The Grail Castle

   Even though it is nowhere clearly stated, it can be assumed that the Grail Castle, in so far as it is thought of as a kind of heavenly Jerusalem, also represents a centre of this kind, especially since the Grail is itself closely connected with Golgotha.  It is the same realm referred to in Chinese texts as the “yellow castle” or the “heavenly heart” and that sometimes also possesses a corresponding character in the mandalas drawn by Western people today.   TGL 332

In his exhaustive work, in which he cites a vast amount of archaeological and literary material, L.J. Ringbom shows that the Grail Castle, in addition to portraying the idea of the “heavenly Jerusalem,” is also connected with the mystical idea of a king’s grave, an otherworldly or paradisal garden and a mysterious world centre, and that it exhibits markedly mandala-like qualities.  This idea of an “otherworldly” Jerusalem, which it was more important to win even than the earthly one, also played a considerable part in the fantasies of the Crusaders, especially among the lower classes; it is clearly a projection of the Self as an inner centre, extending far beyond the ego, which expresses wholeness and harmony and from which radiate healing, integrating influences.