Avatar; Just a Movie, or a Turning Point?
Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
by e
Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation
Occasionally a great film captures the undercurrent of our collective human psyche. When we historically look back at the movie, it becomes apparent that the film called attention to something that was stirring inside of us, yet unexpressed, and either the movie deliberately was produced to capture this subconscious undercurrent, or the undercurrent was so ripe that the first movie that touched on these subconscious urgings became an instant hit. Either way, Avatar is that kind of movie.
A great shift in human values is happening before our eyes. People are becoming tired of the old way of doing business, which is by selfishness, contention and hatred. The tipping point is very near for this shift, and this movie could be the straw that breaks the camel's back regarding the illusions we have been living under for a long time - that our happiness lies in the cynical promise of advantages over others, and the promise of selfish opportunity to acquire and possess personal fortunes without harming others.
My experience as a meditation teacher indicates that the kids of this new generation are different. They observe the struggle and stress that their parents are putting themselves through, which many times results in divorce, to make unreasonable amounts of money to buy things and amass the fortunes now required for college tuitions and retirement. And the kids want no part of it. It's just too much for the average kid to comprehend.
Young adults of the new generation email me;
"I started to analyze this life I have been living, going through the motions. I saw that the knowledge I am receiving in college is filtered through society's ways of life- get a career, work hard, get money, promote yourself and your status. I started to realize that so many humans are living based on false notions...this way of life isn't right. Going about doing this and doing that, back and forth, going through the societal system, harming others for personal pleasure...there has to be something deeper.
And,
"Through seeing that the desires of this world are not true happiness but the continuation of suffering by the attachment of worldly goods and pleasures. . . . . As a wise man once wrote " I close my eyes in order to see" . . . will be able to help others through an unclouded mind unaffected by the desires of this world."
And finally,
"I want to face the spiritual experiences . . . really understand this journey we find ourselves on. I want to find true meaning in my life and escape this man made rat race where people always, always seem to fight for material and personal gain. My view of life has changed quite a bit recently...now I want my life itself to change, for the better."
These young adults express human values that lead to true happiness, and actually they are already very wise because they understand where true happiness lies, but are confused by the signals our society sends them.
Avatar the movie might just be that voice that defines this new generation's heart. If this is true, the tipping point of virtue, over selfishness and profits, may be closer than we think.
That's when our lives and focus will change dramatically.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I guess I'll have to see the movie e, sounds interesting.Hi Dave, The basic theme is that there is more to the quality of life than just money. A theme that has been presented in many movies and pretty much laughed at by a world driven by acquisitions. But for some reason this time, I believe, the film hit the kids in their hearts, and they don't even know it yet! Time will tell, maybe many years.
Best ..........e (thanks so much for reading my stuff and your great comments)
Interesting take on this, e. I surely hope that the next generation isn't so materialistic as mine and the one before mine. This gives hope for optimism about this.Some of my young students, not long after they begin meditating, come up with stuff that always amazes me. I think the answer is within all of us, but how do you get people to look inside, when the world outside seems so enticing? Hmm, I guess that's what I write about, ay?
Best to you as always.............eYes, but I think it's more than that. My own kids, and their friends, are a lot less materialistic than what has been the norm. I've seen numerous surveys that show Millennials don't want their jobs to interfere with their family or social life. Some say this is laziness, I tend to believe that Millennials have their priorities a little better aligned than their parents and grandparents.Ah, the old Western Work Ethic - if one aspires to values beyond the almighty dollar, such as character development and basic goodness, they are lazy. I'm glad the Millenials are not buying into that worn out stuff. There really is hope! Thanks, Bruce.
"Beyond the cutting edge animation and state of the art 3D cinema lies a truth that has been ignored for a long time now, a truth that has just begun to touch the hearts of mainstream America revealing the essence of the human spirit; that goodness eventually prevails, and evil is dispelled. For decades, it's been the other way around. "Exactly what I said to my friend after watching this movie the 3rd time ! Its actually just like a more sci-fi version of Lord of the Rings ! And in the end its all bout good gaining over the evil ! Great article E. !Thanks Ravi, I Just added an article entitled 1. So You Think That Money Will Make You Happy?.
I think you might like it. Thanks so much for your comment.
Best.............e
I totally agree...the movie Avatar leaves a feeling inside you that longs for true freedom on our planet....I wish we could go back in time and undo all that those so called 'civilised humans' have done to us and to our world.I am happy to see this message being shared via the movie Avatar....it shows how interconnected and networked all life really is...and how simple life can be if you only 'feel with your heart' ...I think humans have grown out of their basic instincts as a creature and are now so focused on wealth creation....but at what cost....I also believe that once the minds of many continue to seek and see this truth...the world is capable of healing...and it will happen...when we all realise we are all one....I also think that the world will heal, but that it is going to take a crisis or shock of some kind for people to change directions. We have been guided by fear - greed hatred, and delusion for a long time now, counting on wealth and materials to make us happy., and look what is happening - the world is on fire. When all is lost, out of the ashes will come loving kindness, compassion and equanimity. I hope it happens soon, or there won't be anything left but ashes. If America keeps declining, it will be forced to start a war to gain back it's prestige, because America understands nothing but power and wealth.
Best.....e
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