Occasionally a great film captures the undercurrent of our collective human psyche. When we historically look back at the movie, it becomes apparent that the film called attention to something that was stirring inside of us, yet unexpressed, and either the movie deliberately was produced to capture this subconscious undercurrent, or the undercurrent was so ripe that the first movie that touched on these subconscious urgings became an instant hit. Either way, Avatar is that kind of movie.
Beyond the cutting edge animation and state of the art 3D cinema lies a truth that has been ignored for a long time now, a truth that has just begun to touch the hearts of mainstream America revealing the essence of the human spirit; that goodness eventually prevails, and evil is dispelled. For decades, it's been the other way around.
A great shift in human values is happening before our eyes. People are becoming tired of the old way of doing business, which is by selfishness, contention and hatred. The tipping point is very near for this shift, and this movie could be the straw that breaks the camel's back regarding the illusions we have been living under for a long time - that our happiness lies in the cynical promise of advantages over others, and the promise of selfish opportunity to acquire and possess personal fortunes without harming others.
My experience as a meditation teacher indicates that the kids of this new generation are different. They observe the struggle and stress that their parents are putting themselves through, which many times results in divorce, to make unreasonable amounts of money to buy things and amass the fortunes now required for college tuitions and retirement. And the kids want no part of it. It's just too much for the average kid to comprehend.
Young adults of the new generation email me;
"I started to analyze this life I have been living, going through the motions. I saw that the knowledge I am receiving in college is filtered through society's ways of life- get a career, work hard, get money, promote yourself and your status. I started to realize that so many humans are living based on false notions...this way of life isn't right. Going about doing this and doing that, back and forth, going through the societal system, harming others for personal pleasure...there has to be something deeper.
And,
"Through seeing that the desires of this world are not true happiness but the continuation of suffering by the attachment of worldly goods and pleasures..... As a wise man once wrote " I close my eyes in order to see"... will be able to help others through an unclouded mind unaffected by the desires of this world."
And finally,
"I want to face the spiritual experiences... really understand this journey we find ourselves on. I want to find true meaning in my life and escape this man made rat race where people always, always seem to fight for material and personal gain. My view of life has changed quite a bit recently...now I want my life itself to change, for the better."
These young adults express human values that lead to true happiness, and actually they are already very wise because they understand where true happiness lies, but are confused by the signals our society sends them.
Avatar the movie might just be that voice that defines this new generation's heart. If this is true, the tipping point of virtue, over selfishness and profits, may be closer than we think.
That's when our lives and focus will change dramatically.
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