In Memory of Ruth Ammann

In Memory of Ruth Ammann,

We, China Society for Sandplay Therapy (CSST) of International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST), and China Society for Analytical Psychology (CSAP) of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP), have received the deeply sorrowful and heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved and highly esteemed Ruth Ammann in Zurich, Switzerland.

A memorial service for Ruth Ammann will be held on August 15, 2023, at the Reformed Church, 8962 Bergdietikon, Switzerland.

When Ruth Ammann assumed the presidency of ISST at the ISST Conference in Seattle (2003), she collaborated with Shen Heyong, Gao Lan, and other scholars to discuss the development of ISST in China. Subsequently, she visited China to give lectures and maintained regular visits between China and Switzerland for over 20 years. She made significant contributions to the training of numerous Chinese sandplay therapists and the advancement of sandplay therapy in China. During the Third International Forum on Jungian Psychology and Chinese Culture (2006, Psyland of the Heart), Ruth Ammann reached an agreement with the chief officer of IAAP at that time regarding the cooperation and development of ISST and IAAP in China, with psyland Culture and the Oriental Academy for Analytical Psychology as their foundation. Just as Jung and Kalff integrated Chinese philosophy into analytical psychology and sandplay therapy, Ruth Ammann also possessed a profound appreciation for Chinese culture. She harbored a great passion for learning Chinese characters and delving into the "I-Ching" (The Book of Changes). Through her experiences in China, she recognized the significance of Chinese culture for sandplay therapy and wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the advancement of analytical psychology, sandplay therapy, and depth psychotherapy in contemporary and future contexts.

When Ruth Ammann's family conveyed the news to Gao Lan and Shen Heyong, many members of CSST and CSAP, as well as the 2+3 students of Psi-Heart Island Culture and the Oriental Academy for Analytical Psychology, were conducting their annual study visit at Mount Jiuhua in Anhui Province, China. This place is revered as the dojo of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the embodiment of love, compassion, and mercy, who guides sentient beings, alleviates their suffering, and awakens them with profound compassion. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva exemplifies serenity and patience, profound wisdom, and is honored for his unwavering filial piety and boundless vows. In light of this, we express our deepest grief and mournful condolences for the loss of Ruth Ammann.

With sincere prayers, compassion, and transformation,

International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST)

China Society for Sandplay Therapy (CSST)

International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP)

China Society for Analytical Psychology (CSAP)

Psyland Culture

The Oriental Academy for Analytical Psychology