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Artistic Form and Yoga in the Sacred Images of India (Bollingen Series (General))

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First published in 1926 as Kunstform und Yoga im indischen Kultbild but not translated into English until 1984, this volume examines the magic circle (mandala) as a contemplative tool (yantra) in Indian art. The mandala is but one of many forms of yantra used by mystics and devotees to transcend the separation between perceiver (subject) and what is perceived (object).

Zimmer's work offers a mythological context that allowed psychologist Carl Jung to refine his own theory regarding the spontaneous appearance of mandalas in his personal dreams and visions, as well as those of his patients. Joseph Campbell, who edited four of Zimmer's books shortly after the latter's untimely death in 1943, contributes a preface that examines Zimmer's relationship with Jung - and a brief yet illuminating autobiographical statement from Zimmer himself follows the conclusion. In addition, there are 54 black-and-white plates of surprising quality for a paperback edition.

There are minor typos and glitches (including the wrong title in German referenced on the back cover), but these are not jarring and, indeed, actually add to the charm of this work.

For those interested in Indian art or religion, "Artistic Form and Yoga in the Sacred Images of India will prove a deep and compelling read.