Review: Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation

Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation by Joseph Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first came across the concept of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” many years back and found it fascinating. I subsequently read ‘A Hero with a thousand faces’ and found it a difficult read with it’s references to cultures worldwide since ages. And yet, even then, Joseph Campbell’s intellect and wisdom was apparent. I subsequently read more of his work and each work had important learnings about life. I could better relate to my earlier readings of his work over time. This book is assembled from several of Joseph Campbell’s writings & speeches. It has exceptional material and insights, as indeed all of his writings & speeches do. The philosophies of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung (who is referred many times in the book) and the myths & ancient wisdom they point to, in my view offer far better lessons for life, than the self-help literature of today.

The role of mythology & symbols finds extensive, thought provoking coverage. Mythology points you to the direction of greater truths and wisdom (which as Heinrich Zimmer says cannot be stated explicitly). The rituals followed are myths enacted, and by participating in a rite, you are participating directly in the myth. The rituals and myths always have a local touch, though you can and should look to other myths as well. Life & nature is often about living off death of others, with myths & rituals providing the means for acceptance. In a very few instances though, I felt Campbell missed the cultural context – especially in his analysis of Jainism. I would not regard the practices in Jainism (with its emphasis on not causing harm to any life forms) as a cancelling of nature. It is rather about according a greater sense of spiritual responsibility to humans, which we are entirely capable of.

If you get rid of myths, as indeed modern life is in danger of doing, Joseph Campbell points out that the metaphoric connection to the transcendent will be lost (the references to the Panchakoshas are very apt here). It is to be understood that myths are metaphorical and not literal. When myths are viewed as historical events, they lead to a closed approach with a fully outward view preventing deep introspection. All religious traditions and myths tell you to look inward.

I came across the below quote sometime back and was a little surprised at the critical message.

“Maslow's five values are the values for which people live when they have nothing to live for. Nothing has seized them, nothing has caught them, nothing has driven them spiritually mad and made them worth talking to.”

Campbell provides a very good explanation for why he holds this view with beautiful references to the seven chakras in the Indian system. The five values which Maslow refers is exactly what mythology transcends. Maslow’s values map to the bottom three chakras of the body. The higher chakras starting from the fourth deal with soul experiences intended to ignite a sense of awe (symbolized in the Indian system by the sacred syllable ‘’Om”). Campbell warns that living with a drive for pride & power as the primary aim will render the person a bore.

“A bore is one who deprives us of our solitude without providing companionship” – Ortega y Gasset.

The book includes a brief outline of the key events in Joseph Campbell’s life. Campbell writes about how Carl Jung had said that looking back at one’s life in later years often makes you feel that it has been a story which was scripted, and his life certainly feels that way – including the time he was without work and spent time reading and pursuing what would become his life’s calling. He relates with a touch of humour that when Joyce’s Finnegan’s wake was released, he was one of the few who understood it, and a commentary he wrote helped him make some money and gain recognition! There is a Q&A at the end of the book which has questions which pave the way for deep, interesting & thought-provoking answers.

This book is a tribute to Joseph Campbell’s towering intellect and his way of making you introspect, think deeply to find a greater purpose in life. As with all of Campbell’s writings, do not just read it once.


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