October

4, 2012 at Cambridge Upananda T Dedunupitiye

Some perspective on Joseph Campbells Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal
By Upananda T Dedunupitiye Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge, UK

Introduction Joseph Campbell is one of the most distinguished figures in comparative mythology. Being interested in the mythological patterns of various parts of the world, he formulated many theories which have influenced many writers as well as scholars. Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal is a phenomenal text, which talks about the ideas of Campbell on mythology. The real greatness of the text lies in the fact that it delves deep into the multidimensional aspects of beliefs in both the western and eastern worlds. Throughout the book, the author attempts to compare between Western and Eastern metaphors of the Eternal. His frustration and fascination of both the Eastern and western myths are vividly described in the text. Campbell is a mythologist who views each and everything in an objective way. He analyzes various mythologies of the oriental regions and compares them with the western ones. However, before doing that, he undertakes an investigation on the function of each such myth in the concerned cultures. All societies follow certain specific traditions. It is commonly seen that some mythologies operate as the core of such traditions. For the same reason, myths have direct connection with mans personal and social life. However, he is keen to study how myths become relevant. For that, he scientifically approaches the myths to clarify whether they have any rational side. It is most likely that myths are fictitious. However, at certain occasions, it is also

October 4, 2012 at Cambridge Upananda T Dedunupitiye

seen that, there are facts behind them. Campbell resolves these issues by focusing his studies specifically on their origin. No mythologies can be studied in isolation. They are always backed by religion and other cultures. It is in this context that Joseph Campbell studies eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. He rightly views that these religions are rich with myths of varied natures. He also concentrates on Jainism and Taoism to make his endeavor more comprehensive. From Indian mythologies, he squeezes out the concept of Brahman, which has a universal relevance. The text clarifies that, instead of the relationship of creature and creator, Campbell found cultures that defined the self as being identical with the eternal-that which Hindus call Brahman (Campbell, p.12). Here, Campbell discuses the topic of the eternal. He finds that there are similar concepts in other mythologies too. However, the concept of the Brahman in eastern mythology is quite comprehensive. It sums up the essence of human beings on planet earth. Campbell goes deep into eastern philosophy and spirituality to explicit the idea of the Brahman. Joseph Campbell makes use of various metaphors from eastern mythologies to compare them with the Western ones. As far as Campbell is concerned, the belief of reincarnation is a powerful metaphor. It is believed in most of the religions that, after death, people go to heaven or hell. This is determined by the deeds one does. Here, there is a reference to gods, which is allpowerful. However, Campbells version is quite different as well as significant. He negates the very idea of a powerful god, which monitors each and every aspect of human beings. On the contrary, he remarks that, man himself has the infinite capabilities to become superior. He takes examples from Jainism to illustrate this point. In the course of incarnation in Jainism, the souls inhabit heavens and hells- the upper and lower levels of the cosmic body. The gods are those souls inhabiting the heavens, and the demons inhabit the hells. This statement clarifies that

October 4, 2012 at Cambridge Upananda T Dedunupitiye

human beings are capable of exhibiting great potentials. With his abilities, man can become gods. Here, Campbells views on religion seem to be highly rational. He interprets mythologies in a different way using its relevance in human lives. Campbell seems to be highly fascinated with the eastern culture and mythology in the sense that they have varied systems of beliefs. At the same time, he does not hesitate to express his disagreement with regard to many beliefs. First and foremost of all, he finds out certain metaphors, which prove to be least rational on a philosophical level. Eastern religions, as a whole, pay importance to the concept of death and rebirth. They further believe in the omnipotence of God. However, Campbell remarks that all such metaphors cannot be rationally justified. Each myth has a specific end. But, throughout the ages, various interpretations of the myths considerably altered their meanings. As a result, people have begun to worship the false gods. Man himself is a superior being who is blessed with infinite capabilities. In such a circumstance, giving importance to some other forces seems to be quite unconvincing. It is in this situation that Campbell becomes frustrated. However, he gives an insight into the real significance of mythologies in mans everyday life. He identifies that mythologies are the part and parcel of human community and there are certain metaphors, which refer to the eternal. One of the apparent differences, which Campbell finds between the eastern and western belief system of god is with regard to the relationship between the god and man. In the east, gods directly intervene in earthly matters. The author elucidates; the deities in India and the Far East are agents of the eternal cycle. For the most part they are, as it were, executives, performing the necessary acts, bringing about the inevitable processes of the cosmic cycle like roosters crowing to raise the sun (Campbell, p.65). But, there is no such a direct intervention in the west. As the author says, god sits, as it were, behind the laws of the universe, not in front of them

October 4, 2012 at Cambridge Upananda T Dedunupitiye

(Campbell, 65). Here, Campbells views on both eastern and western mythologies are quite obvious. Conclusion The analytical skill of Joseph Campbell is well evident throughout the discussion of the metaphor and the eternal. He takes out relevant ideas from both the eastern and western mythologies to put forward his points. His creative genius in systematically presenting the ideas is apparent in the text, Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal. For the same reason, it can be considered as a reliable source book of mythologies of both the western and the eastern worlds. More prominently, Campbell gives a glimpse into many aspects of eastern mythologies such as the eternal and the Brahman.

October 4, 2012 at Cambridge Upananda T Dedunupitiye

Works cited Campbell, Joseph, and David Kudler. Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2003. Print.