Myths and Legends of the World

[warren]

I don't know if any one believes this or not or what their idea of the Grail is,
this is only one way to explain what I think it is, I think that the Holy Grail is a state of being, finally when after years of searching that you finally find the peace that everyone wants.You finally fill that hole that exists in every person

That's only one person's opinion though

[nana-la]

I have to admit I am no scholar, but I have been interested in many traditions over my lifetime. I like to incorporate various myths and symbols into my own life and understanding.

Generally, containers, pottery and vessels are metaphors for the physical body. Clay represents the ordinary form, which eventually breaks and disentegrates, also the material which Adam the first man was formed, and in many other creation myths throughout the world. Metal has the quality of being more lasting and permanent, and often represents higher states.

Gold, which is the metal that the Holy Grail is usually depicted as, is the symbol of purity as it doesn't tarnish or rust, is strong and malleable.

I took a Celtic Studies class at Berkeley in the early '90's, and I remember the Holy Grail as being a pre-Christian myth cycle that fit in neatly with Christianity and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This chalice holds the blood of Christ in the Christian belief, and so is another example of the Grail as a Holy Vessel/body, also of transformation as the ordinary substances become the body and blood of Christ, and the Sacrament serves to bless the partaker.

I'm sure you have heard of alchemy- the study to make base metals to gold, but did you know in Europe, the real alchemy was the practices to turn an ordinary person into an enlightened being. The 4 elements and 3 humours correspond easily with equivalents in Hinduism. A lot has been lost because of the history of Europe, but there is an ancient connexion of Europeans to India, evidence of in the languages and racial types.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the golden cup can be the purified Buddha natural body, and the water or blood within can be the compassion for all beings.

Sometimes, a container is a metaphor for the disciple and the liquid within is the Dharma teachings. The Buddha Amitabha holds a golden vessel filled with the nectar of immortality, another similarity with alchemy and the quest for immortality.

So, to sum up my long ramble, I think the Quest for the Holy Grail, metaphorically speaking, is a quest for the Enlightened Body.

Wishes for a brilliant journey,
nana-la