Matrix Series- movies based on indian philosophy
Matrix, a very complex movie to understand
After my school days, when I moved into college, there was a growing buzz among all mates on the movie ‘matrix’. Everyone seems to be very fascinated about this movie. When I watched this movie for the first time, I found it very boring except some sci-fi actions and visual effects. I found it boring because I was not able to understand the underlying story of this movie. Moreover, when I asked my friends about this movie and what’s the story all about, none of them were able to explain. I wondered if there is anyone who saw the movie not for some good visual effects but to understand its deep spiritual message, applicable to all living entities of this world.
Now I understand this movie very well
Today, as I am gaining spiritual knowledge every day, I understand each dialogue of this movie. Matrix, in its entirety, has concepts of many religions but most of its concepts are derived from Hinduism. Matrix series (Matrix, Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions) conceives Neo as the chosen one to fight against the machines developed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). These machines want to kill all the humans on this planet for their energy needs. Matrix is a computer program created by the architect wherein all the inhabitants live without knowing that their life is an illusion contrived by the mind. This illusion is called as Maya in Hindu Philosophy. Matrix means “Maya” or the illusionary world. When Lawrence Fishburne(Morpheus) says "The Matrix is there everywhere and anywhere", he meant to say God and his illusions are present everywhere but it’s our mind that decides what to choose, “God” or “Illusion”.
If I compare the above concept of matrix to Hinduism, then we can easily conceive that architect is Lord Brahma, the creator and Neo is lord Vishnu, the preserver. Additionally, Oracle is Lord Shiva (and Goddess shakti), one who tries to balance/unbalance the matrix, a sign of destruction followed by new creation.
In the following article which was written year ago, when I was a beginner in spirituality, I have explained that the world we live in, is the perception of our mind driven by intellect. Inputs to brain are our senses and output is the electromagnetic signals received from the brain in response to this inputs.
Living in an illusionist world-Part 1
Living in an illusionist world-Part 2
This illusionary world is explained in three parts of matrix series. Overall, Matrix has the following concepts about Hinduism
Maya
Karma: Free Will and Fate
Duality
Yugas and Avatars
Athma: Jivathma and Paramathma
Nature of the Universe
Maya in Movie Matrix
In this movie, Neo always feel that there is something wrong in his life and the world he lives in is not real. This is when the first lesson is given by Morpheus to Neo “This universe is composed of computer codes, a virtual fantasy (Illusion) force fed to us.”
Our universe is like a computer program composed of computer codes
Isn’t this is what the Vedas and bhagavad gita teaches us. Whatever that is happening is Maya, an illusion which Lord Vishnu creates as he sleeps. These illusions shield the truth that makes the atman (Soul) believes this illusionary world as real. In Vedas, this illusionary world is called as mithya, the belief that only the almighty God is real. Mithya is explained by Morpheus when he plugs in Neo for the first time. Morpheous says “Your appearance now is what we call residual self image. It is the mental projection...of your digital self”
This makes Neo realize that only the Almighty is true and all else is just an illusion. When you are able to kindle their inner consciousness, you realize that you and Almighty are one and the same. It is then we see that this earthly materialistic pleasures and comforts are just an imagination, a reflection of how we want to see this world.
Below one statement from Morpheus to Neo alone shows the concept of Maya in matrix.
Morpheus: What if you were to wake up from a dream which was so real that you found it difficult to differentiate between the dream world, and the real world? What is real? How do you define real? If you're talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain. This is the world that you know. The world as it was at the end of the twentieth century. It exists now only as part of a neural-interactive simulation that we call the Matrix. You've been living in a dream world.
Also read
Science in Hinduism-Theory of perception
Maya deceives the atman(soul) from perceiving the real truth, described as Zion in the movie. The independent people in Zion (Neo, Morpheus, Trinity etc) going in and out of the illusionary machine world (Matrix), reflects illusion and reality.
In simple word, Maya is best explained with the example of rope and snake. As long as the person mistakes a rope as a snake, he is scared and keeps reacting as if the rope was a real snake but when, he concentrates his mind and realizes that the rope is not a snake, he starts laughing. The same applies to us. The moment we realize this materialistic world as an illusion, we would be laughing at ourselves for the shit we have been doing till now (Cheating for pleasures, working day and night for money etc)
In bhagavad gita lord Krishna explains the concept of illusion as
1) “Through my Maya, I create this creation in the beginning of time and at the end of time, this creation merges with in me.”
