𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚: 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬

This essay explores Carl Jung’s four archetypes through Mahabharata characters using cinema storyboards, drawing application to modern leadership and team management.

𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬: Imagine the Mahabharata on screen with its larger-than-life characters. The camera zooms in on heroes, villains, and Carl Jung’s four archetypes — The Hero, The Shadow, The Mentor, and The Anima/Animus. Each figure represents eternal psychological truths.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 — 𝐀𝐫𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲
Arjuna, represents the Hero archetype on Kurukshetra, battling duty and inner struggle. Arjuna’s journey is both physical and spiritual, seeking self-discovery and moral clarity. Arjuna’s shift from reluctance to acceptance as a warrior is a striking illustration of the Hero’s journey — a journey of difficulties, growth, and lofty aspirations.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 — 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
Duryodhana, he symbolizes the darker sides of our nature that we cannot ignore. Duryodhana’s ambition, envy, and brutality mar his otherwise good characteristics. His hostile position in the epic reminds us that facing and understanding our shadows is essential for personal and social growth.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 — 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
Krishna guides the Pandavas with his supernatural wisdom and strategic insight. He’s a Mentor, offering advice and support. In the Mahabharata, he guides Arjuna and his brothers through moral difficulties and strategic decisions, emphasizing that every Hero requires a wise guide to traverse their journey and reach their full potential.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚/𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐬 — 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐢’𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
She symbolizes individual masculine-feminine balance. Draupadi is strong and vulnerable, a typical Anima/Animus. Her path through betrayal, perseverance, and empowerment combines these two sides of her. To find balance, Draupadi must embrace and harmonize her inner masculine and feminine.

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨: Leaders, like Arjuna, experience doubt and challenges. Use these to grow and discover yourself. Your struggles can build your leadership.

𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰: Recognize and address the shadows of your leadership style. Understanding your shadow improves self-awareness and leadership.

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫: Like Krishna guiding the Pandavas, seek mentors for insight and direction. Mentor others, offering your knowledge to help them succeed.

𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚/𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐬: Develop a balance between strength, empathy, assertiveness, and sensitivity. Leadership may be more holistic and effective when you embrace both sides of yourself.