Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal

by Joseph Campbell, David Kudler (Editor)

Following such volumes as Baksheesh and Brahman, The Inner Reaches of Outer Space, and Thou Art That, this previously unpublished title is Volume six in the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell series. It shows Campbell’s remarkable mind engaged with a favorite topic, the myths and metaphors of Asian religions. Myths of Light collects seven lectures and articles on subjects ranging from the ancient Hindu Vedas to Zen koans, Tantric yoga, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. A worthy companion to Campbell’s Asian journals, this volume conveys complex insights through warm, accessible storytelling, revealing the intricacies and secrets of his subjects with his typical enthusiasm.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, Spirituality, Mysticism

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Joseph Campbell was an American author and teacher best known for his work in the field of comparative mythology. He was born in New York City in 1904, and from early childhood he became interested in mythology. He loved to read books about American Indian cultures, and frequently visited the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where he was fascinated by the museum's collection of totem poles.

Campbell was educated at Columbia University, where he specialized in medieval literature, and continued his studies at universities in Paris and Munich. While abroad he was influenced by the art of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, the novels of James Joyce and Thomas Mann, and the psychological studies of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. These encounters led to Campbell's theory that all myths and epics are linked in the human psyche, and that they are cultural manifestations of the universal need to explain social, cosmological, and spiritual realities. 


After a period in California, where he encountered John Steinbeck and the biologist Ed Ricketts, he taught at the Canterbury School, and then, in 1934, joined the literature department at Sarah Lawrence College, a post he retained for many years. During the 40s and '50s, he helped Swami Nikhilananda to translate the Upanishads and The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. He also edited works by the German scholar Heinrich Zimmer on Indian art, myths, and philosophy. In 1944, with Henry Morton Robinson, Campbell published A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake. His first original work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, came out in 1949 and was immediately well received; in time, it became acclaimed as a classic. In this study of the "myth of the hero," Campbell asserted that there is a single pattern of heroic journey and that all cultures share this essential pattern in their various heroic myths. In his book he also outlined the basic conditions, stages, and results of the archetypal hero's journey.


Throughout his life, he traveled extensively and wrote prolifically, authoring many books, including the four-volume series The Masks of God, Myths to Live By, The Inner Reaches of Outer Space and The Historical Atlas of World Mythology. Joseph Campbell died in 1987. In 1988, a series of television interviews with Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, introduced Campbell's views to millions of people.


Reviews

[Katja Vartiainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am eternally grateful for the existence of Joseph Cambpell. His way of offering of this knowledge of mythology is excellent. Not only he knows SO much, his books are easy to read and quite funny. I have a soft spot for India, and Vedanta so this book is one of my favourates. Jospeh Campell knows- or knew - how to find the red threads, make meaningful comparisons, and bring the meaningfulness of our lives before our eyes.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jason Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing is for sure, you can never go wrong in choosing a book written by Joseph Campbell. Myths of Light is no exception to this rule. This is a thorough and enlightening exploration into Eastern philosophy, especially the Vedic philosophy of Hinduism. After reading this book you will want more from one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Campbell writes, “That’s the whole sense of mythology, to help you to harmonize your individual life with the general life, the life of the society and of the universe.” Which is why I read Joseph Campbell.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and scholarly introduction to Eastern religions, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. As Campbell often does, he focuses on how these religions are fundamentally different from Western ones. While this isn't a comprehensive study of any one religion, it does provide a useful introduction with a scholarly (rather than spiritual) approach

[Zach]

Myths of Light is an absolutely wonderful book -- genuinely full of light. Campbell explores some well known imagery and some not well known imagery -- all with the aim to illuminate the reader and the world. If you're looking to better understand the imagery and myths of the "East," then this is your book.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book that got me into anthropology.

[John Fredrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of many aspects of Eastern philosophy and religion, contrasted with Western. Like most of Campbell's works, this was a delight to read.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campbell breaks down the philosophy & psychology behind eastern religions, comparing and contrasting them to traditional western thought in a way that relates them to our forms of thought.

