Buddhist Studies, Research Seminar - pres. by Prof. David Loy
Professor David Loy
Buddhist Philosopher and Contemplative
Faculty of International Studies
Bunyo University
Chigasaki, JAPAN
The Dharma of the Rings? Tolkien's Buddhist Myth
TLOR depicts a spiritual quest understandable in Buddhist terms, and provides us with a timely myth about social engagement. Frodo's renunciation of the Ring is not done for any selfish purpose but to save the world-- in other words, he becomes a bodhisattva. Middle-earth has a "karmic structure" (good intentions lead to good results, evil intentions are self-defeating). The Ring corrupts anyone who uses it. Frodo and Sam show us that karma is not a way to control what the world does to us. Rather, it is about how our lives are transformed when our motivations are transformed. Tolkien shows the suffering that results from a quest for power lacking morality; Buddhism emphasizes the suffering that results from craving power without wisdom and compassion.
|
