Cloud Atlas (movie)

[Jhanananda]

This afternoon I watched Cloud Atlas.  I found the movie presented the strange intertwining play of the unfoldment of multiple lifetimes quite well.  When the barriers that separate your consciousness from one life time to the next fall due to deep meditation practice, then you may find your memory of those lifetimes somewhat how this movie was written and directed.

An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.

Directors:
Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski
Writers:
David Mitchell (novel), Lana Wachowski
Stars:
Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant

[Jhanon]

Wow, this actually looks pretty good. I can't even remember the last time I watched a movie, much less went to the theater. Maybe two years ago.

Aren't movies considered a distraction from the N8P? Or is this on an individual to individual basis? Also, as the trailer suggests, I'm beginning to feel that many of the people close to me in this life have been so in the past as well. Namely, my companion, one very special past companion, and a few other friends of mine. You know, the moment you first see them you instantly know you know them from the past.

[Cal]

This afternoon I watched Cloud Atlas.  I found the movie presented the strange intertwining play of the unfoldment of multiple lifetimes quite well.  When the barriers that separate your consciousness from one life time to the next fall due to deep meditation practice, then you may find your memory of those lifetimes somewhat how this movie was written and directed.

An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.

Directors:
Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski
Writers:
David Mitchell (novel), Lana Wachowski
Stars:
Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant

This movie has sparked almost an entire day of contemplation, for me. It is very interesting how the writer and director place so much emphasis on fate. That the desire of purpose transcends lifetimes. Or was it that those traits that drove them, were also what held them on this plane? The implications to the birthmark is also very captivating. Amazing how their love would reconnect over lifetimes, and that the drive to unbind the chains of others became a shared purpose. I don't see myself not thinking about this in the days to come, Thanks Jhanananda.

[Michel]

Aren't movies considered a distraction from the N8P?

My view on this is that if it helps one to develop an understanding of the Dhamma, then go for it.

Or is this on an individual to individual basis? Also, as the trailer suggests, I'm beginning to feel that many of the people close to me in this life have been so in the past as well. Namely, my companion, one very special past companion, and a few other friends of mine. You know, the moment you first see them you instantly know you know them from the past.

It maybe that craving to be with certain people you love is the reason why they keep being reborn in your lives over and over again.

[Cal]

Michel! Hi!! How are you?

[Jhanon]

Or is this on an individual to individual basis? Also, as the trailer suggests, I'm beginning to feel that many of the people close to me in this life have been so in the past as well. Namely, my companion, one very special past companion, and a few other friends of mine. You know, the moment you first see them you instantly know you know them from the past.

It maybe that craving to be with certain people you love is the reason why they keep being reborn in your lives over and over again.

It may be that your craving for me to be in your life is the reason I keep being reborn in it. Stop it! Nibbana, please. (Check please? Just a joke.)

[Michel]

Michel! Hi!! How are you?

Hello Cal. I am fine.

I wonder what happened to Jhananda? I emailed him on October 1. No reply. Maybe he's on retreat?

[Michel]

It may be that your craving for me to be in your life is the reason I keep being reborn in it. Stop it! Nibbana, please. (Check please? Just a joke.)

I'm working on it.

[Jhanon]

It may be that your craving for me to be in your life is the reason I keep being reborn in it. Stop it! Nibbana, please. (Check please? Just a joke.)

I'm working on it.

I hope you know I was just kidding around

Also, I hear that Jhananda is having computer problems, but I can't access that thread for some reason. I would like to help if it isn't too late.

[Michel]

It may be that your craving for me to be in your life is the reason I keep being reborn in it. Stop it! Nibbana, please. (Check please? Just a joke.)

I'm working on it.

I hope you know I was just kidding around

You said it was "Just a joke." I'm cool. 

[Jhanon]

I watched this recently with my companion, and as soon as we began many coincidences and beautiful things became known, realized, understood. It wasn't the obvious things like script and dialogue. It was subtler things, like the fact we had seen a preview for this film in our first days, and expressed a mutual desire to see it--the only time we ever have. This is before I "met" you, Jhananda, and the GWV. And here we were watching it from Jhananda reminding me of it. That seems insignificant, perhaps--it would take too long to explain why it's more significant than that.

It was also the first movie I ever watched and enjoyed which I thought was sufficient in length.

Needless to say, I feel it is a very important film--especially for mystics in relationship. It fosters mutual deeper understanding, gratitude, reverence, and a broad view of the relationship and relationships we find ourselves in with family and friends.

Thank you for sharing it, and giving us (my companion and I) the opportunity to experience such things. I feel very grateful for this life.