A couple of days ago, I published a blog that spoke about the mythology of Star Wars, including a video of an interview between George Lucas and Bill Moyers on that theme.
Well, it is no secret that Star Wars seems to borrow quite heavily on Buddhism in particular, and especially when it comes to Jedi and their use of, and philosophy towards, the force.
Jedi seem to have a tradition and way of thinking and doing things that bares some considerable resemblance to eastern philosophies and traditions in our own world. Perhaps the fact that we in our complex society, often feeling overwhelmed with increased and rapid changes in modern technological innovations that are fundamentally changing our experience, expectations, and understanding of our world, and our own place in it, tend to be attracted to the mysticism and mystery of eastern philosophies is telling. After all, the same can be seen in the Star Wars universe, where the Force was dismissed as an "old religion" that clearly is outdated in a universe completely dominated by seemingly unreal technology which makes almost anything possible.
Yet, it is the more simplistic and "outdated" religion of the Force that seems, in the end, to be the strongest factor in determining the outcome of events. That is not all that dissimilar to the way that more and more people in Western societies are feeling, as the sense of empowerment, serenity, and focus help us feel more balanced and centered in a world that often seems intent in shaking our foundations and pulling the very ground out from under us.
Well, this article was one that discusses the links between Star Wars and Buddhism, and it was quite interesting reading. Enjoy!
Jedi seem to have a tradition and way of thinking and doing things that bares some considerable resemblance to eastern philosophies and traditions in our own world. Perhaps the fact that we in our complex society, often feeling overwhelmed with increased and rapid changes in modern technological innovations that are fundamentally changing our experience, expectations, and understanding of our world, and our own place in it, tend to be attracted to the mysticism and mystery of eastern philosophies is telling. After all, the same can be seen in the Star Wars universe, where the Force was dismissed as an "old religion" that clearly is outdated in a universe completely dominated by seemingly unreal technology which makes almost anything possible.
Yet, it is the more simplistic and "outdated" religion of the Force that seems, in the end, to be the strongest factor in determining the outcome of events. That is not all that dissimilar to the way that more and more people in Western societies are feeling, as the sense of empowerment, serenity, and focus help us feel more balanced and centered in a world that often seems intent in shaking our foundations and pulling the very ground out from under us.
Well, this article was one that discusses the links between Star Wars and Buddhism, and it was quite interesting reading. Enjoy!
“The Last Jedi” Cranks Up Star Wars’ Buddhist Themes by Matthew Bortolini, December 20, 2017:
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