The first time I watched the amazing film The Matrix (1999) with fellow practitioners at the Michigan Center, I enjoyed a great feeling of elevation and freedom.

The movie recounts how human beings create artificial intelligences (AI), but are eventually enslaved by AI machines and become the machines' source of energy. The machines place newborn babies in the Matrix, a highly advanced computer simulation program that creates virtual reality in the human brain so that the humans inside live their entire lives in a state of illusion. All sensory impressions come from the illusory visions transmitted to the brain by the Matrix through feeding tubes and computer connections. A character named Morpheus and his companions discover the truth about the Matrix, and a battle ensues when the group attempts to save human civilization from the control of the AI machines.

Morpheus describes the Matrix as "the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the Truth ... and that Truth is that we are slaves, born into bondage, prisoners of our own minds." This description suggests that the Matrix symbolizes what spiritual practitioners call Maya, and the fighters' desire to break free from the Matrix is exactly like practitioners' quest to be free of the domination of Maya - the Three Realms!

The film's main character Neo is a computer hacker who has grave doubts about the reality of the cyber world and attempts to find answers to his many questions. He meets Morpheus and his companions, who believe that he is the prophesied "One" who can help free human civilization from its domination by the Matrix. The only problem is Neo himself. He lacks faith in his ability to counter the potent AI machines, and does not gain confidence until the film's climactic moment, when he fully develops his inner power and sacrifices himself to save his companions. The other leading character, Trinity, loves Neo with such purity that she awakens in him the Truth that he is the one who can save humankind. Ultimately, Neo once again finds himself in combat with AI machines and becomes the first human to triumph over them in what proves to be a very inspirational and satisfying ending for the audience.

This film reflects our spiritual path in many ways. Just as Neo has to undergo a series of struggles and tests before he liberates humanity, we too must practice the Quan Yin Method in order to become our own Masters. This is the essence of the movie. Other positive messages in the film include the need to practice diligently to overcome our minds, have faith in God, bravely face our fears, sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, and most importantly - believe in ourselves. Thus, the most important insight I gained from The Matrix is that if you strongly and wholeheartedly believe in yourself, nothing can stop you.

 

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