Shima Limbu
Eng 101
“Samsara” in Buddhism
Samsara in Buddhist terms relates with the concept of the cycle of life, and the movement of continuous flowing within our daily lives; however it is said that this long cycle can only be stopped through nirvana, or by being enlightened. It seems as though this form of cycle isn’t about being stopped but rather to escape this, one has to face nirvana and become enlightened. This “samsara“believe in Buddhism was derived by the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, who came about this idea from the Hindu believe of reincarnation. The term “samsara” has also become translated as endless suffering, cyclic existence, perpetual wandering etc…
These vague definitions of the term “samsara” in Buddhism could becomes relative to the whole idea from the concept of; The Matrix. Well, there are a lot of reasons that these two concepts can be relative, however the main fact being that the term “samsara” in Buddhism is believed by a certain amount of individuals, while The Matrix, is just another science-fiction movie. The Matrix, somehow relates with every individuals thoughts because the idea of “samsara” comes along,because there are many that believe in the term “samsara” or basically the fact that there are many budhhist believers. It is the clear fact that relating something of reality strikes every mind, and makes every human being relate with reality and their own life. And that is the main factor in the story of; The Matrix. The fact that it triggers everyone’s mind is basically because it questions many individuals about the whole system of life, and its whole system of existence. This relates with the term”;samsara”, due to the fact that it is said to be a whole cyclic existence, just a cycle of human beings being born and death coming along , seems like a whole computer generated system. Thus, when a human being becomes old, their energy in the batteries run out and then death comes along to get rid of all the retired batteries.
The climax of the movie, The Matrix, is the question whether human beings want to become awaken form the “matrix” world, kind of like the only escape in the matrix is for one to accept and awaken form their long sleep. Thus, the term “samsara”, plays a part due to the fact that the Buddhist believes that the only escape form “samsara” is for one to reach nirvana, or become enlightened. Including the fact that one has to get rid of all their wild desires, as comparison to the movie, the matrix, when the characters have nothing luxurious to eat, but just nutrients to keep them alive. The irony is astounding as much as the similarities, between the whole concept of “samsara” in Buddhism and the movie, The Matrix.
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