Page 11 - Zen of an Earth Mythology

warning signs? And now that we are embarked on what
is arguably the most consequential time in human

history, how are we to relate to our stressful and
precarious circumstances with an appropriate sense of

purpose, presence and equanimity? These are
questions requiring an exploration of complex subjects,

with answers that will reshape our consciousness.

Some partial answers to these questions were
found by scouring the multiple branches of our cultural

history. But a comprehensive, cohesive and satisfying
explanation remained elusive—until the missing key

was finally found in the thinking and writing of the
American mythologist, Joseph Campbell.

Campbell's extensive knowledge of mythology did

not provide complete answers, but it did point in a
direction where a search might be fruitful. In brief, the

answers are so deeply embedded in the attitudes and

values of our culture that they are barely discernible to
us. It is here in mythology where the hidden insights
reside. Campbell suggested this with a comment in his

1988 book, The Power of Myth: “The only mythology

that is valid today is the mythology of the planet,” he
said, “—and we don't have such a mythology.”

Our Western culture once had a mythology that

imparted meaning to the mystery of being alive and

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