2) “Man is deluded by the MAYA and only by transcending MAYA [illuison] man can attain self-realization.”
Lord Krishna explaining his creation to arjuna
Further in Bhagavad gita, Lord Krishna says to arjuna , “Arjuna, I am your hallucination.”
And the same thing is said in movie Matrix by Tyler Durden to Ed Norton “I am your hallucination... so everything I do is also your hallucination, and if you understand that then you will realize that if something I do affects you then you must be a hallucination too “
Now let us have a look at the dialogue between Morpheus and neo that depicts the concept of Maya in detail.
Morpheus: I can see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, this is not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know exactly what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain. But you feel it. You've felt it your entire life. That there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is but its there, like a splinter in your mind driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Neo: The Matrix?
Morpheus: Do you want to know what It is? The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us, even now in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage, born into a prison that you cannot smell or taste or touch. A prison for your mind.... Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends; you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.... Remember, all I'm offering is the truth, nothing more.... Follow me...
By saying that Matrix is everywhere, Morpheous want to say that illusion is everywhere. Lord Vishnu, creator of this illusion is omnipresent and omnipotent. Vishnu means, "Vishwa Ke Har Anu Mein". i.e. "I exist in every atom of this universe".
Lord Vishnu creating multiple universe and present in each atom of all universes
One more incident that portrays the concept of Maya very clearly is the Spoon boy at the Oracle residence
Spoon boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead only try to realize the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Spoon boy: There is no spoon.
Neo: There is no spoon?
Spoon boy: Then you'll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself. To bend the spoon, you need to realize that there is no spoon. The spoon does not bend, you yourself bend."
This spoon boy helps Neo in understanding that the spoon is an illusion, and bending of the spoon an illusionary misleading trick. When Neo realizes this illusionary world, he attains extraordinary power just like our spiritual sages attain powers (Nirvana or moksha) through meditation. As a result, Neo is able to stop bullets and do magnificent feats like flying, dodging etc just like the extraordinary feats of avatar of lord Vishnu.
Neo stops all bullets
Karma in Movie Matrix
Karma is the most important concept of Hinduism. Every person is bounded by his karma. "Karma" is derived from the Sanskrit verb kri, meaning “to do”. The acts we do or the thoughts we created have changed the universe around us. This universe will give back what you have given to this universe by your thoughts and actions. Your present and future is determined by your thoughts and past deeds. Your actions, controlled by your mind and intellect, will determine the future prospects of your life.
Karma can be understood by a very simple story. There was a sparrow that was repeatedly filling water from the river in her beak and threw it on the land. A saint passing nearby asked the bird on what she intends to do?
The sparrow replied, “My Eggs have fallen into the river. I am trying to empty the river so that I get my eggs back”.
Saint laughs “You Fool, it would take ages for you to empty the river with your tiny beak.”
“Saving egg is my karma. I have to do it, unbothered by the result of my actions”., said the bird
Saint was impressed and jumped into the river and gave the eggs to the sparrow. He said “Only because of your karma, you got your eggs back. Otherwise you would have lost it forever “
Now let us see this concept of karma in Movie Matrix. Below conversation between Oracle and Neo says that the choices we make in our life are determined by our past actions and our chosen choice decides our fate.
Neo: I suppose the most obvious question is, how can I trust you?
Oracle: Bingo! It is a pickle, no doubt about it. The bad news is there's no way if you can really know whether I'm here to help you or not. So it's really up to you. You just have to make up your own damn mind to either accept what I'm going to tell you, or reject it. Candy?
Neo: Don’t you already know if I'm going to take it? (About taking the candy)
Oracle: Wouldn't be much of an Oracle if I didn't.
Neo: But if you already know, how can I make a choice?
Oracle: Because you didn't come here to make the choice, you've already made it. You're hereto trying to understand why you made it. I thought you'd have figured that out by now.
In below conversation, Agent smith (The bad guy) tells neo that each one of us in this world is born for a purpose and we decide the purpose we wanna choose.
