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The Buddhism of 'Benjamin Button'
by Shen Shi'an, The Buddhist Channel, Feb 6, 2009
Dharma-Inspired Movie Review: www.benjaminbutton.com
Singapore -- 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' is based on a 'simple'
premise. How would one (Benjamin) who lives life backwards (born old
and dies young) experience it? Ben is not a hero; and not even an
anti-hero – he is really the everyman who lived life with an
extraordinary condition.
Thoughfantastical, the story remarkably highlights realistic themes on the
significance of life and death. Reflecting on life in reverse seems to
spur more insightful hindsights (literally) on itself! Below are some
to share.
Meeting in the Middle
Daisy, Ben's love interest
remarks when they are both in their prime that they are finally
'meeting in the middle'. The truth is, we are always 'meeting in the
middle', in the flowing river of time. Buddhism sees the present moment
as the centre of time's passage, which is but a measurement of change.
We are always smack in the centre, between the past and the future. In
fact, now is the only moment we have. There is no need to pine for the
transpired past or for the unshaped future, while every moment taken
care of now creates happy memories and a better future.
Existential Crisis
Prince
Siddhartha, the Buddha-to-be stumbled upon the grim realities of
ageing, sickness and death, thereupon becoming bent on seeking the path
to transcend the suffering they entail. Though Ben doesn't realise
enlightenment, he does become more enlightened in his approach to life.
However, his passing, being in the state of an infant, did not hint
that he passed in a more awakened state. Then again, there's always the
next life to resume the path to enlightenment, and the potential to
recall past lessons learnt.
continues>>>>>>>>>
https://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=12,7736,0,0,1,0