He focuses on the fact that Hinduism & Buddhism have at their center a pursuit of non-being, of extinguishing the “I” or ego. This goes beyond what we think of as the “I” or ego; this doesn’t mean “don’t be a selfish jerk,” it means “go beyond the person who is you until there is no one there, until you’re beyond desire and fear.”

There are great sections that breakdown spiritual practices from Hinduism to Zen, and many stories from sacred texts or just fables which illustrate ideas central to those religions. Campbell brings his pals Freud & Jung along, as he usually does, and there are several points where the psychological effect of these world views are examined, too. Really wonderful stuff.

[Maximus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

The lower rating for this is from a 2025 perspective on the language and perspective he is writing from. Some of it is very outdated from contemporary standards.
Overall, the information is really great. Campbell communicates intricacies within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism without dropping historical or cultural contexts.
My favorite sections are on the theoretic historical developments of the kundalini practice and system, and the exploration of variations and similarities between Buddhist belief and practices.
Definitely reccomend this for readers interested in a quick yet in depth analysis of eastern mythic structures.

[Alejandro González · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otro excelente libro recopilado de las pláticas de Campbell lleno de mitología digerible y amena.

[David Melbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book. I love reading his lectures, which this book is a collection of, because Joseph was a very engaging and entertaining lecturer.

Listening to or reading his lectures has helped me greatly in my life and this little book has done the same for me this week. --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been let down by anything that Campbell has written. This one and pathways to bliss are as of now my two favorites.

For the Campbell fans i would highly recommend the lecture series "Mythos" with Susan Sarandon.

[Jim Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written well, in Joseph Campbell voice. Just like listening to him speak. I thought it did a nice job of illuminating easter thought and contrasting and comparing it to western thought and religions. One can never have to much understanding.

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joseph Campbell and I learned more about Eastern religion and philosophy by reading this book.

[Stephen Mitskavich · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all should know where our belief systems come from.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. This book is Indispensable as a reference on eastern cultural religion/mythology (especially India) for westerners.

[Daina Jaeger Mundt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Campbell.

[Lancelot Schaubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than write a review of this man's life work, I'd rather just cite the various posts I've written about him in the past:

• Monomyth Definition: A Defense of The Hero’s Journey
• Hindu Monotheism : The Upanishads and Vedanta
• Follow Your Bliss : Results of Joseph Cambell’s Advice
• The New
Hero: Tolkien and Subversion
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Joseph Campbell Religion :: Did Joseph Campbell Believe in God?
• Was Joseph Campbell atheist?

And because I like having fun, the Zero with 1,000 Faces

Mark: Got a new lighting rig and arrangement that I want to test out, but I need something that changes and moves around a bunch. You up for a challenge?

Lancelot: [silence. I’m thinking…]

Mark: Day… in the… studio?

Lancelot: New lighting set up?

Mark: Yeah, it’s–

Lancelot: What if I tapped into my old thespian and modeling skillset and tried to give you as many faces as possible?

Mark: So… you’d… wait. Like trying to get me to mix it up as you mix it up?

Lancelot: Yes. You’ll keep me on my toes, making sure the faces are all different. I’ll keep you on your toes so you switch your style.

Mark: Sounds fun.

Lancelot: We’ll call it… [Dr. Evil voice] THE ZERO WITH 1000 FACES.

Mark: [Quiet for awhile, then:] Okay.

Well we got into the studio and I brought exactly four billion props and costumes.

[Sol Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was just fine. It’s a book that collects the basis of Eastern traditions and philosophies and relates them to each other and to us. I wasn’t really expecting a game changer or anything, but it’s hard to say that this really delivered much—except for one bit that I’m about to share with you. Hold on.

Before we get to that one bit, I’ll tell you what you should read instead. Eknath Easwarren has a handful of books that would do a much, much better job and would actually come from the Eastern perspective. If you want a Westerner’s idea of Eastern philosophy, I recommend Alan Watts. There was nothing here that wasn’t done better in either of those two authors’ books. Except this one thing.