The following is the conversation between Smith (the bad guy in the movie) and Neo
Smith: Thank you. But as you well know, appearances can be deceiving, which brings me back to the reason why we're here. We're not here because we're free; we're here because we're not free. There's no escaping reason, no denying purpose - because as we both know, without purpose, we would not exist.
Smith 2: It is purpose that created us,
Smith 3: Purpose that connects us,
Smith 4: Purpose that pulls us,
Smith 5: That guides us,
Smith 6: That drives us,
Smith 7: It is purpose that defines,
Smith 8: Purpose that binds us.
Smith: We're here because of you, Mister Anderson; we're here to take from you what you tried to take from us. Purpose.
Below conversation between Oracle and Neo again explains on how the choices we make in our lives, guides and influences us.
Neo: You helped me to get here, but my question is why? Where does this go? Where does it end?
Oracle: I don't know.
Neo: You don't know or you won't tell me?
Oracle: I told you before. No one can see beyond a choice they don't understand, and I mean no one.
Neo: What choice?
Oracle: It doesn't matter. It's my choice. I have my mind to make [up],same as you have yours.
Neo: Does that include what things to tell me and what not to tell me?
Oracle: Of course not.
Neo: Then why didn't you tell me about the Architect? Why didn't you tell me about Zion, the Ones before me - why didn't you tell me the truth?
Oracle: Because it wasn't time for you to know.
Duality in Movie Matrix
Hinduism believes everything to be dual in nature. Along with good, there has to be bad. Without Bad, the earth will not spin. If there is truth, then there is evil. If there is light, then there is darkness. Even lord Shiva is dual in nature. The supreme Union of male principle (Purusha) and female principle (Shakti) of lord Shiva is worshipped as Shiva linga. This dual nature is to balance the world
. 
Male and female principles of lord shiva
Without the destruction of lord Shiva, a new creation cannot begin. If this duality does not exist, then the world will be in chaos and not evenly balanced.
Below conversation between Oracle and Neo express this duality
Neo: The Architect told me that if I didn't return to the Source, Zion would be destroyed by midnight tonight.
Oracle: Please... You and I may not be able to see beyond our own choices, but that man can't see past any choices.
Neo: Why not?
Oracle: He doesn't understand them - he can't. To him they are variables in an equation. One at a time each variable must be solved and countered. That's his purpose: to balance an equation.
Neo: What's your purpose?
Oracle: To unbalance it.
Neo: Why? What do you want?
Oracle: I want the same thing you want,
Neo. And I am willing to go as far as you are to get it.
Neo: The end of the war (Oracle nods). Is it going to end?
Oracle: One way, or another.
Oracle: Very soon smith is going to have the power to destroy this world, but I believe he won't stop there; he can't. He won't stop until there’s nothing left at all.
Neo: What is he?
Oracle: He is you. Your opposite, your negative, the result of the equation trying to balance itself out.
Neo: What if I can't stop him?
Oracle: One way or another, Neo, this war is going to end. Tonight, the future of both worlds will be in your hands... or in his.
Here, Neo is shown as the protector of humanity, similar to avatar of lord Vishnu who descend on earth to wipe out all evil and destruction
Nature of the Universe and destruction in Movie Matrix
Hinduism believes that after every yuga, there is destruction and after this destruction there is new creation. Destruction happens through war (Like Mahabharata) or natural calamities (The great deluge in case of first few avatars of lord Vishnu). In below Conversation at the end of the movie, Architect (Lord Brahma) discusses on law of nature with Oracle (Lord Shiva)
Architect: You've played a very dangerous game.
Oracle: Change always is.
Architect: Just how long do you think this peace is going to last?
Oracle: As long as it can
Architect moves away from oracle
Oracle: What about the others?
Architect: What others?
Oracle: The ones that want out.
Architect: Obviously, they will be freed.
Oracle: I have your word?
Architect: What do you think I am? Human?
At the end of the movie, Architect (Lord Brahma) explains his creation to Neo( Avatar of lord Vishnu)
Architect: I am the Architect. I created the Matrix. I've been waiting for you. You have many questions, and though the process has altered your consciousness, you remain irrevocably human. Ergo some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not. Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realize it is also the most irrelevant.
