THE DAY OF BRAHMA presents Indian mythology as an organic whole which resembles the Tree of Life whose branches are the seven major fields of knowledge. The fundamental myths of India are fascinatingly retold as a saga of the human psyche’s light and dark sides. This is a new idea, a new light upon the meaning of life, with which humans can work towards a larger understanding of themselves and their relation to the Universe. It gives us a healing vision of order underlying the apparent chaos and emits soothing vibrations of unity to tune us up into the spirit of time. The book combines the insights of modern psychology with Joseph Campbell’s understanding of comparative mythology. Stefania Dimitrova explores the evolution of the human “psychic genome” from the dawn of human consciousness to the modern era of Integration. The images of our inner realms personified by gods and goddesses of Indian pantheon emerge as universalities of human experience across time and cultures. Suitable for both specialists and the general reading public. Stefania Dimitrova is a doctor in Social Sciences. Over the course of twenty five years, her interest in the East has taken her first to India and then to Japan, where she has studied Eastern philosophies and cultures and practiced meditation. Director of Center for International Research in Education and Culture, she is a visiting professor at the Universities of Nagoya, Tsukuba and Waseda-Tokyo, Sofia University and the American University in Blagoevgrad. CONTENTS I. Why read myths? Introduction Functions of myth A vehicle for transcendence A key to deciphering messages from the past A guide to resolving emotional problems Parables of the gods Dimensions of myth Mythology today II. Eastern myths – deciphering the world labyrinth The stages of the individual path The long day of Brahma Spheres of psychic experience Innocence and wisdom – the first sphere Creativity and knowledge – the second sphere Satisfaction and righteous behaviour – the third sphere Love and security – the fourth sphere Communication – the fifth sphere Forgiveness and pardon – the sixth sphere Integration – the seventh sphere The privilege of being what you are III. Indian myths – a saga of the psyche’s light and dark sides Innocence and wisdom, personified by Ganesha and Kartikeya Knowledge and creativity, personified by Brahma and Sarasvati Satisfaction and righteous behaviour, personified by Vishnu and Lakshmi Security and love, personified by Rama and Sita, Shiva and Parvati and Durgamata Jagadamba Communication and detachment, personified by Krishna and Radha Forgiveness and pardon personified by Buddha, Mahavira, Mahavishnu & Mahalakshmi Integration, personified by Sadashiva and Adishakti Bibliography