Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999): A Tale That Rings True for Today

Ever since I was a child, Star Wars has fascinated me with it's archetypal imagery, beautiful orchestral soundtracks, and it's storyline. 

I find this film to be a beautiful dramatic show of Lucas' intuitive and creative side made manifest on screen.  The characters, the plot, and the philosophy bring to light some important issues in modern society as well as in the personal psyche.

There are some real spiritual gems here woven into to this masterpiece that once understood will really give you some great things to contemplate on. :-)

 The Bigger Message 

"Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs."

―Qui-Gon to Obi-Wan

It's perfectly fine to contemplate the future and remember the past, however, getting stuck in either is the problem for the individual.  This brings to light the important philosophy of the Jedi which I feel resonates on a deep level of the human psyche's desire to spiritually evolve.

The Jedi exist in a world full of chaos as well as peace, they know this yet manage to find peace in the midst of chaos.  This is applicable in real life as well.

Staying centered in this moment is crucial to becoming centered in these times of intense societal stress and change.

When the news is on about the next big financial or political crisis, I wonder in my head "Is it really this bad?".  I also contemplate how it affects the moods of my fellow friends and family that get deeply engrossed into the world stage's problems.

In any case, I feel that the modern real world shows a very much resemblance to the political bureaucracy of the fictional Republic.  I feel this similarity was intentional, and meant to stir something deep within anyone watching the film.

"Your focus determines your reality."
― Qui-Gon Jinn

The idea is that so much chaos and confusion can be around in the media, your friends as well as in the governments; yet in your heart centered self you are at peace.  This can be achieved by detaching from the drama, and remembering who you are.

Anakin Skywalker As The Monomyth Archetype

Link: Youtube - Anakin's Theme

The innocence and childlike wisdom of Anakin Skywalker shows a very important and vital metaphor for everyone.

He is the young-self, seeking initiation into his true destiny.  A theme found all around the world in every culture.

The Monomyth is a concept developed by Joseph Campbell (Who Lucas studied under) where the individual  (the seeker) knows that there is something out there for them.  This deep seated desire from their heart centered self wants to become manifest, and as they overcome challenges in life, their destiny is placed in front of them so they can move forward in their evolution as a person.

Feeling stuck (or a slave if you will) in the old life, yet feeling there is more out there, the seeds are sown for a lifetime of adventure!

This formula is started here with young Anakin Skywalker as the seeker of his true destiny.

At first there is a great innocence and purity with Anakin that goes through "negative" things that test him.  Will he choose to be "good" or "bad"?  That is where the story continues to evolve in further films.

More on the next two prequels coming soon..:-)