Neo: Why am I here?
Architect: Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the Matrix. You are the eventuality of an anomaly, which, despite my sincerest efforts, I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you, inexorably... here.
In short, Neo was born to balance the matrix (the illusionary world).
In bhagavad Gita, a distinction between illusory materialistic world and the spiritual world is mentioned as
“Yet there is another unmanifest nature, which is eternal and is transcendental to this manifested and unmanifested matter. It is supreme and is never annihilated. When all in this world is annihilated, that part remains as it is.”
Yugas, Avatar and Cycle in Movie Matrix
Hinduism believes in repetitive cycles of cosmic creation followed by destruction. According to Hinduism, this earth we live in, have been destroyed millions of times and recreated again in a new form. In the link above (Living in the illusionist world, I have explained the concept of yugas).
Current yuga cycle
Below conversation explains the concept of Yugas (Destruction followed by creation) in matrix.
Architect: The Matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the 6th version.
Neo: Choice. The problem is choice.
Architect: The first Matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect; it was a work of art -flawless, sublime. A triumph equaled only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being. Thus, I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mindless bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus the answer was stumbled upon by another - an intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its mother.
Neo: The Oracle.
From the above conversation, No doubt the concept of architect is same as Lord Brahma of Hinduism. Below is another conversation that proves this point. This again talks about the destruction followed by creation.
Architect: Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice, even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly that if left unchecked might threaten the system itself. Ergo those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked, would constitute an escalating probability of disaster.
Neo: This is about Zion.
Architect: You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed - its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existence eradicated.
Neo: Bullshit.
Architect: Denial is the most predictable of all human responses, but rest assured, this will be the sixth time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it.
Concept of merging with god in Movie Matrix
Hinduism believes that during the time of destruction, this universe and all his creation (Energies) returns back with the god. I.e. all that exist today is the energy of the lord and on its destruction, these energies returns back to the source i.e god.
All universes merge with lord Vishnu
When we unite with him, we attain immortality and eternal bliss. In this movie, this concept of merging with the god is explained in the below conversation. Below conversation also expands the idea of evolutionary yugas.
Architect: The function of the One is now to return to the Source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which, you will be required to select from the Matrix 23 individuals - 16 female, 7 male - to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash, killing everyone connected to the Matrix, which, coupled with the extermination of Zion, will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.
Neo: You won't let it happen. You can't. You need human beings to survive.
Architect: There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However, the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility of the death of every human being on this world. It is interesting, reading your reactions. Your 5 predecessors were, by design, based on a similar predication - a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the One. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific - vis a vis love.
Architect: Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed, and the anomaly revealed as both beginning and end. There are two doors. The door to your right leads to the Source, and the salvation of Zion. The door to your left leads back to the Matrix, to her and to the end of your species.
Concept of Avatar in Movie Matrix
All the above conversation in the yugas section also explains the concept of Avatar. Additionally, below conversation add more to the concept of Avatar in movie matrix.
Sati: "Will we see him(Neo) again"
The oracle replies "I Suspect So, the program of Neo will return if things will become unbalanced again. “
Oracle never knew what is going to happen. He knew that either there will be peace or total destruction of machines and humanity. She just tried to play a game of probabilities in order to balance the equation which was her purpose.
Oracle here says that Neo will return if thing is unbalance since his purpose is to establish peace. Neo will be born as establisher of peace whenever there is a need to do so. This is the concept of Avatar in Hinduism which is wonderfully explained by the following verse of bhagavad gita
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha,
Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya Tadatmanam Srijami Aham
Praritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam
Dharamasansthapnaya Sambhavami Yuge-Yuge
Which translates as
Whenever there is decay of righteousness and a rise of unrighteousness in the society, I manifest myself again for the protection of the good and the destruction of the evil...which in turn would lead to a time of peace and righteousness...
Like the computer program that terminate and restart again, this world is destroyed and created again. It’s the body that dies, the soul will be reborn in the new body just like the program starts a new process with new process ID. Lord Krishna will be born again when there will be a need for him to be reborn
Neo is the savior in this movie. Neo coordinate with the architect to reset matrix and at the same time, saves the zion thus freeing up zionites and countless other humans. This is very similar to Lord Vishnu incarnating on earth and collaborate with Brahma to save the humans from evil forces.
