Question 142: About the Black Panther movie

 

Question 142: Does the “Black Panther” movie have any relevance for living in oneness?

 

The “Black Panther” movie is based on comic book literature which often deals in epic dramas of cosmic proportions as well as personal problems the characters have to deal with. So the “Black Panther” has some outstanding themes to talk about in relationship to living in the oneness of all life.

 

A central theme of the movie arises from the question of how do we achieve our goals in this life. The villainous Killmonger character who tries to take over the leadership of Wakanda (the Black Panther’s country) would use the idea of “let us do evil that good may come.” He may have had some good intentions to set things right in the world, but he had hatred in his heart and was willing to use violent force to reach his goals. This relates to real history wherein people like Hitler, Stalin, Mao and others like them may have held a vision for a better society, but they tried to force people into their ideas of the best society. People who resisted or opposed them were declared to be enemies and were eliminated in one way or another.

 

We can look at these major historical figures and easily see their faults, however, a lot of people think along the same lines. They think they have to hurt other people in order to get their way. They may justify their actions for what they think are good reasons or possible good results. Killmonger had his reasons. He thought that using forcewith superweapons would wipe out the established military powers of the world. However, you cannot defeat the power elite in a dualistic battle. The only winners are the hidden power elite who benefit from constant war and poverty.

 

So the lesson for living in oneness is that there is never a need to use violent force to get your way. When We are living in oneness we want the best for everyone. There is no need to step on anyone else in order to move up. We are all equal parts of the One Divine Spirit.

 

If you have personally been oppressed by the power elite, your recourse isn’t to fight back on their terms or their home turf because they have too much fire power, and you have to play by their rules, the rules inherent in a dualistic world view.

The only way out is up, that is, to transcend your condition and circumstances. The unlimited power of the soul, existing in harmony and love for all creationpower has to be accessed. Non-violent protests and actions can be used to some effect, but the best solution is to rise above the duality of this world and reach for the Christ consciousness of oneness. It is a gradual path, but it can be accelerated if you want it like a person held underwater wants air.

 

In the movie, the Black Panther also uses force to defend himself, his people, and his country. The heroes in the comic book world are the ones fighting for truth, justice, and liberty for all. They represent the good side of duality. However, their battles will be endless because there will always be some relative evil that will arise to threaten them. The solution is to realize our oneness with all life and thus banish the idea of “having enemies.” A deeper understanding of life will come to you.

Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages. – Thomas Edison