Matrix Essay Matrix - 938 Words

â€Å"The Matrix† is an action-packed, Oscar-winning, sci-fi extravaganza starring Keanu Reeves as Neo. Buddhism is an ancient religion built on the teaching of the original Buddha with a goal to reach nirvana. On first glance these two things could not be more different from each other, or could they be? In actuality, â€Å"The Matrix† encompasses many central themes of Buddhism like freeing the mind, and uses images such as spoons and mirrors. The need to free the mind is a core element of both Buddhism and â€Å"The Matrix.† Many Buddhists claim that â€Å"the illusionary nature of the world consists in our knowledge of the world† (Brannigan 103). Our minds interpret the world based on our perceptions. Buddhism deliver us from the â€Å"epistemological†¦show more content†¦There is also another mirror usage in the movie such as the mirror-finished glasses that are only worn in the matrix by those freed from the Matrix. They do not cling to the false images of the Matrix (Brannigan 102). Another image used is the spoon. In the Matrix, there is a scene with a young bald child holding a spoon. He says to Neo, Do not try and bend the spoon, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth...there is no spoon. Then youll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself† (â€Å"The Matrix†). This strongly resembles the Zen Buddhism flag parable in which monks argue about whether the flag moves or the wind moves. A third monk tells them that â€Å"neither the flag nor the wind moves. ‘It is your mind that moves’† (Brannigan 103). In both instances, the monks and Neo are stuck between the two concepts and must let go of those two things. Their minds become too fixed to see the truth. They must free the mind by letting go and opening themselves up to experience. This ties back into the mirror image as Neo sees his reflection in the mirror of the spoon. This is a moment â€Å"represents clarity and truth† r egarding the boy telling Neo that â€Å"there is no spoon† (Brannigan 102). We cannot be fixated on images as they like mirrors can be distorted especially since the spoon is concave/convex surface and prone to distortion. However, some portions of â€Å"TheShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Matrix1072 Words   |  5 PagesThe Matrix The Matrix is a science fiction movie about artificial intelligence computers replacing mankind. I believe that this movie is a common type of display from the media is common paranoia so that they can get a reaction from people and sell their story. In the case of The Matrix, the movie dazzles people with awesome special effects using modern computer technology, which I find ironic. I find it self-conflicting and hypocritical for the media to use modern computer technology for theirRead MoreEssay on The Matrix2824 Words   |  12 Pages The Matrix Interweaves much symbolism, mythology, philosophy, and psychology. 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