Concept of "guru" in Movie Matrix
Concept of "guru" is wonderfully shown in this movie through Morpheus and Neo. Hinduism says that to achieve spiritual perfection, you need to have a bonafide guru or guide. Like Lord Krishna becomes a guru of Arjuna to guide him, Morpheos becomes a guru to guide Neo on his task. Morpheus even says, “I’m offering is the truth.” the exact statement used by lord Krishna in bhagavad Gita.
Sanskrit Slokas and AUM in background music of Matrix
At the end of this movie, backgroung music of Matrix Revolutions is AUM and ‘Crispian Mills’, a singer from Kulashaker, did a very brave job of incorporating Sanskrit sloka(“Acintya Bheda Bheda Tattva?”) in his songs.
Background music of matrix revolutions
He chose the following mantra from chandogya upanishad, a mantra which was mandatorily chanted in my school every day as morning prayers.
"asato ma sad gamaya" (lead me from unreal to the real)
"tamaso ma jyotirgamaya" (lead me from darkness to light)
"mrtyorma amirtham gamaya" ( lead from death to immortality)
"om santih santih santih"..................
On the whole, above verse means “From delusion lead me to Truth, from darkness lead me to light, from death lead me to Immortality”
Some other facts
1) In this Movie, Sri Lanka born Bernard White is named as Rama Kandra, A misnomer of Ram Chandra, seventh avatr of lord Vishnu. His Wife (Tharini Mudaliar) is named as Kamala, which is the name of Goddess Lakshmi(Lord Vishnu Wife). Moreover, their daughter is named as Sati, misnomer of shakti(Lord Shiva Wife). Sati means love and sacrifice. Hence we see characters of matrix closely resemble Hinduism. When Rama Kandra meets Neo in Train station, Rama-Kandra explains the philosophy of karma and the importance of love, in their two minute conversation which was the turning point of the film. Sati comes into the picture when Neo is in an identity crisis, trying to find out his role in human-machine conflict. Sati helps Neo to realize the innocent power of love to overcome mindless evil.
2) Bernard White in an interview to Cinescape magazine agreed that “He is a firm believer of Bhagavad gita and always keep a copy of Bhagavad gita with him”.
3) Neo is compared to Arjuna, who is in two minds whether to fight against machines or not. Ultimately, under the guidance of Morpheous (Lord Krishna), Neo chooses to fight against the machines.
4) The final battle between Neo and thousands of Agent smith is not the battle between human and machines, but the far subtle conflict of our mind. I.e. fight between the good and evil created by our mind.
5) Neo can see in his mind what he has to do in future to stop Mr. Smith and the war. The Architect tells Neo, “We know what you will do.” The Oracle asks Neo, “You dream of it don’t you?” Similarly, In Ramayana, Sage Vasistha tells Rama the future is known; there is no choice but to do what you are born to do. Your destiny is to be separated from your wife, after killing Ravana in a terrible battle.
6) After this, Neo thinks consciously to become the chosen one to fight against evil. This is exactly the concept of Avatar in Hinduism.
7) There is a scene where Neo is blinded by Mr. Smith but Neo out of his consciousness, was able to see all objects and people in golden forms. This Golden form is called as Hiranyagarbha in Hinduism, the Cosmic Egg that shows the shape of the cosmos.
8) The Upanishads are corollaries scriptures of the four Vedas that helps the reader understand the depth spiritual concept of Vedas. Don Davis and his directors, Larry and Andy Machowski, agreed that the Upanishads perfectly explains the concept of Matrix trilogy.
Conclusion:
The Matrix is the wonderful movie that explains the concept of Indian philosophy which has continued to influence whole mankind since time immemorial. Ironically, this blockbuster movie that tries to explain the universal truth of this illusionary world has been one of the most influential movies of all times. Philosophy is a way of living life and understand it when you are young and enthusiastic. You will regret reading such sacred scriptures after retirement or post sixty, when your body and mind is not physically and mentally fit to have a deep thought on this ultimate reality.
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