have existed together in the structure of the universe," Kurşunluoğlu stated, emphasizing that humanity is a being where these two dimensions converge:

"Since Adam (peace be upon him), matter and meaning have been intertwined. We possess a mind. Archetypes are the molds of this mind. Even if they took our ears, our eyes, and our whole body, and cast us into the vacuum of space, we would still say 'I.' That 'I' is an Amanah (Trust)."

With this statement, Kurşunluoğlu highlighted Bediüzzaman Said Nursî’s discourse on "Ene (Ego/Self) and Amanah (Trust)" in his 30th Word, indicating that the sense of self (ene) is a trust given to humans:

“The Trust is the 'enaniyet' (sense of self). The self is a trust. If you realize that the self within you is a trust, you attain tahkik-i iman (investigative faith).”

Bediüzzaman and Jung: Between Trust and Archetypes

Kurşunluoğlu historically analyzed Bediüzzaman’s concept of the “ene amaneti” (the trust of self) and connected it with the modern psychological concept of the unconscious.

He drew a similar line to Jung's theory of archetypes, discussing the connection between the symbols in a person's inner world and the "cosmic consciousness":

"A dual process continues: 'arz etmek'—to present or submit. This interaction between the unconscious and consciousness is humanity's journey toward the truth. Jung's 'shadow archetype' is, in Bediüzzaman’s terminology, similar to the ene deprived of the light of faith."

From Plato to Jung, and Jung to Bediüzzaman: Between Light and Shadow

The seminar featured notable analyses based on Plato’s allegory of the cave. Kurşunluoğlu stated that the shadows in the cave represent the “symbol of the unenlightened consciousness,” while the light archetype represents the journey of awareness made within the unconscious:

"The shadow archetype is this, if the consciousness is not illuminated. The archetypes of light and the sun are the guides that carry humanity to the truth. The darkness of the unconscious destroys a person; this is why people fear being alone. Because it is difficult to face one's own shadow."

Tahkik-i İman: A Cosmic and Spiritual Illumination

Concluding his talk, Prof. Kurşunluoğlu stressed that faith (iman) is not merely a dogmatic acceptance but also a profound spiritual experience.

"Tahkik-i iman—believing by investigating and comprehending—creates a transformation in both a person’s consciousness and unconsciousness. This transformation is like a journey from darkness into light."

Kurşunluoğlu noted that the light of faith illuminates the human conscience, concluding the seminar with Bediüzzaman Said Nursî’s words:

“Faith is a light bestowed upon the conscience from the Eternal Sun (Şems-i Ezelî). This light illuminates the conscience and brings the person into intimacy with the whole universe.”