The Finality of Knowing
In Joseph Campbell’s framework of The Hero’s Journey, the concept of “knowing” represents the end of a quest, characterized by the return phase where the hero brings back the elixir. This elixir symbolizes the knowledge acquired during the journey. Once something is known, the adventure concludes—there is no further searching, guessing, or questioning. The knowledge gained is definitive and unalterable. It is not subject to modification or interpretation; it is a pure, immutable truth brought back for others to learn from and embark on their own journeys of discovery.
The Dynamics of Believing
Belief, in contrast, marks the beginning of a journey. It is the initial spark that propels one into the unknown, a state of being ungrounded and open to the vast realm of possibilities. Believing involves adopting an idea, becoming its host, and allowing it to guide you into new experiences. It is the catalyst for adventure and exploration, necessary for the growth and expansion of understanding. Belief is not about grounding but about opening oneself to the myriad possibilities that ideas, seen as sentient entities, can offer.
Transition from Belief to Knowing
The journey from believing to knowing is transformative. Belief does not simply transform into knowing; rather, knowing makes belief obsolete. Once the immutable past is reached—once one is grounded in what has been definitively established—there is no longer a need for belief. The person who knows is no longer searching but has completed their quest and can now interact with the world from a place of certainty. This grounded state changes how one interacts with energy and consciousness entities. Being grounded allows for a safer and more profound engagement with these forces, in contrast to the vulnerable state of being ungrounded.
The Perils and Potentials of Ideas
Ideas, treated as sentient beings within this philosophical framework, offer relationships that one can enter and exit at will. The ego itself is considered an idea—an entity distinct from one’s true self, capable of influencing perceptions and actions. Engaging with these ideas while grounded can lead to transformation, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. The interactions with these entities, especially when one is not grounded, can be perilous, even deadly. Yet, these interactions are also where growth and enlightenment occur.
Conclusion
The distinction between knowing and believing is crucial for understanding one’s path through life. Knowing offers a stable, grounded connection to the immutable past, providing a platform for secure interaction with the universe’s energies and ideas. Believing, meanwhile, is dynamic and fluid, essential for initiating the journey toward deeper truths but also fraught with risks if one remains ungrounded. Recognizing this distinction allows individuals to navigate their journeys with greater awareness and purpose, understanding when to seek and when to simply be within the truth they have found.