Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization

by Heinrich Robert Zimmer, Joseph Campbell (Editor)

A landmark work that demystifies the rich tradition of Indian art, Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization analyzes key motifs found in legend, myth, and folklore taken directly from the Sanskrit. It provides a comprehensive introduction to visual thinking and picture reading in Indian art and thought. Ultimately, the book shows that profound Hindu and Buddhist intuitions on the riddles of life and death are universally recognizable.

Genres: Mythology, India, Art, History, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Heinrich Robert Zimmer (1890-1943) was an Indologist & historian of South Asian art. He began his career studying Sanskrit & linguistics at the Univ. of Berlin where he graduated in 1913. Between 1920-24 he lectured at the Univ. of Greifswald, moving to Heidelberg to fill the Chair of Indian Philology. In 1938 he was dismissed by the Nazis. He emigrated to England where between 1939-40 he taught at Balliol College, Oxford. In 1942 he moved to NY to accept a Visiting Lecturer position in Philosophy at Columbia Univ. One of his students during this time period was Joseph Campbell. He died there, of pneumonia, in 1943. His method was to examine religious images using their sacred significance as a key to their psychic transformation. His use of (Indian) philosophy & religious history to interpret art was at odds with traditional scholarship. His vast knowledge of Hindu mythology & philosophy (particularly Puranic & Tantric works) gave him insights into the art, insights that were appreciated by Campbell among others. Campbell edited many of Zimmer's writings after his death. The psychiatrist C,G, Jung also developed a long-standing relationship with Zimmer, & edited a volume of Zimmer's entitled Der Weg zum Selbst (the two men 1st met in 1932, after which Zimmer, along with Richard Wilhelm, became one of the few male friends of Jung). Zimmer is credited by many for the popularizing of South Asian art in the West.

Reviews

[Riku Sayuj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most reverent, lyrical and aesthetically pleasing treatment of Indian thought that I have come across since The Discovery of India. Zimmer was a genius much ahead of his time.

[sigurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

una notte rabbi Eisik fece un sogno che gli ordinava di andare lontano, nella capitale boema, a Praga. Lì avrebbe scoperto un tesoro sepolto sotto il ponte principale che conduceva al castello dei re. Il rabbino cercò di trascurare il sogno, ma questi si ripresentò tre volte e allora si fece coraggio e partì in cammino per la città di Praga. Quando arrivò, il rabbino vide che sul ponte vi erano delle sentinelle e non osò scavare, ma rimase a studiare il modo per farlo. Sorpreso dalla sua ostinazione, il capo delle guardie gli si avvicinò e gli chiese cosa ci facesse lì e se avesse perduto qualcosa, allora Eisik gli raccontò senza esitare il sogno. Il capo delle guardie si fece una grossa risata e disse: "davvero ti sei consumato le scarpe facendo tutta questa strada solo per un sogno? quale persona di senno darebbe retta a un sogno?". E continuò dicendo che anche lui aveva fatto un sogno, che gli diceva di fare un pellegrinaggio contrario al suo, nella direzione apposta, quella voce nel sogno gli aveva ordinato di andare a Cracovia a casa di un rabbino chiamato Eisik figlio di Jekel perché in un angolo sporco della sua casa, dietro una stufa, c'era una tesoro. Ma figuriamoci! andare a Cracovia per cercare Eisik figlio di Jekel lì dove metà popolazione ebrea si chiama Eisik o Jekel. E rise di cuore. Il rabbino ascoltò, ma senza dare a vedere, dopo aver ringraziato ritornò a casa sua, scavò in quell'angolo di casa sua dietro la stufa e trovò il tesoro che pose fine alla sua miseria.
H.R.Zimmer racconta questa storia e ci dice che i veri tesori non sono lontani da noi. non bisogna cercarli lontano. giacciono sepolti nel recesso più segreto della nostra stessa casa. dietro la stufa, dietro quel centro che effonde luce e calore; ma c'è qualcosa in più in questa storia, spesso è solo dopo un viaggio che scopriamo per bocca di qualcuno a noi estraneo, di un paese lontano e straniero, quel qualcosa che non sapevamo di avere così vicino. the inner light, come diceva George Harrison, in quel celebre brano.

http://youtu.be/eCYJVkR0C2U
"...Più lontano si viaggia
Meno si conosce
Meno si conosce veramente

Arriva senza viaggiare
Vedi tutto senza guardare
Fai tutto senza fare..."

