The Matrix trilogy is one of my favorites. I've always been of the opinion that the message being given by the story of Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and Agent Smith, was a Buddhist one, however, I've had many conversations with others who've (very thoroughly) interpreted it from a Christian perspective. I'm sure much has been written about it, but I've enjoyed coming to my own understanding. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll share my thoughts and interpretations on The Matrix as they apply to life and training.
If you have movies or literature that you've enjoyed and applied to your life and training, I'd like to hear about it.
Lessons From The Matrix:
Posts
4 comments:
I do wish I could do the "instant training downloads" those guys had. It would save all the sweating and effort.
"Hear that sound Mr. Anderson? That's the sound of inevitability."
- Agent Smith, The Matrix
Always thought it was more pseudo Buddhism. In any case Buddhism and Christianity share a similar ethos and world view, except that Buddhism leaves out the notion of a personal God. Both teach that ultimate peace and fulfillment cannot be found by putting trust in the things of "this world" (i.e., the impermanent). Both demand personal responsibility, humility, kindness to others - a tenet shared with many faiths throughout history.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
- Matthew 7:12 (Christian)
"One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.”
— Dhammapada 10. Violence(Buddhist)
"He sought for others the good he desired for himself. Let him pass."
- Egyptian Book of the Dead (1580-1350 BCE)
"What you would avoid suffering yourself seek not to impose on others."
– Epictetus (Classic Greece)
"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God"
- Leviticus 19:34 (Judaism)
"Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.”
— Confucius, Analects XV.24 tr.David Hinton)
"Those who seek the transcendental Reality, Unmanifested, without name or form, Beyond the reach of feeling and of thought, With their senses subdued and mind serene And striving for the good of all beings, They too will verily come unto me."
- Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter XII. (Hinduism)
"Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.”
— Muhammad, The Farewell Sermon (Islam)
"That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary; go and learn.”
— Rabbi Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a, the "Great Principle" (Judaism)
"The sage has no interest of his own, but takes the interests of the people as his own. He is kind to the kind; he is also kind to the unkind: for Virtue is kind. He is faithful to the faithful; he is also faithful to the unfaithful: for Virtue is faithful.”
— Chapter 49, Tao Te Ching
Good stuff Charlie. Thanks. I hope you'll like the other installments.
I've heard a lot of good things about that movie - I'll look into it. Thanks!
Just watched the trilogy, and very much enjoyed reading your thoughts on it afterwards!
Cheers,
Bryce
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