Growing up in India, mythology was woven into everyday life. Whether it was through the stories told by our teachers, the festivals we celebrated, or the prayers we recited, these ancient myths weren’t just about gods and demons—they were about life. They were our first lessons on how to be human, how to navigate the complexities of existence, and how to find meaning in the ups and downs of life.
But it’s not just India. Mythology has been a foundational part of almost every culture throughout history. From the Greeks and their pantheon of gods to the Norse myths of Thor and Odin, to the Native American legends, myths are everywhere. And they aren’t just tales of the past; they’re still alive today. The question is: Why do we hold onto these stories, and what do they give us?
Mythology as a Mirror of Human Nature
One of the things I learned early on was that mythology is never just about the gods. It’s about us. Take, for example, the stories of the Mahabharata or the Ramayana—two of the most epic tales in Indian mythology. On the surface, they’re about great warriors, kings, and divine battles. But underneath that, they’re about human nature. They’re about our struggles with greed, anger, love, and duty.
When I was in school, we were taught the story of Arjuna in the Mahabharata, who, standing in the middle of a battlefield, is paralyzed by doubt. He doesn’t want to fight because the people on the other side are his family. Who can’t relate to that? Even though most of us aren’t standing in a literal battle, we often face situations where we don’t know what the right path is. Mythology, through Arjuna’s story, teaches us to pause, reflect, and make decisions rooted in purpose.
Mythology acts as a mirror—it reflects our nature, our desires, and our fears. It’s as if the gods and heroes are standing in for us, showing us what we’re capable of, both good and bad.
A Bridge Between the Past and Present
Another reason why mythology is so prevalent in India and other cultures is that it connects us to the past. It’s our way of remembering where we come from and who we are. Myths carry the wisdom of generations—they are the stories our ancestors told to explain the world and their place in it.
For me, one of the most powerful memories from my childhood is sitting with my family during Diwali, hearing the story of Lord Rama returning to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. We’d light lamps to symbolize his victory over darkness, and even as a kid, I understood that this wasn’t just about a historical figure—it was about the eternal struggle between light and darkness, both outside and within ourselves.
Myths give us continuity. They remind us that the struggles we face are not new, and that there’s wisdom in the past that can guide us through the present.
Myths Teach Us Values and Morality
What makes mythology so universal is that it teaches values in a way that sticks. If someone were to sit us down and tell us, “Be patient,” or “Don’t be greedy,” we might nod along, but it wouldn’t have the same impact as when we hear these lessons in a story.
Think of the myth of King Midas, whose greed for gold turns everything he touches—even his daughter—into gold. That story teaches us about the dangers of excess in a way that no lecture ever could. The beauty of mythology is that it embeds lessons within the fabric of the story, making them relatable and memorable.
The Power of Symbols in Mythology
One of the most fascinating aspects of mythology is its use of symbols. In Indian mythology, symbolism is everywhere—from Ganesha’s elephant head representing wisdom to Shiva’s third eye, symbolizing the ability to see beyond the ordinary.
In my school days, we were taught that Ganesha rides a rat, a tiny creature that represents the mind’s ability to gnaw through obstacles. That image stayed with me, even when I didn’t fully understand it at the time. As I grew older, I realized that mythology uses these symbols to convey deeper truths. They’re not just there for dramatic effect; they’re tools to help us grasp concepts that are often difficult to express in words.
Symbols in myths help us understand abstract ideas—like wisdom, love, and sacrifice—by giving them tangible forms. They make the invisible visible, so we can relate to it.
Why We Still Need Mythology Today
In our modern world, it’s easy to dismiss mythology as irrelevant, old-fashioned, or simply a bunch of fanciful tales. But the truth is, we need these stories now more than ever. As technology and society move at a faster pace, mythology gives us something timeless to hold onto. It reminds us of the deeper truths that remain constant, no matter how much the world changes.
When I’m teaching yoga, I often draw on the myths of India—not just because they’re culturally significant, but because they help us reflect on the bigger picture. They teach us patience, humility, and the importance of staying grounded, even when life feels chaotic.
Mythology, in every culture, is a roadmap. It’s how we navigate the complexities of life, love, and loss. And while the details may vary from culture to culture, the core message remains the same:
We are all part of something bigger, and the lessons of the past can guide us into the future.
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