Here it comes.

He says that the biggest problem with Christianity when compared to Eastern religions is a matter of literal interpretation. Since Christian’s insist on the literal nature of everything in the Bible, the primary doctrine is NOT what is in the Bible but the subject of belief. You must believe, and that literal nature subverts everything else. You can divide the world into believers and nonbelievers and that’s that. But since Eastern religions open to myth, they can dive into the subjective truths communicated by those myths. So, for example, you DO NOT have to believe in The Buddha for The Buddha to be a role model. You can be led by the Buddha nature and be awaken without believing that any of it actually happened. This with all of their stories. The substance underlying the stories becomes the substance of understanding; in Christianity, the literalness is all; you can be Christian without being anything like Christ. You can make God into your own image, liking the things you like, hating the things you hate, because what he taught doesn’t matter—it only matters that you have faith.

Boom. Now read those other books.

[Ken Rideout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a book, this is a thematic collection of transcripts of various lectures he had given on Eastern religions and mythologies. As always, Joseph Campbell's insights and casual connections across cultures and time just knock me out and I frequently put the book down while reading just to reflect on what he is saying.

A few interesting passages I marked:

"I think what happens in our mythologies here in the West is that archetypical symbols have come to be interpreted as facts... The word myth now mean falsehood, and so we have lost the symbols and that mysterious world of which they speak." (xvii)

"What the Buddha tells us needs to die is the zeal for life... Ignorance is what leads to desire. Desire leads to action. Actions leads to deeper ignorance..." (100)

"Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam... are creedal faiths; it is what you believe not whom you are descended from that matters." (101)

"in the West... the passage of the seasons is a major motif in myth and art. So you have an emphasis on time and death and resurrections rather than reincarnation... [resurrection is] associated with lunar powers. Always, their rebirth is associated with the full Moon near the vernal equinox.
Then, in India, you are in a tropical, jungle zone... The seasons don't mean too much; time seems to be just the same time, all the time. Here there is an accent on the stillness... in the Buddhist thing, the accent is on the still point." (125)

"What you are yoking yourself to is Buddhahood, not the Buddha...For the Christian it makes a difference whether the savior did actually live, but not for the Buddhist. The Buddha, whether he is a mythological image or a fact, is a rendition of the mystery of Buddhahood in life... He can serve just as a mythological figure... as an inspiration to you ...[to] become one with the eternal." (138)

[Ben Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campbell is, of course, a legend still taught in the field of Mythology. His outline of the Heroes Journey remains highly influential and unquestionably informed the Greek Mythology courses I TA’d.

This is a first. The first full book of his I have read! 📚

Campbell lives up to his reputation. His writing at times can come across as unduly authoritative, however, this collection feels like I have listened to a thoughtful study of the major Religious systems of India, China, and Japan.

[Trax Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Piece Of Work From A Great Soul

This is yet another great work from the mind of someone who gave the world so much.
It is one of those books you could happily suggest to friends because you know that they too, will discover gems of wisdom on its many paths.

[Carl Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and deep, just as most of Campbell is. Go steady with it, do not let the small size make you think you will get through quickly. It is very well done and digestible, with time.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book by Joseph Campbell thus far. Provides a succinct survey of Eastern mythology and highlights the major points of distinction when compared with Western mythological traditions.

[Darko Miserda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro. Hace honor a su título. Es iluminador. Escrito en un lenguaje sencillo, accesible. Absolutamente recomendable.

[Mac Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This was the easiest book to understand that I've ever read by Joseph and it presents a clear understanding of Eastern Religious mythology.

[Philip Wooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting and fascinating...

[Paige McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Campbell was my Jordan Petersen of the 1980s and 1990s with the mythological keys to Jungian psychology without the bitter right-wing reactionary political aftertaste of Jordan Petersen.

[Søren K. Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crash course of eastern mythology that will light a spark of curiosity in the resulting psychology of their ideology.