20 : redemption

A son, though he may have wandered far, will return to claim his rightful inheritance.

— The Lotus Sutra

The story of the Prodigal Son is not just about a physical return home, but about the deeper journey of returning to the Self after losing one’s way. In the biblical parable, the son leaves his father’s house to pursue a life of indulgence, only to find himself destitute and longing for home. His return is not simply a physical act but a spiritual one — he must confront his own mistakes, seek forgiveness, and reclaim his place in his father’s heart. This journey is one of redemption, healing, and the reestablishment of wholeness.

Interestingly, the Lotus Sutra contains a parallel theme of returning to one's rightful inheritance. In the sutra, a prodigal son wanders for years, unaware of his birthright. When he finally returns, he is given his rightful place, reclaiming the wealth and inheritance that was always meant for him. This idea — that no matter how far we stray, our true Self awaits us — resonates with the Jungian concept of individuation. The Self is always present, waiting for us to return, even after we have wandered astray.

Rembrandt’s painting The Return of the Prodigal Son (1669) beautifully captures this moment of reunion and forgiveness. The father’s tender embrace reflects unconditional love, while the son’s posture speaks of humility and surrender. Both in the biblical story and the Lotus Sutra, the return is not about punishment, but about redemption — about reclaiming what was always meant to be ours.

In our own journeys, we too wander away from our deeper truth, getting lost in distractions, temptations, or illusions. But the path of return is always open, waiting for us to come back to the Self. It is in this return that we find healing, forgiveness, and the strength to move forward with renewed purpose.

Journaling Prompt: Reflect on a time when you wandered away from your true self. What led you astray, and how did you find your way back? What does returning to yourself look like in this current season of your life?

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