[Jonfaith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Absolute becomes differentiated in polarized manifestations, and through these the vital tensions of the world-process are brought into existence and maintained.

I lacked orientation here. The taxonomy of the Hindu/Buddhist traditions proved beyond me, I don't think that's a pun. I looked in earnest and for my troubles I found marvel. My temperamental capacity doesn't readily allow awe, but I was impressed by the architecture, both literal and conceptual.

Herr Zimmer broaches the mythos, the very ontology from the Subcontinent and supports his interpretations with references to art and the sacred texts. The footnotes were dazzling. He is keenly aware that many of these figures and tales are recycled and rebooted over time, as if by California moguls during our own errant potlach. I remain transfixed by sleeping gods and the notion of lotus extending from the navel, of elephants and their kinship with clouds and the framing stories of overworked master-builders. Zimmer manages to mention historical with only a touch of controversy. I am curious if that would have been possible if this were a published a decade later.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book several times (four or five at least) over the past years, and each time I walk away sated. The volume of essays was actually compiled/written by one of Zimmer's students, the famous Joseph Campbell, who spent nearly a decade collecting and publishing Zimmer's works posthumously. Zimmer himself was a refugee from Nazi Germany who ended up teaching in the US and passed away in the early 1940s.

This isn't a history of Indian art, but articles about key aspects of Indian religion--the gods and their vehicles, lotus, elephants, the triad of Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, the wheel of rebirth, the Mother Goddess...inspired by the myths alone, although using some sculptures and art works as illustrations. (His apparent 'disinterest' in such forms later was the cause of most of the criticism of his work by later scholars. The great scholar of Indian temple architecture, Stella Kramrisch, noted for example that Zimmer had never even seen a Hindu temple.)

But this isn't why one reads this volume. One reads it for the absolutely wondrous way Zimmer relates these classic myths of Hinduism. He is the consummate storyteller, as in the tale of the holy man Markandeya, who is described in a creation myth as "wandering inside the god, over the peaceful earth, as an aimless pilgrim, regarding with pleasure the edifying sight of the ideal vision of the world...[until] an accident occurs. In the course of his aimless, unending promenade, the sturdy old man slips, inadvertently out through the mouth of the all-containing god. Vishnu is sleeping with lips a little open; breathing with a deep, sonorous rhythmical sound, in the immense silence of the night of Brahma. And the astonished saint, falling from the sleeper's giant lip, plunges headlong into the cosmic sea." (p. 38)

I can think of no better volume to begin with for those commencing a study of classical Indian art through its myths than this one. In their telling, they reveal the major teachings of Hinduism and each story's meaning as a component of the whole. As explained in the introduction, its "purpose is to fathom the major areas and problems, the dominant symbols and most significant features of the abundant world of Hindu myth". This it does admirably and is the reason why I keep returning.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a majestic work covering several aspects of Indian philosophy, as evident from usage of symbols and allegory in the mythological tales. It's a very lucid work wherein the tales have been presented in the styles reminiscent of fables and parables.
Zimmer and his editor (Campbell— who needs no introduction) has arranged these tales into the following broad categories~
1. Eternity of Time
2. The Mythology of Vishnu
3. The Guardians of Life
4. The Cosmic Delight of Shiva
5. The Goddess
6. Conclusion
Although meant for the Western mind, I found it to be a delightful read.
Only reason behind me dropping a star is the quality of pages that had made the plates undecipherable. Otherwise, recommended.

[Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een fascinerend boek. Het bespreekt de meest gebruikte symbolen in Indiase kunst en is daardoor meteen een inleiding in Indiase mythologie, filosofie en religie. Het enige minpunt is dat in mijn uitgave de reproducties van slechte kwaliteit zijn.

