Pathways with Joseph Campbell

EP 54: Spiritual Disciplines

Episode Summary

In this episode of Pathways with Joseph Campbell, we return to 1971 and the Mann Ranch in Northern California, where Joseph Campbell explores the spiritual disciplines that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. Drawing on the insights of Carl Jung, James Joyce, Thomas Mann, and Eastern spiritual traditions, Campbell examines science and art as disciplines of self-transcendence. He explores how scientific inquiry requires openness to the unknown, how art can move us beyond desire and judgment, and how the wisdom of Eastern traditions invites us to look beyond the ego. Throughout the lecture, Campbell returns to the tension between perfection and completeness, revealing how our imperfections, our capacity for compassion, and our willingness to embrace life's contradictions can open us to a deeper experience of being alive. Following the lecture, host Bradley Olson offers reflections on Campbell's ideas and their continuing relevance.

Episode Notes

In this episode of Pathways with Joseph Campbell, we return to 1971 and the Mann Ranch in Northern California, where Joseph Campbell explores the spiritual disciplines that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Drawing on the insights of Carl Jung, James Joyce, Thomas Mann, and Eastern spiritual traditions, Campbell examines science and art as disciplines of self-transcendence. He explores how scientific inquiry requires openness to the unknown, how art can move us beyond desire and judgment, and how the wisdom of Eastern traditions invites us to look beyond the ego.

Throughout the lecture, Campbell returns to the tension between perfection and completeness, revealing how our imperfections, our capacity for compassion, and our willingness to embrace life's contradictions can open us to a deeper experience of being alive.

Following the lecture, host Bradley Olson offers reflections on Campbell's ideas and their continuing relevance.