GBF Blog Launch

In his four-volume Masks of God series, mythologist Joseph Campbell commented on one of the major fundamental differences between Oriental and Occidental philosophical traditions. "The inhabiting spirit of the mythology is wonder," he wrote, "not guiit." In Eastern thought, the prophets and major figures of each tradition succeed in their quest - the Buddha attains enlightenment, Siva and Shakti dance, even the figure of Lao Tzu accomplishes what is never to be accomplished. It is in the Western mind architecture that prophets fail, are outcast and burdened, destroyed and crucified. These are two different ways of experiencing reality - one, equipped with the ability to fulfill destiny, the other a constant, albeit fruitless, search for the abyss beyond these spheres.

Alan Watts once pointed out that what Western culture lacks in their religious figures is a sense of play. The Hindu tradition is filled with deities constnantly playing tricks on each other, for if all life is an illusion, then it is a game to be played, not avoided. The fatalist notion of an eternal ever after distracts the burdened mind, weighing it down with guilt and prayers of sometime that is removed from here. What Eastern thought has offered is a sense of the moment - that, even in a duality, liberation from opposites is possible. As James Hillman said, we have choices to make.

It was this choice that allowed me to write Global Beat Fusion, a book surveying the growing field of international electronic music and the new world mythology it is helping create. This blog will serve as a journal of the journey of making this documentary. Along the way I'm certain to encounter unique and important circumstances, given the scope and range of artists I'll be working with. I hope you enjoy the ride.