[Jigar Brahmbhatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will let it all settle in; and revel in the mighty imagination of the folks who dared to envision the circularity of events and the multiple, disorienting manifestations of that which has ‘no other’. Dr. Zimmer, gifted with extraordinary neatness of words, and a scholar of remarkable depth, has my greatest regards.

[Zach]

A book full of wonder. The retelling of the myths is detailed with restrained but illuminating analysis & interpretation. This book brings even more life to my readings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavadgita (et al). The descriptions of the plates and artifacts are animated and superbly effective. A must read for anyone curious about myths & symbols in Indian art and civilization.

From the conclusion:

"Now the real treasure, to end our misery and trials, is never far away; it is not to be sought in any distant region; it lies buried in the innermost recess of our own home, that is to say, our own being. And it lies behind the stove, the life-and-warmth giving center of the structure of our existence, our heart of hearts -- if we could only dig." (Heinrich Zimmer)

This book gives readers a plethora of tools to start digging.

[Kirtida Gautam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Okay.
The real treasure lies buried in the innermost recess of our own home.

Reading Indian myths and symbols enriches my mind and soul, the way a healthy and nutritious meal enriches the body.
A very good read.

[David Melbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome. I am always fascinated by India's rich spiritual heritage. They use some pretty grotesque symbols to convey certain concepts, and the art is sublime. A good read.

[Aryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work is clear, concise and well-ordered. It really gives you a piece of the picture when it comes to the mentality of the people behind this beautiful art and symbolism.

[Dr G Bhas · Rating 5 out of 5]

'With the enlargement of perspective every aspect of life shifted value' . Zimmer

Read this book as a journey through a philosophical supersystem :

of scintillating ideas, a rediscovery of thoughts that reverberate through time and space in the realms of ancient Indian art , philosophy and mythology which then proceeds through an inquiry of that which transcends time and space.

Here you will travel in the wisdom of ancient Indian philosophers conveyed through the poetry of art in stone- sculptures and reliefs ,some more than a thousand years old to contemplate on the paradox of existence , the harmonious union of anatagonistic principles, the philosophy and psychology of 'Maya' - the microcosm and the macrocosm in its total dynamism of growth, decay and destruction.

How does ancient Indian philosophy explore those questions that cycle through the dynamic ' Wheel of Time'?

Who am I? Why am I here?

Zimmer wonders 'The two profiles are happening; the universe is happening; the individual is happening. But in what sense are they happening? Do they really happen?

How does a civilization view space and time? How does one comprehend the polarities of nature and her enigma ? How is reality represented on various metaphysical planes?

Through the personification of philosophical principles in myth and art , we get a glimpse of that infinitude of Space and endlessness of Time- a glimpse of the invisible 'Bindu' that Zimmer explores in the book .

[JRennet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, with a love and a passion for the myths that will not fail to touch you.
Even if the author died before really completing the book, Campbell managed to put together all the material to give the book a sense of completeness. I would not have noticed if not for the introduction that this work was not completed.

And now I feel we should all dance more, like Shiva and Kali/Shakti to the magic of Maya

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not exactly the most exciting read you're likely to encounter, Zimmer's book on the complex mythology that underlies the art and architecture of India is a very valuable volume for those interested in better understanding Indian culture. So much of Indian art is religious in subject matter, trying to look at it without an understanding of the stories involved is like trying to understand Western religious art with no notion of who Jesus is. If anything, the situation is even more complicated in Indian art, where the gods and goddesses change shape and form with frightening regularity. Vishnu is sometimes Shiva as well, and also turns into Krishna. And the Goddess manifests in innumerable forms. Even the Buddha, in some cases, is seen as an incarnation of Vishnu. Luckily, Zimmer is extremely helpful in sorting out how all these variant incarnations and avatars are related, and the visual forms they take. This is totally old school scholarship, and the book was assembled after Zimmer's death by colleague, based on lecture notes he left behind, so it is not direct or systematic like a text book. But for all that, an indispensable guide to a very complex culture.

[Sarah Koz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up, motherfucks.

[Paolo Bagnato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una piacevolissima lettura. Un bel viaggio tra le religioni, le filosofie e l’arte dell’India. Consigliato anche a chi si avvicina per la prima volta a questo mondo

[Ludo-Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to Indian symbolism and iconography. The more "poetic" passages are undoubtedly very well written, and make the whole experience much lighter (although I personally prefer a drier style, but this is very subjective). I did not fully get the philosophical bits, but I am an ogre who drinks beer and howls at the moon, so I guess the more sensible reader will understand them.
This book for sure helps interpreting the Indian sacred art (Hindu and, to a lesser extent, Buddhist), whose symbols are otherwise obscure to the Western eye.
The only complain is that it is too short, I wanted more! but again this is a posthumous collection of Dr. Zimmer's notes and seminars collected and made into a coherent text by the editor Joseph Campbell with the support of the author's colleagues. So, Dr Zimmer, you are forgiven!

[Michael Capstack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of the book is wonderful with the tale of Indra and his quest to build the greatest palace. Only to discover the grains of sand or drops in the ocean would be easier to count than the number of Brahmas that have existed, much less Indras. A wonderful study of the Hindu Triad of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, Shiva the Destroyer. I wish the images were brought up to date though, they are very difficult to see.

[Marco Sán Sán]

No creo que sea el estudio más objetivo sobre el tema ya que hace un estudio comparado con los antiguos mitos griegos, para quien cree que en la antigua Grecia nace la civilización será fascinante e iluminador pero para quien no está familiarizado o busca una rigurosidad no tendente será un poco molesto las referencias puntuales que se permite Zimmer.

A mi me pareció un libro fascinante, concreto y claro sobre un tema del que llevaba años expectante.

[Paritosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful in interpreting the symbolism implicit in Indian mythological art and architecture. Understanding this symbolism is a step forward in refining our faith in the pantheon of Indian gods and goddesses.

[laurentiu]

0

[Mayank Bawari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very respectful take on the Indian traditions

[Anurag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for anyone interested in Indian iconography.

[Brian Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anybook that attempts to translate Indian motif to the Western mind will be criticised by some of the subcontinent. Indian sysmbol is so diverse and expressive after all.

As an overview this is a beautiful attempt for a non India to gain some grasp to build on if he ver seeks to submerge himself in the ocean of Indian thought.

[Eibrajam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro introductorio al pensamiento hinduísta, escrito con una prosa que juega con el éxtasis de la poesía. Además de tener láminas y unas maravillosas interpretaciones de la inconografía, relata muchos de los mitos de los diversos textos hindúes mas no los aísla, sino que se atreve a compararlos con los mitos de las religiones de occidente. Por otro lado, la historia de la construcción del libro añade ciertos trazos dramáticos a su lectura: siendo conferencias que Heinrich Zimmer dio en Columbia tras su emigración de Europa por causa de la persecución de su esposa (judía) durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el autor no tuvo oportunidad de compilar los textos, pues un día enfermó y a la semana murió súbitamente por una neumonía. Otro titán del estudio del Mito, Joseph Campbell, se encargó de revisar los textos de Zimmer para darle la forma final al océano de pensamientos. Dos cosas (además de las obvias) rescato de este texto: la transmisión de la pasión que siente Zimmer por el pensamiento de India y un proceso de transformación interna conforme uno avanza en la lectura, un proceso de transformación precipitado por un maravillarse más tirado a la imaginación y las concepciones religiosas que a la sorpresa de la razón. Sin duda, libro de cabecera.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I enjoyed that the text was written by Zimmer but edited by Campbell. Since the study of Hinduism is completely new to me, there was a lot to take in with this text. However, I am fascinated by it all!! The only thing that I didn't like about the text is that the great images of the Indian art are small and in the back of the book and in black and white.

[Chaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far the take on Indian myth (from a person with a thoroughly Western background and perspective) is interesting and valuable. Indian myth is a weak area in my knowledge of world myth as a whole, and this book is a good introduction. Obsessively taking notes as I go, and only reading in my spare time lately, but I don't see myself putting this one down.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and thought provoking. Offers stimulating interpretation of mythic iconography of varying kinds, while relating information in an easynto follow format. It's got pictures too, WOOT!

[Florin Buzdugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

magistral

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Cambell's teacher!
Amazing tales and commentary.