Thomas Parker
Jungian Analyst, Raja Yogi, father, dear friend to so many, left his body on Monday, November 23, 2020.
Thomas was a Jungian Analyst with the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco where he did his training. He then became a training analyst, lecturer, and served as its president. Later, he was a member of the Society of Jungian Analysts of San Diego, and President of the Friends of Jung.
Thomas had profound respect for Carl Jung and Jung’s approach to the world of psychology and the individual psyche. The “depth” quality that marked Jung’s psychology held Thomas’s attention, and partially satisfied a spiritual hunger that was in Thomas’s own psyche. Then, when he found his Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, he made it his life’s work to weave Yogananda’s teachings and Jung’s theories together. The depth of Thomas’s understanding came from his practice of meditation and thorough studying of the writings of both Jung and Yogananda.
In addition to his work as a Jungian analyst, he gave many lectures to the Jungian and yoga communities in San Francisco, San Diego, and Orange County. He and his beloved wife, Victoria, led educational and spiritual tours for over 40 years to India, Switzerland, Egypt, and other places across the world. These journeys helped to satisfy his love of teaching and sharing his passion for Raja Yoga.
Thomas was quick witted and full of ideas that encompassed many realms: world issues, science, art, spirituality or sports!! He loved telling stories, often full of humor. His wit popped out at the most unexpected times, leaving all around in spasms of laughter.
When you were with Thomas, whether professionally or as a friend, you would feel gently held in his presence, thoroughly seen, and without judgment. He listened deeply and intently as he took you and your being deep inside himself. Sometimes you would even wonder if he was still there with you because the pauses could be longer than usual! Then he would speak with such tenderness and insight that you knew he heard you. This gift of his presence was a precious treasure to all of us who had the honor of knowing him. He will be dearly missed.
Jane Sweeney, Ph.D.
President, Society of Jungian Analysts of San Diego
Thomas Parker,
Jungian analyst, dear friend, and mentor, left his body on Mon., Nov. 23, 2020. Thomas was a longtime member of the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco and served as president. He was a Jung scholar, beloved teacher and great storyteller. He loved analyzing dreams, and imbued his work with warm layers of feeling and relatedness. He maintained an analytic practice until the final months of his life.
Thomas was a student of Paramahansa Yogananda, and a practitioner of Raga yoga, a devotee almost all his life. For many years, he and his wife, Victoria, led Jungian-oriented trips all over the world, focusing on India and Switzerland. People would travel long distances to work with him. Often he would take groups of up to 75 people on educational tours, immersing them in the spirituality of the place: temples, ashrams, history, culture.
Thomas had really good balance between the objective outer world and the deep psyche. He could discuss worldly topics with ease and engagement: politics; finances; food; science; the full gamut. But his true passion was the natural world. He was a dedicated father, teacher, and family. man.
Being round him was a spiritual experience.
Thomas was a cosmic explorer, inside and out.
Beth Barmack, MSW