The answer for this was in Iroh the whole time, who is clearly one of the most enlightened characters in the show. Iroh loves Zuko, he will do anything for Zuko, and will do all in his reach to teach and guide him. He even fears and worries that Zuko may take a darker path and follow in his father's footsteps. That said, Iroh won't forcefully control Zuko. He will let Zuko choose his path, good or bad, and reach his own answers. That is the "letting go" they mention.
The lesson I've always felt is that... you can be connected... but not ATTACHED. To hold on to something or someone is to be attached to it and the fear of it's loss. Loss is part of Reality. Doesn't mean to not be sad when you loose, but to learn to be ok with loosing, and to be ok with being sad.
I think a better word in English is 'obsession' rather than 'attachment'. Attachment means much the same as connection, but what they're talking about is the fixation or fascination - the difference between 'I want to be with this person' and 'I need to be with this person or I'm going to be miserable'.
I first saw this episode as a 37-year old man. I had already taken my journey of meditation and everything guru Patik said was in alignment with what I had discovered. Feeling such a deep connection and validation from a cartoon gave me hope in humanity again.
I always wanted to go to the avatar state and have aangs staff. When I started awakening spiritually and found out about the atrial realm, I immediately thought of this show. I WAS SO EXITED. Im pretty sure our higher selves look exactly like aanngs bigger cosmic self, except it's white see through
Weird shit but, meditation, emptying my mind allowed or caused me to hear voices of living people I know personally and they're just describing the surrounding from a bird's eye view. It stops when I give attention to it... Also I can enduce sleep paralysis on myself.
@@GenJuhruHow are you able to end your sleep paralysis while it's ongoing? And do the voices of those you know persist in speaking while you're around those people in-person?
I've always understood it in a similar way to how I understand the Jedi teachings of casting off attachments. It's not that we can't have emotions and desires a feelings towards others; but that when these become controlling influences and imperatives, that they cause blockages, pain, "lead to the Dark Side", whatever. In Avatar:TLA, that part of the story arc concluded when Aang realised that in order to save Katara, and the others, he has to be okay with possibly losing Katara through his actions. That's the point where he finally opens his last chakra and takes control of his Avatar state. He still loves her, but (as the video points out) he sees that he cannot cling to her or be guided solely by that desire, otherwise he will never be in control of himself. It's that moment that completes the explanation in Avatar:TLA started by Guru Pathik. Aang has to realise its truth for himself.
This might sound weird but I also learned that if you're doing a spiritual journey, at one point you're by yourself. everyone is on a different path and experiences enlightenment differently but for the most part it's solo. At least that's what I've come to understand. That's why the monk is isolated.
@@courtneycherry5582I believe only for a short time. The time it takes for you to solidify your journey and path. I think modern times call for a more modern approach. From the beginning of my journey, I always questioned how we would be of service secluded in a monastery or a cave? We are no longer in the times of the few reaching the "Avatar State".
"Love doesn't lead to the Dark Side. Passion can lead to rage and fear, and can be controlled... but passion is not the same thing as love. Controlling your passions while being in love... that's what they should teach you to beware. But love itself will save you... not condemn you." ―Jolee Bindo
I’m not in the starwars fandom but that’s what I always picked up from the Jedi - they fell because they got confused the same way we did when we watched this episode. They thought you had to eliminate emotion and attachment, when really you had to eliminate the need for control - control over the situation, over your future, over your emotions. Center yourself, live in the moment, live with love, and be kind are the real answers that were forgotten
This topic was discussed very deeply in the book "Think Like a Monk". It was one of the best book I read. The basic idea is to not go of the people you like but to let go of the fear of loosing them. For example-- Loving parents or partner or siblings are one thing, but you have to understand that they are not permanent and will not be together always. So we need to let go of the attachment and to save this feeling of loosing to love and care for them more.
Detachment is "clearly seeing and having all things by not being emotionally attached to any one thing." This goes for more than just relationships. It probably won't shock you that it's a core attribute in what my martial art system calls Warriorship. It's a principle for not inflicting force. It's a method for a warrior to navigate a peaceful garden and keep the crops growing while preparing for the harvest. It's not clear that being detached is always good in all situations... but in fact it's a very effective tool in warfare. You can transform your detachment to maintain a healthy mindset and harmonious lifestyle in any environment. Take control of your ego and what compels you--this is the opposite of insecurity.
@@TrenchCoatDingo that's not a practice That's like saying, "I frequently throw away my moral values and good judgment." It's almost like openly stating that you are an arsonist...
As a Buddhist and frequent meditator, I was surprised you correlated the chakras and meditation through a Christian lens. You did it very well from an unbiased scope. Excellent video! Earned my sub
There was a movie called Man From Earth, about a man who never died. Most of the movie takes place in a single room as this man discusses this with a few others. In the movie he claims that he was the inspiration for the Jesus story, that he was a disciple of Buddah trying to spread those teachings.
Contrary to popular opinion, the concept of chakras and meditation are not mutually exclusive to Christ. He has given us the tools to heal and understand ourselves through Him. Genesis 32:30 says, “Jacob called the name of the place Pineal, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’” Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34 both say, “The lamp of the body is the eye. If thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light. If thine eye be evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness.” Jerusalem is also technically located in Asia. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that “Eastern philosophy” and Christianity may have coexisted in the same time period
@Pr0fess0rSasquatch Those passages are very interesting and I wasn't familiar, thank you for sharing! The overlap is very prominent in Jewish faith but obviously that then overlaps with and influenced Christianity too. You may be interested in reading "The Lotus and the Jew," great book covering a very early interaction between Rabbis and Buddhism. I do love me some historical interfaith religious study haha
@@Pr0fess0rSasquatch Peniel, not Pineal. Peniel means "Face of God". The pineal gland, which is supposed to be the third eye or sixth chakra, is named that way because it looks like a pine nut. No link between Peniel and pineal.
@@Xerxes2005 it would seem so at first glance, but if we dig a little deeper there are actually some pretty significant connections between the two. First, most proper nouns in the Bible are transliterated, not necessarily translated. Meaning most English spellings are an approximation of what the word sort of sounded like. Peniel is also seen in the Bible (depending on the version you read) as Penuel and Pineal, they are all referencing the same place. Second, both Peniel in the Bible and the pineal gland are referred to as “the seat of the soul”. Third and most telling, the Kabbalah teaches of an organ at the center of the brain, containing the “liquid of life” or “sacred water”, known as the Peniel. Also note the plethora of pine cone iconography throughout the Vatican and Christian / Hebrew works of art
I’ve always tried to convince people of this interpretation. When unlocking the light chakra, Pathik explains that the greatest illusion in the world is that of separation. Aang puts this together and comes to the realization that “we are all connected.” When discarding the illusions that divide us we can see that everything in the world is in essence one. How then, can someone who truly understands this, have an emotional attachment to another? Attachment is something that binds two different things together. In order to actualize, one must recognize that their earthly attachments are simply part of the illusion that separates them from the cosmic experience.
@@user-rr4fr8pf3jearthly attachment separates us spiritually. You shouldn't fear loosing s.o. physically, if you're already spiritually one and the same.
We are so blessed to have watched this on Tv when we were younger. Blessed. I KNOW yall remember the night when this first aired on tv and watched Aang vs fire lord fight. It was freaking amazing
So glad someone’s finally gone deeper into this! The teachings of the chakras are all bittersweet, but they’re all for a reason. Letting Katara go was never meant to mean “forget she exists and ignore that she’s in danger,” but instead to know your reason for living. You are taught to accept loss, love, sadness, and guilt, but none of these things should become so burdensome they control you. Every avatar before Aang had lives, loved ones, and losses, none of them became uncaring hermits.
It's portrayed as having the Anahata and Sahasrara at war with one another, with the one keeping Aang bound to the world, and the other allowing him to access his Moksha. The thing is, though, even if you released the Sahasrara, it doesn't mean the Anahata stops existing or is any less important. LOVE is important, but knowing how not to cling is just as important. It's CLINGING that locks the seventh Chakra, not LOVE. Those are two different things. And really, the fullest love steps back in order to allow the other person full autonomy, full personhood. Viewing Katara as a thing to complete him, rather than as her own person, is Aang's clinging in this sense, so to actually love her FULLY, he has to stop doing that.
The fear of losing someone can cloud one's mind. If Aang truly wanted to save Katara and have a relationship with her, he could not give in to that fear. He had to accept the reality that this could come to pass, if he were to take any real and conscious action to prevent it.
I think an important lesson also is, that the Guru, for all his wisdom, failed to communicate the intent of the lesson. We can not blame Aang or the audience for not understanding what was not communicated adequately. We also can not blame the Guru, since we all fail to communicate nuance to someone we do not know the nuances of. Also the script called for him to be misunderstood so there is that too. : P
I've been meditating daily for over 10 years but it wasn't until I watched Avatar TLA and really focused on Guru Patik's message about how are chakras are like life. Sometimes they get messy and blocked and you have to clean them. I still have some blocks because there are still things I can't quite let go of. But that's the journey. Blessed Be.
I remember watching this episode as a 8 or 9 year old and suddenly gaining conciousness of the connection between Body and Mind, Spirit and Nature and the fact that I have the power of self actualization. Truly one of the most valuable TV Experiences I´ve had. Great Video, love your perspective on this! Even years later there is so much wisdom in this show.
I was around same age when I watched it and my mother watched it alongside me cause well it was a great show she loved it too so in this episode she actually gave me some context and explanations of what the guru was talking about since these lessons are taken from real life spiritual teachings and she knew a lot about em which was a really eye opening and thoughtful experience for me
This explains Katara and his feeling. Which I always understood. The aspect of the chakras that I felt was contradictory was in the finaly. Aang is having his existential crisis about killing the fire lord and talks to four of his past lives. My issue is when he gets to Yangchen. Another airbender and shares a similar spirtual nature. She flat out tells him the Avatar can never achieve true enlightenment by letting go of worldly things, purely because the Avatars duty is to the world itself. The seventh chakra is understanding what binds you to the world and learning to let go. Again, if that thing is a person or object it makes sence. But if the thing binding you to the world is the world itself, how can the Avatar open the seventh chakra?
I think this goes back to what Toph was teaching Aang, he constantly thinks like an Airbender. Ironic, isn't it? The Heart Chakra is also the air chakra, so as an Airbender aangs was probably naturally overactive
There are some advance spiritual wisdom that you guys will encounter deeper in the journey. This realization starts as a moment of awareness then a skill that gets sharpened then a direct experience and then finally a way of being. You will have the ability to hold two truths at the same time and then that also changes and expands. The best example and analogy is the “ying and yang” symbol. It might look simple yet the wisdom that can be gleam from truly connecting deeply with this symbol is profound. Good luck on your journeys friends 😊.
If I'm not mistaken, Yangchen lived in a time full of conflicts and she focused too much on her duties to the world as the Avatar. While she did create peace that lasted an entire generation after she died, she also ended up causing a spiritual umbalance in the world that Avatar Kuruk had to solve. With that in mind, I think the advice she gives Aang is clouded by her perspective of the world.
@@barroslucascthat’s why each avatar comes to a point when they no longer need assistance from a previous life because they cannot form new opinions for the current state of the world the present avatar is in. They can give their best advice on situations but it’s from their perspective’s only
well the avatar would have to realize they cant actually protect the whole world on his own. he should do what he can and understand that whatever is within his power his effort is enough. the weight of the world should not be on his shoulders even if everyone thinks this way
Opening the crown requires open mind and heart. Attachments are not the same as having relationships and connections. Its about neither clinging or being adverse to anything which arises to be able to channel that vast spectrum of energy without distortion or resistance. In our clinging and aversion to what is we constrict around how we have identified with our thoughts or fears based in seperation. In Aangs attachment to Katara he misidentifies himself with the conditions or outcome of his relationship to her. When in reality to ascend to that level he would in fact include and transcend his affection and desire for her. There is a subtle posessiveness that comes when you cling like that, that actually obstructs the development of such a relationship.
I think the issue is that the way the Guru and things like Star Wars frame these ideologies isn’t stated very clearly. Like what Aang said, “Three chakras ago, my attachments were a good thing.” And instead of trying to explain the nuance of things, the Guru, in more polite terms, tells Aang, “Shut up and do what I say!” The Guru and the Jedi make it sound like they’re telling their students to abandon all feelings of attachment and love entirely and just expect people to get what they actually mean without further elaboration.
yeah good point. I'd be curious to know how much of the ambiguity the writers purposefully left in for dramatic storytelling purposes or otherwise. Thanks for watching!
@@moviemeditations If anything it might have been purposefully done to make aang relatable to a western audience. Western culture especially in modern media tends to couple together love and attachment. In my experience when people learn about similar ideas the guru was teaching about here a lot of people fall in to that same trap aang did. Not to mention words like Desire, attachment and suffering are the english translation of these terms used in eastern philosophy/religion and sometimes when translating into English lots of the nuances gets lost as english (or any language really) has certain weaknesses when conveying certain ideas especially ones from cultures far removed from the places english originated from. Like in vedic traditions the use of the english word "suffering" tends to be used for the sanskrit word Duḥkha but suffering is too strong a word in English to accurately describe Duḥkha IMO, "dissatisfaction" to me is a better word to me in order to encompass the nuances within a single english term.
and this is exactly how the emotionally unstable sleep deprived anakin interprets it. unfortunately, fans of both franchises and particularly star wars like to view these takes as wrong, possibly due to a lack of understanding of eastern/buddhist theology.
Awesome video! I was actually learning a lot about chakras from that episode and got the same conclusion as you, it's not letting go as never seeing them again or not feeling love, it's letting go of the conditions one puts on themselves and then seeks believing it's their only way to achieve happiness. Very intelligent and wise and mature show
I rewatched that episode about a dozen times when I was going through my depression. I believe the final chakra has to deal with the idea of letting things go in the moment. Whatever you lack in the present moment will cause you anxiety. Be at peace with having nothing, including all of the other chakras, and you will be truly at peace and fully in control, nothing can manipulate or control you. Although this should only be used to sparingly because the philosophy is about becoming at peace, and should only be used if the other purifying methods for the other chakras are not enough, because the idea of letting go and being peace with everything is the idea of being on your deathbed.
@@vegastrina to be truly at peace with being able to let go of everything is something that someone on their deathbed either has or hopes to achieve. You aren't going to live any longer so you have to be able to be at peace with letting go of all the things in your life. PS: it's also a philosophy that a soldier can develop when they know there's a high chance of death or know that they are about to die.
The Guru has been one of the most important pieces of media in my life. I was a teen when this came out, but I immediately explored these concepts. Our minds find it difficult to understand the distinction between letting go of these needs, and letting go of what we love. Letting go of the feelings of lack is a fantastic way of wording this spiritual concept. Great Video! Thank you!
To me I think this is very simple, if you truly love someone you should be also open to them not loving you back and being able to let them go. In the show they end up together but could Ang really be the Avatar of katara didn't feel the same way and he wasn't able to accept that..
Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Far too close to the "whoever cares the least wins" idea of romance I've encountered far too often. If you don't care, you should stick with not caring and not be involved in another person's life.
This video just opened up by "accident" after restarting my phone, and just precisely answered the question I've been seeking answer for. Thank you. it's hard to let go of the attachment when you love someone.
This is a great video! I was kinda confused myself but then I took it as more removing "possessiveness". Buddhism as far as I know teaches in separating yourself from worldly possessions and rather than interpreting it as giving up all possessions, it's more giving up the feeling and need to have, want and seek. You can have a chair, a bed, a house, computer and have a partner, but the need to attain and keep it can be a disruptive emotion that can keep you from truly being yourself. The jealousness, greed and fixation on these objects or even people isn't healthy, but having them around can still be. It's also usually a good love (or even friendship) advice, finding a partner and you yourself both not actively pursuing to keep eachother in a relationship, more often I've read it leads to a stable one with better trust which I can believe. A jealous and possessive one can lead to pushing your partner away or also be a sign that just as much as they might want you, they may easily discard you for another due to their greed for love and possession. It feels very contradicting to say you should not try to keep your partner, but you can still show genuine love, companionship and express gratitude for them being in your life without needing to mix in the feeling that they must always be around or your world crumbles. I think that's generally what people have a trouble separating, emotions and actions, passive love and needy love. Often it seems people think these concept contradict eachother but I feel it's an over simplification to how complex and intertwined our ways of thinking and emotions can be, especially bad ones inside good ones.
I saw this as a kid. I did my best to move mountains for the ones I love, only to lose them tragically. I’m 33 now and have nothing holding me in this plane of existence… just memories of my childhood, wife and mother. I pray feverishly to feel that type of love again, but deep down I know that stage in my life is gone. I’m heartbroken, but I just keep looking at the past with no regard for the future of myself. I made peace with the feeling, but I still question why do I deserve to be so hurt and lonely… I try not to question God, but I fall short from time to time. I’m just so hurt. I’m not looking for attention, this just feels great to put out of my mind just for a little bit.
I can relate to what you're saying. Am 34 and lost father, mother and my nephew who I brought up like my own son. I feel the same way too. It's not easy. But I am also sure I will find a way out and a part of me looks forward to the journey. Good luck on your journey!
This idea is a major theme in the Bhagavad-gita (the "Bible" of sanatana-dharma, a.k.a. "Hinduism"): Krsna (God) teaches Arjuna (Krsna's friend and devotee and a warrior by occupation) that one must be fully engaged in one's worldly occupation (dharma) while remaining internally detached from outcomes. Arjuna was a householder, and in order to realize his nature as an atma (an eternal spark of consciousness) Krsna did not tell him to give up his family and his duties as a warrior, rather he taught Arjuna how to perceive those things in such a way that they would become part of the path of spiritual realization rather than obstacles to realization.
Yes, great point! I almost when 5 different directions with this one and was going to go into some Bhagavad Gita, but decided a different direction. Might revisit this similar topic in a different way. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!
When it comes to relationships, there are three people in the same person: 1) The person who you think they are, 2) the person who they really are, and 3) the person who they can become, if they put in the effort. You may see someone and create what you think they are, and what they could be, and fall for that person. But, in reality that person is only an idea and is not real. You need to give up that ideal person, and appreciate who they are now, that is part of letting go. Love people for who they are now, and you can also help them to become better. Everyone can be better.
There's an old story my father once told me... There was once a monk, living in a monestary near a small village. One day, one of the villagers came to the monestary with a baby, claiming that his daughter was impregnated by the monk, and demanding that the monk take resposibility for the child. The monk agreed to raise the child and love it with all of his heart, even though he knew it was not his. Years pass and the mother of the child eventually returns to the monestary to reclaim the child, confessing that she lied to her father about who the child belonged to, in order to protect the boy she was secretly in love with. Now, her father had passed away, and she was free to be with her true love, and wanted their child back. The monk agreed to return the child to her without any question, even though he had raised the child and loved the child as if it were his own, for so many years. This is a lesson about attachment. You can love something with all of your heart, and still let it go.
The monk must've been a shitty parent to send his child away with a random stranger who the only thing they knew about them was that they were a liar. A decent parent would have been at least a little invested in whether that child was going to be okay wherever it was being sent.
@@MrNisse-ef9by I am aware of what lesson we were supposed to take away from it. That doesn't change the fact that being a parent is a responsibility that the monk in the story was utterly failing to live up to. This reads very much as the monk putting his own enlightenment ahead of his responsibilities to others, rather like Yanchen was warning Aang about.
@@YouthRightsRadical So you ignored the part of the story, where the monk loves the child with all his heart, all so you could highlight the importance of maintaining attachments, in a story about the nature of detachment? Sounds like you didn't understand the lesson at all.
There's a guru named sri nisargadatta maharaj he said that once you shift your mind of what you were taught,love desire and fear into silence the self is free I think Zaheer and guru patiki are the only ones that truly understood this
A fantastic video! You've accurately depicted this aspect of the Avatar's journey I feel. This has always been a favorite of mine. A wonderful show and far better the most that have been made. The break down of Aang's pain and struggle as well as his success was spot on.
For anyone who felt blindsided by this feeling like a religious sermon near the end, this "kingdom of God" line is more of a metaphor for understanding and moving forward. This can apply regardless of what faith you have, or even if you lack or reject faith. Bettering your inner self is something anyone is capable of.
Of course, if you open your mind to the heavens and the heavens find what's in there to be offensive you're going to get nailed with some hefty littering fines. I think, in fact I know. People are opening the seventh gate. Then being immediatly thrown back out. Then there's the pocket domain that houses a false mock-up of the divine to get lost in. Which is where most people end up drifting unawares they've become cattle for the cultivation of pure energy. Jesus Saves.
I completely understand what you guys are saying, attachments aren't inherently a bad thing, on the contrary, they do us a lot of good, but attachments which prevent us from reaching our full potential, or even sometimes just do the right thing. We have a problem and I think we need to find what our healthy attachments look like so that we can live a happy and more fulfilling life 💖🤗😇
The way you explained this actually made me think of Cloud Atlas, specifically the conversation between the Archivist and Sonmi 451 before her execution. "Archivist: The report said Commander Chang was killed in the assault. Sonmi-451: That is correct. Archivist: Would you say that you loved him? Sonmi-451: Yes, I do. Archivist: Do you mean, you are still, in love with him? Sonmi-451: I mean, that I will always be..."
Wow! So cool that you referenced Cloud Atlas, that's the video I did on this channel right before this one. I focused on a really narrow lens, but I might have to revisit it in the future. Thanks for watching and for sharing this comment.
It makes sense that there was a fundamental misunderstanding if you consider that the guru had long since forgone his attachments and most likely forgotten how deep of a hold earthly attachments can have. If it was more recent he would have known this particular chakra needed a softer explanation and not speak as of it were so rigid and anti-desire. I think desire is the core of our identity and in fact the most important. Imbalance stems from the lack of fulfilling desires. In order to satiate all forms of desire one needs to allocate an appropriate amount of effort into each. We are many faceted creatures with an equal amount of nuanced wants and needs, obsession diverts from others and disconnecting entirely blocks off others. Balance is key, and should have been the main point all throughout the guidance. The guru definitely stumbled on the phrasing of the last chakra and inadvertently permanently blocked it for aang.
I've been thinking about religion in a similar way for 4 or 5 years, and this is what I have learned: There is an idea that spiritual attainment can free us from suffering, which we understand as being an improvement in happiness, in our relationships, and in our circumstances and abilities. In meditation, there can be moments of true peace - but ultimately, meditation is just like everything else - it's a simple exercise done to achieve a desired goal. In this case, that goal is an expanded consciousness, but to be honest, an expanded consciousness is nothing special, or at least not more special than an expanded plot of land, or expanded musculature, or any other earthly goal. An expanded consciousness doesn't guarantee you anything like a good relationship, for example. God (fortunately, beautifully) cannot be captured or controlled by any techniques or tricks. So I recommend doing meditation for the same reason anyone should do anything - because it's fun.
Yeah, Guru Patik wasn't telling Aang to remove his emotions, he was telling him to *fully* embrace them. Also he told him not to simp after Katara but to be a sigmamale chad and honest to himself
Bro you deserve an Oscar for this video man, it completely opened my eyes and my heart to enlightenment, I’ve recently been going through a dilemma with this very topic on my path and this video really helped me release that burdened, thank you
Great video! As someone who has spent the past few years diving headfirst into these topics and even watching avatar for some guidance it’s really cool to see someone put what I’ve experienced and discovered in a concise and fun video. Thank you!
Avid Avatar fan and meditator! ATLA changed my life from a young age, I don't think I'd be as spiritual as I am now if it wasn't for the show depicting spirituality in so many beautiful ways
One note, not everyone can meditate. Those who have certain neurodivergencies need to find this state in other ways (there are many paths up the mountain). I cannot meditate due to my ADHD, however in ecstatic states I have been able to find that connection to all. It's a path that isn't explored in Avatar for good reason, but understanding that while we are all shared, we are also all different is an important lesson as well.
This is literally my favorite show. It not only inspired me to write and create a graphic novel, it actually taught me things i have never knew. The path of the monk has helped me understand myself and how to be better, and this show exploits that teaching. Atla has and always will be number 1 in my book. The chakra practice literally helped me through dark times and ive shared it to others who got help from it as well
This one... hits pretty darn close to home for me. Last year, I had to wrestle a lot with my marriage, trying to hold onto it. I'd waited until I was in my thirties to get married, and I fully intended to stick with it for the long haul, and I had enough stubbornness to stick with it. But, as the years went on, it became clearer and clearer that the woman I married was actually making it harder for me to be my best self, and was doing a lot to tear me down for... fundamentally who I was. So, I had to... let go of that earthly bond, and since we've stopped trying to make this work as a marriage, I've been able to take that step back and look at things from a higher perspective, and... it's done a lot to help me just... see the situation from another point of view. Not that we're still good for each other after all, but being calmly honest with myself about how we were never the right match in the first place. I'm not really angry at her anymore, despite the way she tried to tear me apart, but... I'm sorry for what led her to that point in life... and I know that it isn't my place to save her from where she is. I'm not really rushing to get another romantic relationship underway, more just... focused on my own peace. If I meet someone who contributes to my peace, great, if not... I will still have my peace.
That forced kiss moment was incredibly bold from the writers and also far, far more grounded in realism than most shows will chance to attempt. I'm a firm believer that most of the issues people face when navigating relationships stem from expectations set by media, movies, books, etc. Even I didn't fully appreciate it until years later and I was well into my 20s watching the show as it came out episode by episode.
I agree. Katara's reaction was a lot more real than most media would portray. She does have feelings for Aang, but she is also confused and unsure. and being practical she is trying to wrangle with the idea that she might lose Aang as he does his duty to save everyone including herself. I wonder what it would be like for Katara to meditate with the Guru. Even a couple of years differenc in children translates to almost a generation gap equivalence of "wisdom".
You are an OG my guy! I didn't think the show could get any deeper and what a valuable distinction. I think a part of why it goes unnoticed is because he says, "Sorry Katara" before then going into the avatar state. Obviously he "let her go", but saying "sorry" makes it seem like a negative act still, and its never really explained further than that. They of course do still fall in love and his feelings are ultimately unchanged, but its such a nuanced and subtle distinction. Your logic is good, your brain is wise, well explained. 10/10
Aang's journey with (what is practically) buddhism parrels many of our own and why many people dont connect with buddhism. Buddhism is not about giving up (things) it is about not giving into things. Great video have a wonderful day!
A subtle point that you explained really well. I remember being impressed that the creators had understood this when I watched it the first time around
After watching the episode I've felt that Aang didn't understand guru's words about 7th chakra, though I didn't understand them either. But it seems logical that entering the relationship because of fear staying alone won't lead to anything good. Same with attaching yourself with many other things.
"entering the relationship because of fear staying alone" . all it takes is a quick look through youtube to see how so many people are in this situation and don't realize how bad it is.
Powerful episode. And I understood EXACTLY what the Guru was telling Aang. To let go of any expectations to receive the love you believe you need and deserve from Katara. Such an amazingly wonderful, entertaining and intelligent show. I love it so much it’s been my profile picture for many years.💛
In that way, I see Guru Pathik's lesson as basically stoicism. Like the philosophy that frees us from all unnecessary emotion by not letting ourselves worry over things that we can't control.
yeah I find many connections between stoicism and the wisdom that comes from the Vedas (the ancient indian texts). thanks for watching- appreciate you sharing your thoughts too!
Great analysis. I am not precisely a frequent meditator, I do meditate but most of my spiritual practice is based on self-reflection and I think the teachings of this Avatar episode aren't a lightly put. How you explain the teachings in the video reminds me of a teaching "You shouldn't be at war with yourself" Letting go of attachments doesn't mean you have to fight your desires, but rather acknowledge them and not make everything revolve around them. Thanks for the video ❤
I absolutely loved this episode when I saw it as a kid, i must have been about 11 or 12 when it first came out. It really resonated with me. It was my first introduction into eastern philosophy (until I discovered Alan Watts)
I had a super goofy grin the moment you referenced what Jesus said in Matthew, because I was thinking and realized nearly the same perspective when you did. It’s what my current Bible study group on Discord is doing as we work through the beginning of the Bible and trying to do so all the way through to the end
haha that's awesome! I love when videos bring a goofy grin to my face and I'm glad this video did that for you. All the best with your group. Thanks for watching!
thank you so much for making this video, this exact situation has been plaguing my mind for months now, and i had it in my head that 'forgeting' or 'getting over' someone would leave me with lack and i would regret it for the rest of my life. this has truly helped me thank you.
I have a question, because I actually did manage to experience a state of letting go. For several days I was feeling an inner peace that was immovable by any circumstance. I had let go of everything and thus I was able to place no entitlement upon any aspect of my life. It was an incredible state of being that I could not conceive before it happened. However, by accepting things as they were, I became unable to truly want something. I would still go around and do everything I did before, such as small shopping trips and working out at the time, but without any internal need for said thing. Before this I needed to work out to feel good, needed to achieve to feel accomplished. But now there was no need to feel good or bad and this strange but commonplace addiction was gone. I could stand still indefinitely if I put myself to it without difficulty or resistance and all my fears were completely gone. But, eventually, I exited the state by reattaching to the world, since there was nothing to keep me from doing so. I achieved it again once through meditation and it's wisdom is still here with me, but I wonder, does leaving all attachment mean abandoning all my dreams to perish? Aang here was supposed to let go of Katarra but still love her and if possible be with her, not completely leave her.
Stuff like this helped me with my anxiety. Learning to let go of my need to control everything in my life and to have confidence in my ability to deal with change.
I grew up with Avatar, and it was exactly, why I loved it! Every Sunday, a new episode would air on Nickelodeon, and no matter how busy we were, both my parents, my brother and I would wait patiently to watch it and never miss it! It is honestly my favorite show of all time and I think about it daily. I'm a very spiritual person and I know that Avatar has guided me through life from a very early age. I was 9 years old when it first aired in Germany. My father died in July this year, and we were all very connected, especially spiritually. I still cherish the memories of all of us watching the show together and being excited about it to this day. It is more than just a show for me. It defined me. ❤
Don't let your attachments hold you back and poison your mind. Had Aang let go of Katara, he would have mastered the Avatar state immediately and Katara would still be alive for him to rescue. (He was seconds away from unlocking the 7th chakra)
This video better blow up because this is exactly what I was thinking as well is the guru is not telling him that he can’t ever have her and that he can’t love her he just needs to be able to put aside his feelings and do what’s right for the world at the moment because right now the world needs him and once that dealt with then maybe things can be different
Thank you Sir Chaos! I knew there must be some others who felt the same out there. I'm glad you survived your 12 months in hell, and I wish you the best of luck to you on your creative endeavors.
@@moviemeditations thanks. I haven’t updated that in awhile it was really 4 years. But if you’d like to help in my endeavors I’d like to help you out as well. Cause that was quite enlightening that video. It’s nice to know others knew what he meant.
@@moviemeditationssame here. I want to one day use my music to remind people that they cannot promote bad things like drugs and such and not face the consequences
Yep, I already understood that lesson both for the series and my own life. Of course however, understanding it is the easy part. Doing it is where things get tricky. But yes, lots and lots of practice over time. Or as I like to tell people "when you practice, you will suck a little less each day". The reason I phrase it like that, is with most people I've noticed that if it is framed as "keep practicing to get better" while at the same time the person has a lot of self doubt and self image issues, this can come across in their minds as if you are saying "go climb that impossible mountain that is totally out of your reach, just go do these impossible things, somehow by magic!" ... but when you say "suck a little less each day" their minds are like "you know, that actually seems extremely possible for me to do, and to keep doing!".
Were people really confused about this? Is it really that controversial? I just thought that was basic people would just get it because he explained it so easily. But I guess there’s a lot of people are having trouble. You did a really good job at explaining it.
Great point K Reyes. From my perspective, yes there was some confusing in the online community an avatar fandom on this. Maybe I spiced it up a little bit more for the video, but I'll let you be the judge of that. 😉 Thanks for your comment.
Given that, as you pointed, chacra and hindu spiritualism was never really seen on tv on a majority christian country, I think the showemiscomunicated this one last point for the sake of drama (aang running to save katara when the stakes never had been so high until then). And since nobody had the full context (ie. Not being from easter spirituality), it felt off The Iroh talk didn't helped much since, as you pointed, it gave the impression iroh uas opposing pathik heachings (and iroh is yet another "spiritual wisdom" voice of this show) If they prolongued Iroh's talk a bit just to clarify what you said on your video, then, the delayed lesson would be clear to everyone.
I'm so grateful for this observation/ explanation. I've been an adamant fan of the show since I first saw it as a kid. I'm now in my 30s and it's still my favorite show and even brings me peace to sit and watch. Anywho. The Guru Patik episodes always bring a since of calm and awe to me whenever I re watch. Except for the last one which always confused me and makes me so sad for Aang and Katara. I always felt like I was missing something. Like there had to be another answer. And this video has really enlightened (for lack of a better word lol) me on what else the episode could have meant. Thanks😊
Aang was a child. He was wise well beyond his years thanks to the connection to other avatars and his relationship with Kiatso, and of course being an Air Nomad, but he is still young. Life can be very difficult to navigate for ADULTS, much less a brand new teenager with the entire world on his shoulders. Him not understanding the final lesson was inevitable.
This concept of letting go of attachments is one found in Taoism, Stoicism, and many other religions/philosophies, and you are correct, it has always been a point of confusion. I think you did a really good job concisely describing this concept.
The message I got from this video is: 'Don't try to control every aspect of your life, don't micromanage everything. Don't be afraid to let things play out every now and then. Focus on your development, be kind, open en humble and things will fall into place in time.' It also seems that many if not all religious beliefs in the world have been trying to preach this to us in their own words, however misinterpretation has gotten in the way and caused so much confusion. I often catch myself trying to be in control of certain aspects of life too, so this is a very good reminder to not hold on so tightly and let things fare a lbit more often. Thanks, Movie Meditations
Really appreciate your reference to the book of Matthew! Honestly helped me make more sense of this idea as someone who’s fairly well-versed in Gospel.
I recognize many of these aspects, and yet.. ok "let you know" I meditate as a form of anxiety control. I don't panic outwardly, I'm amazing in a crisis. My long efforts with depression and this arguably new thing. I meditate at. Breathe, be present, let thoughts come and go validated and assessed then back to present. I have that control. The world around me though? the enlightenment I have? It CLASHES so hard in to many ways. I'm either a genius and welcomed stranger for my words of support, or.... my efforts are intrusive, naïve, or not in line with the "culture" of how it all "works." Me "fervor" and "lacking" remains because I have had the trauma time and again of the opposite of love and acceptance. I've had enough times I know I'm right. I know I get this video. I know I get it because at one time I'd balk at the scripture reference. so " how How How!?" I thought would have more answer... and I only have to ask instead.. how can I "guru" to so many people ( and I do have love and support) but my daily life is more isolated, it meets my survival needs, the bare minimum. i'm content... how HOW do I truly let go of the feelings of anxiety, or desperation to fit in(fervor) to not be alone? That is from content wise understanding wise hermit.... to happy, to have the "things" for lack of a better word that, that about living. Not just surviving but living and thriving. All I can think is I AM still lacking, brave enough to other good works? discipline to battle my demons better? or just.. letting go of the hurt and care I have for what others think of me, to embrace being alone in of itself truly. I know I'm missing something.. but it's not that I don't get loving someone is YOUR self expression it is not real love or good spirit to give it any more meaning than that. Just love people and things you do, be passionate, be open to what comes back instead of trying to grab and own.
As incredible as it may seem, this video was recommended in my recommended tab, at a time when I need it most, I will explain the context. In the last few months I've been building a relationship with an incredible person, but we don't have anything serious yet, but it's remarkable how little by little we're leaving a friendship and entering into a relationship, but the closer we get, the more anxious and insecure I get, all this with fear of losing him, to the point of becoming paranoid, because of that I couldn't move forward with my life. This video couldn't have been better timed... I'm grateful for the new knowledge, and I already intend to apply it as soon as possible.
I initially replaced Katara with my son when i saw this episode a few years ago and thought "well, I'll never be enlightened", but soon realized what this video is saying
When he was meditating to unluck the 7th chakra, his hightened state foresaw that katara was in danger. She even said, "let me go". It was a sign already givin to him
The part that dosent make sense in ATLA is that when he's fighting azula in the finale, he goes into a crytal shelter and meditates and enters the state implying that he was able to let go of katara in that moment. That dosetn make sense because if seeing her in danger made him abandon the chakras, then having her be in danger right next to him should absolutely prevent him from doing it. What should have happened, is that he fails to let go of her, and instead enters a rage triggered avatar state. His lack of control and awareness in this state is how Azula was abe to get him with the lightning.
The point waa he was able to let her go while in danger. He was thinking the need of the world over the need of love. He detached himself from Katara in that moment. Which is to say he overcame some difficult mental stuff to go into the avatar state. He "figured it out" but really he didnt. You see after he was saved and awoke on the ship he is mentally conflicated in a different way than before.
Thank you, this is beautiful. This explanation has helped with something I'm going through. Don't let go of love but let go of that feeling that it has to be a particular person or else it's over
![Iroh's Wisdom - Choosing Humility over Pride (Avatar: The Last Airbender) [Iroh's Philosophy]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GLVSRhmy-5M/mqdefault.jpg)
This video is gonna blow up.
Thank you Sir Tohawk, regardless if that happens or not, I appreciate you watching and your comment of encouragement. And your profile pic is savage.
Hopefully
@@moviemeditationsyou're getting there, trust
it kinda did! i've never seen this channel before, but I saw THIS.
Let's gooo😊
The answer for this was in Iroh the whole time, who is clearly one of the most enlightened characters in the show. Iroh loves Zuko, he will do anything for Zuko, and will do all in his reach to teach and guide him. He even fears and worries that Zuko may take a darker path and follow in his father's footsteps. That said, Iroh won't forcefully control Zuko. He will let Zuko choose his path, good or bad, and reach his own answers. That is the "letting go" they mention.
This show is so freaking genius
Yes, wonderful insight, thanks for watching!
Stellar observation. Chock up yet another reason why ATLA is one of the all-time best sagas ever told in human literature in any medium.
Naw cuz he would have to let everything go including zuko
@ItsSKthestupidrapper You clearly still don't understand based on that statement. Some introspective time and work can help you.
The lesson I've always felt is that... you can be connected... but not ATTACHED.
To hold on to something or someone is to be attached to it and the fear of it's loss. Loss is part of Reality. Doesn't mean to not be sad when you loose, but to learn to be ok with loosing, and to be ok with being sad.
yes great distinction! Thanks for watching Jose!
Brotherly
I think a better word in English is 'obsession' rather than 'attachment'. Attachment means much the same as connection, but what they're talking about is the fixation or fascination - the difference between 'I want to be with this person' and 'I need to be with this person or I'm going to be miserable'.
I first saw this episode as a 37-year old man. I had already taken my journey of meditation and everything guru Patik said was in alignment with what I had discovered. Feeling such a deep connection and validation from a cartoon gave me hope in humanity again.
that's beautiful, thanks for sharing Archie!
I always wanted to go to the avatar state and have aangs staff. When I started awakening spiritually and found out about the atrial realm, I immediately thought of this show. I WAS SO EXITED. Im pretty sure our higher selves look exactly like aanngs bigger cosmic self, except it's white see through
Divine messages come from all channels both subtle and explicit.
Amazing realizations friend 😊
Weird shit but, meditation, emptying my mind allowed or caused me to hear voices of living people I know personally and they're just describing the surrounding from a bird's eye view. It stops when I give attention to it...
Also I can enduce sleep paralysis on myself.
@@GenJuhruHow are you able to end your sleep paralysis while it's ongoing?
And do the voices of those you know persist in speaking while you're around those people in-person?
I've always understood it in a similar way to how I understand the Jedi teachings of casting off attachments. It's not that we can't have emotions and desires a feelings towards others; but that when these become controlling influences and imperatives, that they cause blockages, pain, "lead to the Dark Side", whatever.
In Avatar:TLA, that part of the story arc concluded when Aang realised that in order to save Katara, and the others, he has to be okay with possibly losing Katara through his actions. That's the point where he finally opens his last chakra and takes control of his Avatar state. He still loves her, but (as the video points out) he sees that he cannot cling to her or be guided solely by that desire, otherwise he will never be in control of himself. It's that moment that completes the explanation in Avatar:TLA started by Guru Pathik. Aang has to realise its truth for himself.
thanks for watching and thank you for sharing your insight- greatly appreciate it!
This might sound weird but I also learned that if you're doing a spiritual journey, at one point you're by yourself. everyone is on a different path and experiences enlightenment differently but for the most part it's solo. At least that's what I've come to understand. That's why the monk is isolated.
@@courtneycherry5582I believe only for a short time. The time it takes for you to solidify your journey and path. I think modern times call for a more modern approach. From the beginning of my journey, I always questioned how we would be of service secluded in a monastery or a cave? We are no longer in the times of the few reaching the "Avatar State".
"Love doesn't lead to the Dark Side. Passion can lead to rage and fear, and can be controlled... but passion is not the same thing as love. Controlling your passions while being in love... that's what they should teach you to beware. But love itself will save you... not condemn you."
―Jolee Bindo
I’m not in the starwars fandom but that’s what I always picked up from the Jedi - they fell because they got confused the same way we did when we watched this episode. They thought you had to eliminate emotion and attachment, when really you had to eliminate the need for control - control over the situation, over your future, over your emotions. Center yourself, live in the moment, live with love, and be kind are the real answers that were forgotten
This topic was discussed very deeply in the book "Think Like a Monk".
It was one of the best book I read.
The basic idea is to not go of the people you like but to let go of the fear of loosing them.
For example-- Loving parents or partner or siblings are one thing, but you have to understand that they are not permanent and will not be together always. So we need to let go of the attachment and to save this feeling of loosing to love and care for them more.
beautifully said, thanks for watching!
Detachment is "clearly seeing and having all things by not being emotionally attached to any one thing."
This goes for more than just relationships.
It probably won't shock you that it's a core attribute in what my martial art system calls Warriorship.
It's a principle for not inflicting force. It's a method for a warrior to navigate a peaceful garden and keep the crops growing while preparing for the harvest.
It's not clear that being detached is always good in all situations... but in fact it's a very effective tool in warfare. You can transform your detachment to maintain a healthy mindset and harmonious lifestyle in any environment. Take control of your ego and what compels you--this is the opposite of insecurity.
@@sei.tsukinoyknow people call me a sociopath for saying people aren't permanent fixtures in our lives. i feel very validated by this
i just practice nihilism
@@TrenchCoatDingo that's not a practice
That's like saying, "I frequently throw away my moral values and good judgment."
It's almost like openly stating that you are an arsonist...
As a Buddhist and frequent meditator, I was surprised you correlated the chakras and meditation through a Christian lens. You did it very well from an unbiased scope. Excellent video! Earned my sub
There was a movie called Man From Earth, about a man who never died.
Most of the movie takes place in a single room as this man discusses this with a few others.
In the movie he claims that he was the inspiration for the Jesus story, that he was a disciple of Buddah trying to spread those teachings.
Contrary to popular opinion, the concept of chakras and meditation are not mutually exclusive to Christ. He has given us the tools to heal and understand ourselves through Him.
Genesis 32:30 says, “Jacob called the name of the place Pineal, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’”
Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34 both say, “The lamp of the body is the eye. If thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light. If thine eye be evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness.”
Jerusalem is also technically located in Asia. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that “Eastern philosophy” and Christianity may have coexisted in the same time period
@Pr0fess0rSasquatch Those passages are very interesting and I wasn't familiar, thank you for sharing! The overlap is very prominent in Jewish faith but obviously that then overlaps with and influenced Christianity too. You may be interested in reading "The Lotus and the Jew," great book covering a very early interaction between Rabbis and Buddhism. I do love me some historical interfaith religious study haha
@@Pr0fess0rSasquatch Peniel, not Pineal. Peniel means "Face of God". The pineal gland, which is supposed to be the third eye or sixth chakra, is named that way because it looks like a pine nut. No link between Peniel and pineal.
@@Xerxes2005 it would seem so at first glance, but if we dig a little deeper there are actually some pretty significant connections between the two. First, most proper nouns in the Bible are transliterated, not necessarily translated. Meaning most English spellings are an approximation of what the word sort of sounded like. Peniel is also seen in the Bible (depending on the version you read) as Penuel and Pineal, they are all referencing the same place. Second, both Peniel in the Bible and the pineal gland are referred to as “the seat of the soul”. Third and most telling, the Kabbalah teaches of an organ at the center of the brain, containing the “liquid of life” or “sacred water”, known as the Peniel. Also note the plethora of pine cone iconography throughout the Vatican and Christian / Hebrew works of art
“if you truly love something, let it go, if it doesn’t come back, it was never truly yours”
If you love something, let it go. If it comes back, no one else wanted it. Let it go again.
I’ve always tried to convince people of this interpretation. When unlocking the light chakra, Pathik explains that the greatest illusion in the world is that of separation. Aang puts this together and comes to the realization that “we are all connected.” When discarding the illusions that divide us we can see that everything in the world is in essence one. How then, can someone who truly understands this, have an emotional attachment to another? Attachment is something that binds two different things together. In order to actualize, one must recognize that their earthly attachments are simply part of the illusion that separates them from the cosmic experience.
thank you for watching and thank you for your in depth insight- appreciate it!
@@user-rr4fr8pf3jearthly attachment separates us spiritually. You shouldn't fear loosing s.o. physically, if you're already spiritually one and the same.
We are so blessed to have watched this on Tv when we were younger. Blessed. I KNOW yall remember the night when this first aired on tv and watched Aang vs fire lord fight. It was freaking amazing
couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching and sharing!
So glad someone’s finally gone deeper into this! The teachings of the chakras are all bittersweet, but they’re all for a reason. Letting Katara go was never meant to mean “forget she exists and ignore that she’s in danger,” but instead to know your reason for living. You are taught to accept loss, love, sadness, and guilt, but none of these things should become so burdensome they control you.
Every avatar before Aang had lives, loved ones, and losses, none of them became uncaring hermits.
thanks for watching and for sharing your wise words!
It's portrayed as having the Anahata and Sahasrara at war with one another, with the one keeping Aang bound to the world, and the other allowing him to access his Moksha. The thing is, though, even if you released the Sahasrara, it doesn't mean the Anahata stops existing or is any less important. LOVE is important, but knowing how not to cling is just as important. It's CLINGING that locks the seventh Chakra, not LOVE. Those are two different things. And really, the fullest love steps back in order to allow the other person full autonomy, full personhood. Viewing Katara as a thing to complete him, rather than as her own person, is Aang's clinging in this sense, so to actually love her FULLY, he has to stop doing that.
I really needed this comment right now
Can't keep water in your hand by clenching a fist.
Just found your channel man. All I can say is thankyou. It came in season.
This the best interpretation I have seen for such concept of Letting Go and Fulfilling One Self
thank you for watching and for your uplifting comment!!
The fear of losing someone can cloud one's mind. If Aang truly wanted to save Katara and have a relationship with her, he could not give in to that fear. He had to accept the reality that this could come to pass, if he were to take any real and conscious action to prevent it.
wonderfully said! Thanks for watching and for sharing your words🙌
I think an important lesson also is, that the Guru, for all his wisdom, failed to communicate the intent of the lesson. We can not blame Aang or the audience for not understanding what was not communicated adequately. We also can not blame the Guru, since we all fail to communicate nuance to someone we do not know the nuances of.
Also the script called for him to be misunderstood so there is that too. : P
I've been meditating daily for over 10 years but it wasn't until I watched Avatar TLA and really focused on Guru Patik's message about how are chakras are like life. Sometimes they get messy and blocked and you have to clean them. I still have some blocks because there are still things I can't quite let go of. But that's the journey. Blessed Be.
I remember watching this episode as a 8 or 9 year old and suddenly gaining conciousness of the connection between Body and Mind, Spirit and Nature and the fact that I have the power of self actualization. Truly one of the most valuable TV Experiences I´ve had. Great Video, love your perspective on this! Even years later there is so much wisdom in this show.
Santino, I couldn't agree more- truly a special TV experience. I really appreciate you watching and sharing this beautiful story from your childhood.
I was around same age when I watched it and my mother watched it alongside me cause well it was a great show she loved it too so in this episode she actually gave me some context and explanations of what the guru was talking about since these lessons are taken from real life spiritual teachings and she knew a lot about em which was a really eye opening and thoughtful experience for me
This explains Katara and his feeling. Which I always understood. The aspect of the chakras that I felt was contradictory was in the finaly.
Aang is having his existential crisis about killing the fire lord and talks to four of his past lives. My issue is when he gets to Yangchen. Another airbender and shares a similar spirtual nature. She flat out tells him the Avatar can never achieve true enlightenment by letting go of worldly things, purely because the Avatars duty is to the world itself.
The seventh chakra is understanding what binds you to the world and learning to let go. Again, if that thing is a person or object it makes sence. But if the thing binding you to the world is the world itself, how can the Avatar open the seventh chakra?
I think this goes back to what Toph was teaching Aang, he constantly thinks like an Airbender. Ironic, isn't it? The Heart Chakra is also the air chakra, so as an Airbender aangs was probably naturally overactive
There are some advance spiritual wisdom that you guys will encounter deeper in the journey.
This realization starts as a moment of awareness then a skill that gets sharpened then a direct experience and then finally a way of being.
You will have the ability to hold two truths at the same time and then that also changes and expands.
The best example and analogy is the “ying and yang” symbol. It might look simple yet the wisdom that can be gleam from truly connecting deeply with this symbol is profound.
Good luck on your journeys friends 😊.
If I'm not mistaken, Yangchen lived in a time full of conflicts and she focused too much on her duties to the world as the Avatar. While she did create peace that lasted an entire generation after she died, she also ended up causing a spiritual umbalance in the world that Avatar Kuruk had to solve. With that in mind, I think the advice she gives Aang is clouded by her perspective of the world.
@@barroslucascthat’s why each avatar comes to a point when they no longer need assistance from a previous life because they cannot form new opinions for the current state of the world the present avatar is in. They can give their best advice on situations but it’s from their perspective’s only
well the avatar would have to realize they cant actually protect the whole world on his own. he should do what he can and understand that whatever is within his power his effort is enough. the weight of the world should not be on his shoulders even if everyone thinks this way
Opening the crown requires open mind and heart. Attachments are not the same as having relationships and connections. Its about neither clinging or being adverse to anything which arises to be able to channel that vast spectrum of energy without distortion or resistance. In our clinging and aversion to what is we constrict around how we have identified with our thoughts or fears based in seperation.
In Aangs attachment to Katara he misidentifies himself with the conditions or outcome of his relationship to her. When in reality to ascend to that level he would in fact include and transcend his affection and desire for her. There is a subtle posessiveness that comes when you cling like that, that actually obstructs the development of such a relationship.
beautifully said! thanks for watching and sharing your insight
I think the issue is that the way the Guru and things like Star Wars frame these ideologies isn’t stated very clearly.
Like what Aang said, “Three chakras ago, my attachments were a good thing.”
And instead of trying to explain the nuance of things, the Guru, in more polite terms, tells Aang, “Shut up and do what I say!”
The Guru and the Jedi make it sound like they’re telling their students to abandon all feelings of attachment and love entirely and just expect people to get what they actually mean without further elaboration.
yeah good point. I'd be curious to know how much of the ambiguity the writers purposefully left in for dramatic storytelling purposes or otherwise. Thanks for watching!
@@moviemeditations If anything it might have been purposefully done to make aang relatable to a western audience. Western culture especially in modern media tends to couple together love and attachment. In my experience when people learn about similar ideas the guru was teaching about here a lot of people fall in to that same trap aang did.
Not to mention words like Desire, attachment and suffering are the english translation of these terms used in eastern philosophy/religion and sometimes when translating into English lots of the nuances gets lost as english (or any language really) has certain weaknesses when conveying certain ideas especially ones from cultures far removed from the places english originated from. Like in vedic traditions the use of the english word "suffering" tends to be used for the sanskrit word Duḥkha but suffering is too strong a word in English to accurately describe Duḥkha IMO, "dissatisfaction" to me is a better word to me in order to encompass the nuances within a single english term.
and this is exactly how the emotionally unstable sleep deprived anakin interprets it. unfortunately, fans of both franchises and particularly star wars like to view these takes as wrong, possibly due to a lack of understanding of eastern/buddhist theology.
Except most Jedi do believe in completely getting rid of emotion. Well prior to the Disney takeover anyway.
@@TheMrPeteChannel That depends largely on the era of the Jedi, in regards to the Legends continuity anyways.
Awesome video! I was actually learning a lot about chakras from that episode and got the same conclusion as you, it's not letting go as never seeing them again or not feeling love, it's letting go of the conditions one puts on themselves and then seeks believing it's their only way to achieve happiness.
Very intelligent and wise and mature show
Yes! Beautifully stated - and agreed, such a wise and mature show. Thanks for watching and sharing!
I rewatched that episode about a dozen times when I was going through my depression.
I believe the final chakra has to deal with the idea of letting things go in the moment.
Whatever you lack in the present moment will cause you anxiety.
Be at peace with having nothing, including all of the other chakras, and you will be truly at peace and fully in control, nothing can manipulate or control you.
Although this should only be used to sparingly because the philosophy is about becoming at peace, and should only be used if the other purifying methods for the other chakras are not enough, because the idea of letting go and being peace with everything is the idea of being on your deathbed.
It’s literally calling for content with whatever happens, and the state of things regardless of hope, desire or wishes.
I was confused once I read 'deathbed' ... Will you please elaborate your explanation?
@@vegastrina I think they meant that it’s like making peace with your life in a way that you would when you die
@@elokin300 Ok. Thx!
@@vegastrina to be truly at peace with being able to let go of everything is something that someone on their deathbed either has or hopes to achieve.
You aren't going to live any longer so you have to be able to be at peace with letting go of all the things in your life.
PS: it's also a philosophy that a soldier can develop when they know there's a high chance of death or know that they are about to die.
The Guru has been one of the most important pieces of media in my life. I was a teen when this came out, but I immediately explored these concepts. Our minds find it difficult to understand the distinction between letting go of these needs, and letting go of what we love. Letting go of the feelings of lack is a fantastic way of wording this spiritual concept. Great Video! Thank you!
Thanks Ozzy! I feel the same way. Appreciate your kind words
To me I think this is very simple, if you truly love someone you should be also open to them not loving you back and being able to let them go. In the show they end up together but could Ang really be the Avatar of katara didn't feel the same way and he wasn't able to accept that..
"if you truly love someone you should be also open to them not loving you back" I agree, beautifully said Clayon. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Far too close to the "whoever cares the least wins" idea of romance I've encountered far too often. If you don't care, you should stick with not caring and not be involved in another person's life.
I'm glad this video found me! Happy to continue seeing what you put out!
The irony is that spiritual people are obsessed about being spiritual
This video just opened up by "accident" after restarting my phone, and just precisely answered the question I've been seeking answer for. Thank you. it's hard to let go of the attachment when you love someone.
This is a great video! I was kinda confused myself but then I took it as more removing "possessiveness". Buddhism as far as I know teaches in separating yourself from worldly possessions and rather than interpreting it as giving up all possessions, it's more giving up the feeling and need to have, want and seek.
You can have a chair, a bed, a house, computer and have a partner, but the need to attain and keep it can be a disruptive emotion that can keep you from truly being yourself. The jealousness, greed and fixation on these objects or even people isn't healthy, but having them around can still be.
It's also usually a good love (or even friendship) advice, finding a partner and you yourself both not actively pursuing to keep eachother in a relationship, more often I've read it leads to a stable one with better trust which I can believe. A jealous and possessive one can lead to pushing your partner away or also be a sign that just as much as they might want you, they may easily discard you for another due to their greed for love and possession. It feels very contradicting to say you should not try to keep your partner, but you can still show genuine love, companionship and express gratitude for them being in your life without needing to mix in the feeling that they must always be around or your world crumbles.
I think that's generally what people have a trouble separating, emotions and actions, passive love and needy love. Often it seems people think these concept contradict eachother but I feel it's an over simplification to how complex and intertwined our ways of thinking and emotions can be, especially bad ones inside good ones.
I saw this as a kid. I did my best to move mountains for the ones I love, only to lose them tragically. I’m 33 now and have nothing holding me in this plane of existence… just memories of my childhood, wife and mother. I pray feverishly to feel that type of love again, but deep down I know that stage in my life is gone. I’m heartbroken, but I just keep looking at the past with no regard for the future of myself. I made peace with the feeling, but I still question why do I deserve to be so hurt and lonely… I try not to question God, but I fall short from time to time. I’m just so hurt. I’m not looking for attention, this just feels great to put out of my mind just for a little bit.
I can relate to what you're saying. Am 34 and lost father, mother and my nephew who I brought up like my own son. I feel the same way too. It's not easy. But I am also sure I will find a way out and a part of me looks forward to the journey. Good luck on your journey!
This idea is a major theme in the Bhagavad-gita (the "Bible" of sanatana-dharma, a.k.a. "Hinduism"): Krsna (God) teaches Arjuna (Krsna's friend and devotee and a warrior by occupation) that one must be fully engaged in one's worldly occupation (dharma) while remaining internally detached from outcomes. Arjuna was a householder, and in order to realize his nature as an atma (an eternal spark of consciousness) Krsna did not tell him to give up his family and his duties as a warrior, rather he taught Arjuna how to perceive those things in such a way that they would become part of the path of spiritual realization rather than obstacles to realization.
Yes, great point! I almost when 5 different directions with this one and was going to go into some Bhagavad Gita, but decided a different direction. Might revisit this similar topic in a different way. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!
When it comes to relationships, there are three people in the same person: 1) The person who you think they are, 2) the person who they really are, and 3) the person who they can become, if they put in the effort.
You may see someone and create what you think they are, and what they could be, and fall for that person. But, in reality that person is only an idea and is not real. You need to give up that ideal person, and appreciate who they are now, that is part of letting go. Love people for who they are now, and you can also help them to become better. Everyone can be better.
There's an old story my father once told me...
There was once a monk, living in a monestary near a small village. One day, one of the villagers came to the monestary with a baby, claiming that his daughter was impregnated by the monk, and demanding that the monk take resposibility for the child. The monk agreed to raise the child and love it with all of his heart, even though he knew it was not his.
Years pass and the mother of the child eventually returns to the monestary to reclaim the child, confessing that she lied to her father about who the child belonged to, in order to protect the boy she was secretly in love with. Now, her father had passed away, and she was free to be with her true love, and wanted their child back.
The monk agreed to return the child to her without any question, even though he had raised the child and loved the child as if it were his own, for so many years.
This is a lesson about attachment. You can love something with all of your heart, and still let it go.
The monk must've been a shitty parent to send his child away with a random stranger who the only thing they knew about them was that they were a liar. A decent parent would have been at least a little invested in whether that child was going to be okay wherever it was being sent.
@@YouthRightsRadical
The lesson is about the nature of detachment.
@@MrNisse-ef9by I am aware of what lesson we were supposed to take away from it. That doesn't change the fact that being a parent is a responsibility that the monk in the story was utterly failing to live up to. This reads very much as the monk putting his own enlightenment ahead of his responsibilities to others, rather like Yanchen was warning Aang about.
@@YouthRightsRadical
So you ignored the part of the story, where the monk loves the child with all his heart, all so you could highlight the importance of maintaining attachments, in a story about the nature of detachment?
Sounds like you didn't understand the lesson at all.
@@MrNisse-ef9by I don't think he's got the same definition of love I do.
"katara is a skilled waterbender." Katara literally can't even bend on purpose at that point lmfao
Finally someone else got it too. Another one of my favorite examples of this is in the episode Bato of the Water Tribe.
YES! Great point- I could've totally used that one as an example too. Thanks for watching
Uncle Iroh was always giving us lessons
Buddhism talks about how romantic love is generally seen as detrimental to spiritual growth since it's so rooted in attachment and desire.
Thank you for addressing this.
There's a guru named sri nisargadatta maharaj he said that once you shift your mind of what you were taught,love desire and fear into silence the self is free I think Zaheer and guru patiki are the only ones that truly understood this
interesting, interesting- thanks for watching!
"let go your earthly tether....."
A fantastic video! You've accurately depicted this aspect of the Avatar's journey I feel. This has always been a favorite of mine. A wonderful show and far better the most that have been made. The break down of Aang's pain and struggle as well as his success was spot on.
thanks for the uplifting words my friend! Glad you enjoyed the video
For anyone who felt blindsided by this feeling like a religious sermon near the end, this "kingdom of God" line is more of a metaphor for understanding and moving forward. This can apply regardless of what faith you have, or even if you lack or reject faith. Bettering your inner self is something anyone is capable of.
Of course, if you open your mind to the heavens and the heavens find what's in there to be offensive you're going to get nailed with some hefty littering fines.
I think, in fact I know. People are opening the seventh gate. Then being immediatly thrown back out.
Then there's the pocket domain that houses a false mock-up of the divine to get lost in. Which is where most people end up drifting unawares they've become cattle for the cultivation of pure energy.
Jesus Saves.
@@GnohmPolaeon.B.OniShartz Makes perfect sense to me.
I completely understand what you guys are saying, attachments aren't inherently a bad thing, on the contrary, they do us a lot of good, but attachments which prevent us from reaching our full potential, or even sometimes just do the right thing. We have a problem and I think we need to find what our healthy attachments look like so that we can live a happy and more fulfilling life
💖🤗😇
The way you explained this actually made me think of Cloud Atlas, specifically the conversation between the Archivist and Sonmi 451 before her execution.
"Archivist:
The report said Commander Chang was killed in the assault.
Sonmi-451:
That is correct.
Archivist:
Would you say that you loved him?
Sonmi-451:
Yes, I do.
Archivist:
Do you mean, you are still, in love with him?
Sonmi-451:
I mean, that I will always be..."
Wow! So cool that you referenced Cloud Atlas, that's the video I did on this channel right before this one. I focused on a really narrow lens, but I might have to revisit it in the future. Thanks for watching and for sharing this comment.
It makes sense that there was a fundamental misunderstanding if you consider that the guru had long since forgone his attachments and most likely forgotten how deep of a hold earthly attachments can have. If it was more recent he would have known this particular chakra needed a softer explanation and not speak as of it were so rigid and anti-desire. I think desire is the core of our identity and in fact the most important. Imbalance stems from the lack of fulfilling desires. In order to satiate all forms of desire one needs to allocate an appropriate amount of effort into each. We are many faceted creatures with an equal amount of nuanced wants and needs, obsession diverts from others and disconnecting entirely blocks off others. Balance is key, and should have been the main point all throughout the guidance. The guru definitely stumbled on the phrasing of the last chakra and inadvertently permanently blocked it for aang.
I've been thinking about religion in a similar way for 4 or 5 years, and this is what I have learned:
There is an idea that spiritual attainment can free us from suffering, which we understand as being an improvement in happiness, in our relationships, and in our circumstances and abilities.
In meditation, there can be moments of true peace - but ultimately, meditation is just like everything else - it's a simple exercise done to achieve a desired goal. In this case, that goal is an expanded consciousness, but to be honest, an expanded consciousness is nothing special, or at least not more special than an expanded plot of land, or expanded musculature, or any other earthly goal. An expanded consciousness doesn't guarantee you anything like a good relationship, for example.
God (fortunately, beautifully) cannot be captured or controlled by any techniques or tricks. So I recommend doing meditation for the same reason anyone should do anything - because it's fun.
I've been watching this show since I was 5 years old and it has shaped my life in so many different ways. BEST SHOW EVER!!
This is an amazing take, well thought out and I love it! Well done! 🎉
Daniel your comment is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing video! Such a powerful and positive message! Cant wait to see the rest of your content. ❤
Yeah, Guru Patik wasn't telling Aang to remove his emotions, he was telling him to *fully* embrace them. Also he told him not to simp after Katara but to be a sigmamale chad and honest to himself
If I get you right, it is the realization: "even without these attachments I am still a complete person inside."
Bro you deserve an Oscar for this video man, it completely opened my eyes and my heart to enlightenment, I’ve recently been going through a dilemma with this very topic on my path and this video really helped me release that burdened, thank you
Wow! I'm so glad this video connected with you so deeply. Sending you all the best 🙏
Great video! As someone who has spent the past few years diving headfirst into these topics and even watching avatar for some guidance it’s really cool to see someone put what I’ve experienced and discovered in a concise and fun video. Thank you!
I'm so glad you feel that way! Appreciate your kind words
Avid Avatar fan and meditator! ATLA changed my life from a young age, I don't think I'd be as spiritual as I am now if it wasn't for the show depicting spirituality in so many beautiful ways
Same here, same here! Thanks for watching
One note, not everyone can meditate. Those who have certain neurodivergencies need to find this state in other ways (there are many paths up the mountain). I cannot meditate due to my ADHD, however in ecstatic states I have been able to find that connection to all. It's a path that isn't explored in Avatar for good reason, but understanding that while we are all shared, we are also all different is an important lesson as well.
This is literally my favorite show. It not only inspired me to write and create a graphic novel, it actually taught me things i have never knew. The path of the monk has helped me understand myself and how to be better, and this show exploits that teaching. Atla has and always will be number 1 in my book. The chakra practice literally helped me through dark times and ive shared it to others who got help from it as well
Same dude, same. Best of luck on your graphic novel (or congrats if it's already finished haha). Thanks for watching!
This one... hits pretty darn close to home for me. Last year, I had to wrestle a lot with my marriage, trying to hold onto it. I'd waited until I was in my thirties to get married, and I fully intended to stick with it for the long haul, and I had enough stubbornness to stick with it. But, as the years went on, it became clearer and clearer that the woman I married was actually making it harder for me to be my best self, and was doing a lot to tear me down for... fundamentally who I was. So, I had to... let go of that earthly bond, and since we've stopped trying to make this work as a marriage, I've been able to take that step back and look at things from a higher perspective, and... it's done a lot to help me just... see the situation from another point of view. Not that we're still good for each other after all, but being calmly honest with myself about how we were never the right match in the first place. I'm not really angry at her anymore, despite the way she tried to tear me apart, but... I'm sorry for what led her to that point in life... and I know that it isn't my place to save her from where she is. I'm not really rushing to get another romantic relationship underway, more just... focused on my own peace. If I meet someone who contributes to my peace, great, if not... I will still have my peace.
thanks for sharing, beautiful conclusions you came to.
That forced kiss moment was incredibly bold from the writers and also far, far more grounded in realism than most shows will chance to attempt. I'm a firm believer that most of the issues people face when navigating relationships stem from expectations set by media, movies, books, etc. Even I didn't fully appreciate it until years later and I was well into my 20s watching the show as it came out episode by episode.
I agree. Katara's reaction was a lot more real than most media would portray. She does have feelings for Aang, but she is also confused and unsure. and being practical she is trying to wrangle with the idea that she might lose Aang as he does his duty to save everyone including herself. I wonder what it would be like for Katara to meditate with the Guru. Even a couple of years differenc in children translates to almost a generation gap equivalence of "wisdom".
Yeah I never really thought of it that way, but so true- thanks for sharing, and thanks for watching!
@@Metqa agree I also thought it was pretty real
You are an OG my guy! I didn't think the show could get any deeper and what a valuable distinction. I think a part of why it goes unnoticed is because he says, "Sorry Katara" before then going into the avatar state. Obviously he "let her go", but saying "sorry" makes it seem like a negative act still, and its never really explained further than that. They of course do still fall in love and his feelings are ultimately unchanged, but its such a nuanced and subtle distinction. Your logic is good, your brain is wise, well explained. 10/10
Appreciate you James! Glad you enjoyed the video, hope you enjoy more to come.
Aang's journey with (what is practically) buddhism parrels many of our own and why many people dont connect with buddhism. Buddhism is not about giving up (things) it is about not giving into things. Great video have a wonderful day!
Yes beautifully said, I believe this idea has caused a lot of confusion particularly in the west. thanks for watching!
A subtle point that you explained really well. I remember being impressed that the creators had understood this when I watched it the first time around
After watching the episode I've felt that Aang didn't understand guru's words about 7th chakra, though I didn't understand them either.
But it seems logical that entering the relationship because of fear staying alone won't lead to anything good. Same with attaching yourself with many other things.
"entering the relationship because of fear staying alone" . all it takes is a quick look through youtube to see how so many people are in this situation and don't realize how bad it is.
Powerful episode. And I understood EXACTLY what the Guru was telling Aang. To let go of any expectations to receive the love you believe you need and deserve from Katara.
Such an amazingly wonderful, entertaining and intelligent show. I love it so much it’s been my profile picture for many years.💛
In that way, I see Guru Pathik's lesson as basically stoicism. Like the philosophy that frees us from all unnecessary emotion by not letting ourselves worry over things that we can't control.
oh my God
yeah I find many connections between stoicism and the wisdom that comes from the Vedas (the ancient indian texts). thanks for watching- appreciate you sharing your thoughts too!
This needs to blow up
Great analysis. I am not precisely a frequent meditator, I do meditate but most of my spiritual practice is based on self-reflection and I think the teachings of this Avatar episode aren't a lightly put. How you explain the teachings in the video reminds me of a teaching "You shouldn't be at war with yourself" Letting go of attachments doesn't mean you have to fight your desires, but rather acknowledge them and not make everything revolve around them. Thanks for the video ❤
Appreciate your kind words- thanks for watching!!
That...was DEEPLY profound 👊🌈🫶
I absolutely loved this episode when I saw it as a kid, i must have been about 11 or 12 when it first came out. It really resonated with me. It was my first introduction into eastern philosophy (until I discovered Alan Watts)
Same! I was also about 12 and it definitely resonated with me on a very deep level. Appreciate you watching and sharing your comments
I had a super goofy grin the moment you referenced what Jesus said in Matthew, because I was thinking and realized nearly the same perspective when you did.
It’s what my current Bible study group on Discord is doing as we work through the beginning of the Bible and trying to do so all the way through to the end
haha that's awesome! I love when videos bring a goofy grin to my face and I'm glad this video did that for you. All the best with your group. Thanks for watching!
thank you so much for making this video, this exact situation has been plaguing my mind for months now, and i had it in my head that 'forgeting' or 'getting over' someone would leave me with lack and i would regret it for the rest of my life. this has truly helped me thank you.
I have a question, because I actually did manage to experience a state of letting go. For several days I was feeling an inner peace that was immovable by any circumstance. I had let go of everything and thus I was able to place no entitlement upon any aspect of my life. It was an incredible state of being that I could not conceive before it happened. However, by accepting things as they were, I became unable to truly want something. I would still go around and do everything I did before, such as small shopping trips and working out at the time, but without any internal need for said thing. Before this I needed to work out to feel good, needed to achieve to feel accomplished. But now there was no need to feel good or bad and this strange but commonplace addiction was gone. I could stand still indefinitely if I put myself to it without difficulty or resistance and all my fears were completely gone. But, eventually, I exited the state by reattaching to the world, since there was nothing to keep me from doing so. I achieved it again once through meditation and it's wisdom is still here with me, but I wonder, does leaving all attachment mean abandoning all my dreams to perish? Aang here was supposed to let go of Katarra but still love her and if possible be with her, not completely leave her.
Stuff like this helped me with my anxiety. Learning to let go of my need to control everything in my life and to have confidence in my ability to deal with change.
In short: Guru told Aang to stop being thirsty 😂
I grew up with Avatar, and it was exactly, why I loved it! Every Sunday, a new episode would air on Nickelodeon, and no matter how busy we were, both my parents, my brother and I would wait patiently to watch it and never miss it! It is honestly my favorite show of all time and I think about it daily. I'm a very spiritual person and I know that Avatar has guided me through life from a very early age. I was 9 years old when it first aired in Germany.
My father died in July this year, and we were all very connected, especially spiritually. I still cherish the memories of all of us watching the show together and being excited about it to this day. It is more than just a show for me. It defined me. ❤
This was a very good video! I can tell that you are very well versed in the subject
thanks for watching, and for your encouraging comment!
This is a beautiful way of breaking this sentiment down. Thank you.
I agree! Love love love the perspective on this ♥️
Thanks Miss Daniels 😁
My favorite episode is the one where Iroh is kneeling by a tree remembering his sons life, singing. It makes me cry almost every time
Don't let your attachments hold you back and poison your mind. Had Aang let go of Katara, he would have mastered the Avatar state immediately and Katara would still be alive for him to rescue. (He was seconds away from unlocking the 7th chakra)
Damn. "The seed of lack" is a phrase i needed to hear.
This video better blow up because this is exactly what I was thinking as well is the guru is not telling him that he can’t ever have her and that he can’t love her he just needs to be able to put aside his feelings and do what’s right for the world at the moment because right now the world needs him and once that dealt with then maybe things can be different
Thank you Sir Chaos! I knew there must be some others who felt the same out there. I'm glad you survived your 12 months in hell, and I wish you the best of luck to you on your creative endeavors.
@@moviemeditations thanks. I haven’t updated that in awhile it was really 4 years.
But if you’d like to help in my endeavors I’d like to help you out as well. Cause that was quite enlightening that video. It’s nice to know others knew what he meant.
@@chaosinorder9685 I really appreciate that! Honestly just sharing the video if you think of someone who might also enjoy it, would be a huge help. 🙌
@@moviemeditationssame here. I want to one day use my music to remind people that they cannot promote bad things like drugs and such and not face the consequences
Yep, I already understood that lesson both for the series and my own life. Of course however, understanding it is the easy part. Doing it is where things get tricky. But yes, lots and lots of practice over time. Or as I like to tell people "when you practice, you will suck a little less each day". The reason I phrase it like that, is with most people I've noticed that if it is framed as "keep practicing to get better" while at the same time the person has a lot of self doubt and self image issues, this can come across in their minds as if you are saying "go climb that impossible mountain that is totally out of your reach, just go do these impossible things, somehow by magic!" ... but when you say "suck a little less each day" their minds are like "you know, that actually seems extremely possible for me to do, and to keep doing!".
Were people really confused about this? Is it really that controversial? I just thought that was basic people would just get it because he explained it so easily. But I guess there’s a lot of people are having trouble. You did a really good job at explaining it.
Great point K Reyes. From my perspective, yes there was some confusing in the online community an avatar fandom on this. Maybe I spiced it up a little bit more for the video, but I'll let you be the judge of that. 😉 Thanks for your comment.
Given that, as you pointed, chacra and hindu spiritualism was never really seen on tv on a majority christian country, I think the showemiscomunicated this one last point for the sake of drama (aang running to save katara when the stakes never had been so high until then).
And since nobody had the full context (ie. Not being from easter spirituality), it felt off
The Iroh talk didn't helped much since, as you pointed, it gave the impression iroh uas opposing pathik heachings (and iroh is yet another "spiritual wisdom" voice of this show)
If they prolongued Iroh's talk a bit just to clarify what you said on your video, then, the delayed lesson would be clear to everyone.
It has always been the case that the guru explained this quite poorly.
ya got me in the beginning, didn't expect it to be derailed by josh's croissant our loudest shaver
I'm so grateful for this observation/ explanation. I've been an adamant fan of the show since I first saw it as a kid. I'm now in my 30s and it's still my favorite show and even brings me peace to sit and watch. Anywho. The Guru Patik episodes always bring a since of calm and awe to me whenever I re watch. Except for the last one which always confused me and makes me so sad for Aang and Katara. I always felt like I was missing something. Like there had to be another answer. And this video has really enlightened (for lack of a better word lol) me on what else the episode could have meant. Thanks😊
Aang was a child. He was wise well beyond his years thanks to the connection to other avatars and his relationship with Kiatso, and of course being an Air Nomad, but he is still young. Life can be very difficult to navigate for ADULTS, much less a brand new teenager with the entire world on his shoulders. Him not understanding the final lesson was inevitable.
I love the way you put this!
This is also the same problem people misunderstand with the Jedi teaching of letting go of attachments from Star Wars.
YES agreed!
This concept of letting go of attachments is one found in Taoism, Stoicism, and many other religions/philosophies, and you are correct, it has always been a point of confusion. I think you did a really good job concisely describing this concept.
Yes indeed! it's found throughout traditions all over the world- thanks for watching and your kind words!
The message I got from this video is: 'Don't try to control every aspect of your life, don't micromanage everything. Don't be afraid to let things play out every now and then. Focus on your development, be kind, open en humble and things will fall into place in time.' It also seems that many if not all religious beliefs in the world have been trying to preach this to us in their own words, however misinterpretation has gotten in the way and caused so much confusion.
I often catch myself trying to be in control of certain aspects of life too, so this is a very good reminder to not hold on so tightly and let things fare a lbit more often. Thanks, Movie Meditations
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment!
Really appreciate your reference to the book of Matthew! Honestly helped me make more sense of this idea as someone who’s fairly well-versed in Gospel.
Invoking the words of the Book of Matthew was just perfect, you tied everything together under the truth, well done.
Literally been re-watching avatar, finally got to this episode of the guru. I was dying to find an explanation and this was perfect thank you so much.
I'm so happy you enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing
Your channel is a fascinating concept. I'm probably going to binge the whole thing.
I recognize many of these aspects, and yet.. ok "let you know" I meditate as a form of anxiety control. I don't panic outwardly, I'm amazing in a crisis. My long efforts with depression and this arguably new thing. I meditate at. Breathe, be present, let thoughts come and go validated and assessed then back to present. I have that control. The world around me though? the enlightenment I have? It CLASHES so hard in to many ways. I'm either a genius and welcomed stranger for my words of support, or.... my efforts are intrusive, naïve, or not in line with the "culture" of how it all "works." Me "fervor" and "lacking" remains because I have had the trauma time and again of the opposite of love and acceptance. I've had enough times I know I'm right. I know I get this video. I know I get it because at one time I'd balk at the scripture reference. so " how How How!?" I thought would have more answer... and I only have to ask instead.. how can I "guru" to so many people ( and I do have love and support) but my daily life is more isolated, it meets my survival needs, the bare minimum. i'm content... how HOW do I truly let go of the feelings of anxiety, or desperation to fit in(fervor) to not be alone? That is from content wise understanding wise hermit.... to happy, to have the "things" for lack of a better word that, that about living. Not just surviving but living and thriving. All I can think is I AM still lacking, brave enough to other good works? discipline to battle my demons better? or just.. letting go of the hurt and care I have for what others think of me, to embrace being alone in of itself truly. I know I'm missing something.. but it's not that I don't get loving someone is YOUR self expression it is not real love or good spirit to give it any more meaning than that. Just love people and things you do, be passionate, be open to what comes back instead of trying to grab and own.
Instructions unclear, became a firebender instead of an airbender.
As incredible as it may seem, this video was recommended in my recommended tab, at a time when I need it most, I will explain the context.
In the last few months I've been building a relationship with an incredible person, but we don't have anything serious yet, but it's remarkable how little by little we're leaving a friendship and entering into a relationship, but the closer we get, the more anxious and insecure I get, all this with fear of losing him, to the point of becoming paranoid, because of that I couldn't move forward with my life.
This video couldn't have been better timed...
I'm grateful for the new knowledge, and I already intend to apply it as soon as possible.
I initially replaced Katara with my son when i saw this episode a few years ago and thought "well, I'll never be enlightened", but soon realized what this video is saying
One of my favorite shows ever...your video reminded me of a quote in Star wars from Yoda " train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose"
When he was meditating to unluck the 7th chakra, his hightened state foresaw that katara was in danger. She even said, "let me go". It was a sign already givin to him
The part that dosent make sense in ATLA is that when he's fighting azula in the finale, he goes into a crytal shelter and meditates and enters the state implying that he was able to let go of katara in that moment. That dosetn make sense because if seeing her in danger made him abandon the chakras, then having her be in danger right next to him should absolutely prevent him from doing it. What should have happened, is that he fails to let go of her, and instead enters a rage triggered avatar state. His lack of control and awareness in this state is how Azula was abe to get him with the lightning.
I assumed it was the stress that turned him into the avatar state in that situation since its done that before.
The point waa he was able to let her go while in danger. He was thinking the need of the world over the need of love. He detached himself from Katara in that moment. Which is to say he overcame some difficult mental stuff to go into the avatar state. He "figured it out" but really he didnt.
You see after he was saved and awoke on the ship he is mentally conflicated in a different way than before.
Thank you, this is beautiful. This explanation has helped with something I'm going through. Don't let go of love but let go of that feeling that it has to be a particular person or else it's over