Through a Jungian Lens

White Vented Mynah bird in Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand

I get to see at least two species of Myna birds looking out from the balcony of this condo in Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand. The word ‘mynah’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘madana’,which means ‘brimming with happiness or joy’. I found this description of the mynah bird at Scribd:

Mynahs are regarded as symbols of undying love, because they often pair for life.They are also symbols of peace, similar to the dove in Europe. Nepalese folklore tellsus that the mynah and the parakeet were lovers. Thus, romantic couples are often  given the name ‘Myna Justo Joda ’ (mynah-like lovers) in Nepalese literature. A handsome and good looking couple, loving each other dearly, is given the name ‘Myna Justo Milne’ (matching like the mynah bird). (Mynah-Birds, Scribd)

It is hard to find humans who pair for life and do so with joy at being together. I would have to say that I am one of the fortunate men in the world. I have been blessed with a wife that has managed to laugh and smile and be with me for more than forty years. We still hold hands, not out of habit, as we walk down the street or along a beach. Neither of us are able to do well without being with the other, finding it difficult to sleep. Perhaps after forty years we are still Myna Justo Milne.