India and Japan: The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell was one of the most influential mythologists of the 20th century. His work on the hero's journey and the monomyth has had a profound impact on our understanding of mythology and its role in human culture.

Asian Journals: India and Japan (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)

by Joseph Campbell

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	980 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In this collection of essays, Campbell explores the deep connections between the cultures of India and Japan. He draws on his extensive knowledge of both traditions to show how they share a common core of beliefs and values.

Campbell begins by discussing the concept of the "world navel." This is a sacred place that is believed to be the center of the universe. In India, the world navel is located at Mount Kailash. In Japan, it is located at Mount Fuji.

Campbell then goes on to explore the similarities between the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. He shows how both traditions emphasize the importance of compassion, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment.

Campbell also discusses the role of art in both cultures. He argues that art is a way of expressing the sacred and that it can help us to connect with the divine.

This collection of essays is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultures of India and Japan. Campbell's insights are both thought-provoking and inspiring, and they offer a new perspective on the human experience.

Table of Contents

• The World Navel
• Hinduism and Buddhism
• The Role of Art

In this collection of essays, Joseph Campbell explores the deep connections between the cultures of India and Japan. He draws on his extensive knowledge of both traditions to show how they share a common core of beliefs and values.

Campbell begins by discussing the concept of the "world navel." This is a sacred place that is believed to be the center of the universe. In India, the world navel is located at Mount Kailash. In Japan, it is located at Mount Fuji.

Campbell argues that the world navel is a symbol of the human desire for connection with the divine. He writes:

"The world navel is a place where heaven and earth meet. It is a place where we can experience the sacred and the divine. It is a place where we can find our true selves."

The World Navel

The world navel is a recurring theme in both Indian and Japanese mythology. In the Hindu tradition, Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of Shiva, the god of destruction and creation. It is also believed to be the place where the Ganges River originates.

In the Japanese tradition, Mount Fuji is believed to be the home of the goddess Sengen-sama. She is the goddess of volcanoes and mountains, and she is also associated with fertility and childbirth.

Campbell argues that the world navel is a symbol of the human desire for connection with the divine. He writes:

"The world navel is a place where we can experience the sacred and the divine. It is a place where we can find our true selves."

Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the most influential religions in the world. Both traditions originated in India, and they share a number of common beliefs and practices.

One of the most important similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism is the emphasis on compassion and non-violence. Both traditions teach that all beings are connected, and that we should treat each other with kindness and respect.

Another important similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism is the belief in spiritual enlightenment. Both traditions teach that the goal of life is to achieve liberation from suffering and to experience the ultimate reality.

Campbell argues that Hinduism and Buddhism are two sides of the same coin. He writes:

"Hinduism and Buddhism are two expressions of the same spiritual impulse. They are both based on the belief that the world is an illusion and that the only reality is the divine."

The Role of Art

Art plays an important role in both Indian and Japanese culture. In India, art is seen as a way of expressing the sacred and connecting with the divine.

In Japan, art is seen as a way of expressing beauty and harmony. It is also seen as a way of preserving tradition and passing down cultural values.

Campbell argues that art is a powerful force for good in the world. He writes:

"Art can help us to see the world in a new way. It can help us to understand ourselves and our place in the universe. It can help us to connect with the divine and to experience the beauty of life."

This collection of essays is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultures of India and Japan. Campbell's insights are both thought-provoking and inspiring, and they offer a new perspective on the human experience.

Campbell's work is a reminder that we are all connected, and that we all share a common desire for meaning and purpose. He writes:

"We are all part of a great story that began long ago and will continue long after we are gone. We are all connected to each other, and we all have a role to play in the unfolding of the human story."

Asian Journals: India and Japan (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)

by Joseph Campbell

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	980 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE