Comments on: Heavy Metta Review – Kung Fu Panda

By: Jes

Jes — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:22:26 +0000

Yo Sjanie,

I finally just watched KFP last night and L.O.V.E.D. it! I immediately remembered this post and had to read it today. I agree, that movie is like going to a yoga class, though less involved (way less movement going on on the couch than in class) and so much more visually stimulating (my old school cartoon eyes have trouble keeping up with this new animation stuffs). All in all, solid flick.

By: Haiku Haikus, Vol, II | Heavy Metta

Haiku Haikus, Vol, II | Heavy Metta — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:49:29 +0000

[...] review of Kung Fu Panda outlined my discomfort with and questions about the Bhagavad Gita, which was the key text for this [...]

By: einajs

einajs — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:32:48 +0000

Ay, there’s the rub, Eric. There are so many parts of the Gita that I actually quite like, and then there are those other parts…like the ones you mention…and the “EVEN WOMEN!!!11!! can achieve some sort of at least moral neutrality! can you imagine! zomg!” parts. Douglas Brooks mentions in his book Wheels of Grace that the Gita is not necessarily meant to be taken wholly internally, as one work; that is, that a good eye or ear for skepticism and verses that do not ring true should be honoured, and that call should then invite more meditation and the intention of greater clarity. Which is why I’m participating in this Intensive. The paradox of encouraging us to reject Scripture while claiming Krishna’s voice as the primary voice is similar, IMHO, to Siddhartha Buddha’s exhortation to road-test his teachings: take nothing JUST on faith [shraddha], see whether your yoga works.

I still think Lord of the Rings is better

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:43:50 +0000

I’ve started re-reading the Bhagavad Gita (after many many years) as a result of your post, and I have to say I’m not loving it. It may be very unenlighted of me, but I have serious reservations about the “do your duty, don’t ask questions” advice about killing and slaughtering in Chapter 1. I mean, sure, yeah, the Self may be eternal and undying, yadda yadda, but it still seems to me questionable advice. Although there are some good nuggets, like the one that says that if you have wisdom, you don’t need any scriptures. Question: does that include the Gita itself?

By: einajs

einajs — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:17:28 +0000

I heard that the translation, unsurprisingly, can make a profound difference and I hear good things about the Eknath Easwaran translation that we sell at YYoga. So I’m-a pick one of those up before we roll.

I actually identify the MOST with Shifu: the thinker who just can’t let go. I admire Po’s enthusiasm and flexibility of mind, but I don’t IDENTIFY with that; I’m not often as open as he is! And to continue his adoration of the Five, after they treat him so badly…I don’t know man, that guy is the Dragon Warrior.

By: Leanne

Leanne — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:50:38 +0000

First- great post- I too love KFP. Really digging the last Star Trek though as well- watched it on my deadhead to TO on Friday…love all that scifi stuff. I love that Martin K. is also a scifi nerd and we had a long talk about him having to watch Battlestar Galactica…anyways…
What I wanted to say to you is that I love the Gita. I actually pay little attention to Arjuna when I read it. I simple slip myself into his place and read it like Krishna is speaking to me. Ram Dass has a great point though that after you have read the Gita many times like that, then turn around and read it as if YOU are Krishna… you are the downloader of the knowledge of the universe. You are in the seat of the teacher. Yes- crazy isn’t it?
When you watched KFP you probably identified with Po right? Watch it again (which seems to be easy for you) and identify yourself as Oogway (the turtle) or maybe even Shifu. Could be interesting….tell me about it on the plane to Maui!

By: einajs

einajs — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:54:16 +0000

LOL Mom, when you watch the movie that bit about adoption will make more sense. I think you will enjoy it, it’s very cute!

By: Sannie McInnis

Sannie McInnis — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:22:20 +0000

Well, Sjanie, of course, anyone reading this blog will want to see Kung Fu Panda. I plan to watch it soon and will report back…am already predisposed to like it. Also, eagerly await your report on John and Ram’s take on the Gita.
Love,
Mom
PS – For the record, it may seem that way at times, but you are not adopted