The film left me wondering whether Odysseus’ adventures represent stages in the evolution of Consciousness. Could you please give a psycho-spiritual interpretation of these major episodes?
The Odyssey and The Iliad are truly masterpieces of Homer. I have not watched the film but have read an English translation of the original book. Odysseus comes across as the key instrument, like Arjuna in the Mahabharata. He is the favourite of the goddess Athena or Maheshwari. Penelope is, if seen with the eye of an Indian, is a Sati, steadfast in love, who becomes a power that secretly supports Odysseus from behind. Yes, his meeting with Telemachus who was a little child, now entering his teens, is a very touching moment. The rest of the incidents described are a mix of story and symbol, some of which Sri Aurobindo uses masterfully in Savitri.
The story represents a critical stage in the evolution of humanity’s collective life. The destruction of the Kshatriya class grown extremely powerful, paved the way for Hellenic culture with its emphasis on beauty, harmony, love. The war also led to the union of various tribes, even as the high-rise power centre of Troy was flattened. It is this culture that later spread across Europe and helped humanity slowly get rid of its warring impulse and refine it, preparing it for the coming of Christ and the subsequent humanisation of Europe.
The story can be symbolically seen as the evolutionary journey of the Warrior Soul in man. The various challenges are the inner challenges through which the warrior soul passes to meet his shakti, the power of wisdom and strength represented by his wife Penelope.
As to the specific story, briefly, they represent the following.
1. The Cyclops (Polyphemus)
The one-eyed monsters represent narrowness that tries to destroy the spiritual possibility in us. One can avoid the danger by hiding the aspiration and not exposing oneself too much in the open.
2. Circe
Circe represents the sorceress powers that grant joys and pleasures and through these turn us into pigs. If we can master the lower nature, then these powers pass into the hands of the seeker and help us ascend on the journey.
3. The Underworld (Hades)
This, of course, is the Patala loka, the subconscient worlds within us.
4. The Sirens
The Sirens are the forces of the vital world that attract us irresistibly and kill us by our own pleasure.
5. Scylla & Charybdis
Sometimes the choice is between losing something (Scylla the monster) or risking everything (the whirlpool Charybdis). It is better to stay away from the whirlpool.
6. Calypso
These are the Apsaras, the celestial powers that give us youthfulness.
7. Return to Ithaca
It is returning to our true spiritual home.
8. The Slaying of the Suitors
Liberating the shakti within us, unleashing our inner potential from the claims of desires.
9. Reunion with Penelope
When we have fought successfully the great battle of life, resisted the various temptations, shown calm and wisdom in the face of lures and dangers, it is then that we are wedded to the power, the Divine Energy that was always ours.
(Follow-up Question:)
Finally, what do Odysseus and Ithaca symbolize in the Soul’s evolutionary journey?
Ithaca is our true spiritual home. Odysseus is the heroic soul going through the adventures on the way towards returning home.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
