In Buddhism, The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmacakra) is thought to be the most important of the auspicious symbols and represents the Teachings of Buddha; also known as Dharma. The eight spokes represent the eightfold path that Buddhists follow on their path to enlightenment. The Buddha is known as the only Wheel-Turner, the one who sets a new cycle of teachings in motion, which have the power to change the fate of the Universe.
In Lost, John & Ben have both turned the wheel at some point. But, at the most recent turning, 
Christian specifically said that Locke had to turn the wheel and not Ben. Benny (not creepy Benjamin Linus, but the other one) mentioned that Locke was a Buddha figure a few posts back, and I think he's right on. Apparently, Ben also used to be Buddha. Is it possible for them to both exist at the same time though?
Christian specifically said that Locke had to turn the wheel and not Ben. Benny (not creepy Benjamin Linus, but the other one) mentioned that Locke was a Buddha figure a few posts back, and I think he's right on. Apparently, Ben also used to be Buddha. Is it possible for them to both exist at the same time though?The wheel also represents the continuous cycles of reincarnation. Buddhist tradition states that one will continue to be reborn until they are no longer ignorant or suffering or lost; in other words, until they are enlightened/become aware. There is a Buddhist term Bardo, which means transition; it is often used to describe the time or gap in between lives or state of awareness. There are six Bardos and there are six seasons of Lost.
Without lining up dozens of parallels or lamely attempting a lesson in Buddhism-the conclusion I come to, is that everyone on the island is having or had a near-death experience, so they are all in different Bardo states. I don't know. I'm starting to think that I could draw parallels to this show and just about anything you put in front of me.
Another thought that popped into my mind is that Faraday insisted that you can't change fate or something that already happened (or something like that). However, since the wheel has been turned (literally), does this mean that the destiny of the Universe has been changed? Will the Dharma Initiative be able to 'save' themselves from the mass killing that was their future now that they have the knowledge (that Ben will kill them) to do something (kill Ben?) about it?
The smoke monster,visions, flashing lights and ear piercing sounds, among other things are themes explained in Bardo teachings. I apologize if I confused anyone; I'm having a little trouble organizing my thoughts here.
This is a documentary on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, if you want to learn more about Bardos and the afterlife. It's over an hour long.
4 comments:
Leah, you just blew my mind. I'm going to have to digest this for a bit... but I wanted to add that Desmond could also be considered a "wheel turner" because he turned they key that one time.
Wow, Leah, The wheel has to represent Buddismif all this is true and I remember Christain telling Locke that he had to turn the wheel, not Ben. So Is this story based on Buddism, or Christianity or both because I see alot of Christianity in this story also. Great observations!
Wow, this is really insightful! I guess my big question is whether or not it results in reincarnation of the person or the island. Any thoughts?
I never thought of that Diana, great point! I wonder what role the island as a whole plays?
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