Introduction
In Joseph Campbell’s seminal work “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” the final segment of the hero’s journey, known as “The Return,” involves the hero coming back with a boon for humanity. In “Love, The Cosmic Dance,” this return is conceptualized differently, emphasizing the relationship between the hero and the idea. Here, we delve into the nature of what is returned and to where it is returned, exploring the intricate dynamics between the hero, the holy grail or elixir, and the immutable past.
The Nature of Ideas
In “Love, The Cosmic Dance,” ideas are viewed as sentient beings that exist solely in the future. This perspective is crucial in understanding their role and function. Unlike humans who are confined to experiencing the present, ideas exist in a realm without a sense of time. Despite their timeless nature, they seek to leave their mark on the past through a process called actualization. This distinguishes ideas from human thoughts, as they are entities unto themselves, striving to imprint their essence on history.
The Hero and the Eternal Now
The hero, or the history maker, embodies humanity and exists in what is referred to as the “eternal now.” This concept highlights the unique human condition of experiencing only the present moment. While humans can conceptualize the past and anticipate the future, their direct experience is always anchored in the present. This confinement to the now is an essential aspect of human existence and differentiates the hero from the idea.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between the Hero and the Idea
In the hero’s journey, the return does not involve altering or using the idea for humanity’s benefit. Instead, it centers on the hero bringing the idea back to the immutable past, unaltered. The idea, represented by symbols like the holy grail or the elixir, has a different goal from the hero. While the hero navigates the present, the idea aims to be actualized in the past, maintaining its original form and essence.
The Process of Actualization
Actualization is the mechanism through which an idea imprints itself on the immutable past. This process involves the hero acting as a conduit, ensuring that the idea is transported back to the past intact. The idea’s objective is to leave its mark on history without being modified by the hero. The hero’s role is crucial in this process, as they must preserve the integrity of the idea during its return.
The Role of the Hero in The Return
The hero functions as a real-time manifestation of vibration, connecting the past and the future. Similar to a guitar string anchored at both ends, the hero vibrates in the present. This vibrational existence allows the hero to interact with ideas and facilitate their return to the past. The hero must ensure that the idea, in its purest form, reaches the immutable past, fulfilling its purpose of actualization.
Returning the Holy Grail or the Elixir
In this conceptualization, the return involves the hero bringing back the holy grail or the elixir—symbols of pure, unaltered ideas. The return is not for immediate human benefit but for the idea’s fulfillment in the past. The hero must resist the temptation to alter the idea, instead honoring its original form and ensuring its unaltered return to the immutable past.
Conclusion
The essence of “The Return” in the hero’s journey is the process of bringing an idea back to the immutable past. This return is not about transforming the idea for human use but about ensuring its actualization in its original form. The hero, representing humanity, plays a vital role in this process, acting as the conduit through which the idea completes its journey. Understanding this symbiotic relationship between the hero and the idea offers deeper insight into the true nature of the return in the hero’s journey.