Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) by Joseph Campbell Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)
Book Review: A wonderful introduction to asian religion
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was a lovely, focused introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism, with a little Jainism and Taoism thrown in for good measure. I loved Cambpell's ability both to find the lovely, telling details in each of these traditions, and to find the overarching themes--especially the idea of Brahman, which he sees as underpinning all of them. I also particularly loved Cambpell's sense of humor--in one section he's describing the reincarnation of the soul, and says it's putting on and taking off bodies "like a shopper at Macy's trying on scarves"! That page is marked in my copy by the tea I sputtered because I laughed so loudly.The only downside from my point of view was an emphasis in the sections on Buddhism on Mahayana as opposed to Theravada Buddhism. Though he does discuss the older branch of the Buddhist tradition, it is somewhat in passing. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book enormously.
Book Review: Absorb the Essence
Summary: 5 Stars
Since Bulfinch, Campbell has long been the storyteller of myth and culture, sharing insights on themes of origin and eternity. Myths of Light draws from Campbell's unpublished lectures, edited to a flowing narrative that introduces Eastern thought to a Western audience. With books like this, I don't expect to have complete understanding, nor recall of everything Campbell shares. I read in bite-size pieces, so I can absorb what he's talking about. Then I keep coming back to get little pieces and think about them. I read Myths of Light over the space of a year, the same way I read books like The History of Ideas, 1001 Nights, and Boorstein's The Discoverers and The Explorers. Absorb the essence of the ideas, and don't worry too much whether they stick with you.Book Review: Finally!
Summary: 5 Stars
Having devoured Campbell's work in the nineties, I'd almost given up on his unpublished essays and lectures ever seeing the light of day. Then came Thou Art That and now Myths Of Light. These books are just perfect echoes of Campbell's comparative conclusions, only more concise. After a lifetime of work, his lectures honed his thoughts into great clarity. These two books are actually great introductions to Campbell's thoughts and work. They touch here and there on historical evidence, but mainly stay in the line of clarifying what occident and orient mythology entails. If you've been waiting a long time to read more Campbell, you'll have bought these books already. And if you haven't, you'll be very surpised.
Book Review: Great Introduction to Asian Religion
Summary: 5 Stars
I heard about this book at the Campbell Foundations website and was very interested--I'd always wanted to learn more about Asian religions but had found the books I'd looked at either too hard-core academic or too new-agey or too obscure. I tried reading the Bhagavad Gita ten years ago, and thought it was cool, but couldn't really understand it. This book really gave me an insight into the mindset that lies behind Buddhism and Hinduism. I'd always thought the emphasis on reincarnation was a little creepy, but now I have an idea of what its about. Campbell tells some wonderful stories and connects the dots between what seem like really random ideas. And the short section on the Bhagavad Gita was really eye-opening. I went back and reread the book and feel like I finally understand it.
This is a perfect book to start your exploration of Eastern Religion.
Book Review: Myths of Light
Summary: 5 Stars
Myths of Light is a compilation of articles and lectures given over the years by Joseph Campbell. The topics explored in these pieces are quite varied. However, the main theme that ties these works together is that they all explore aspects of Eastern belief, mythology, iconography, and symbolism.
Written from the perspective of the outsider taking a look into the beliefs and mythology of the East, Campbell provides an insightful overview. Campbell takes the stance that whether our stories are based upon fact or are merely fiction meant to illustrate proper behavior really isn't the issue. The truly important thing is that within mythology, dogma, and ritual we see the remnants of belief.
I believe it is this viewpoint that allows Campbell to look within the various belief systems of the Eastern World with wonder and objectivity. Quite interesting. Perfect for new to the study.