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Why is this movie considered critical of Buddhism?

posted 16 years ago by garretdenton
3 replies | jump to latest

I keep hearing how the movie takes a neutral stand towards buddhism (though still mostly leaning in favour of it) by having scenes critical of it in the end. Or rather, the one scene where christy questions whether siddharta was right to leave yashodhara behind and whether it's right to ignore the suffering that befell yashodhara as a result and only focus on and exalt siddharta's transformation into the Buddha.
But where in Buddhism is it said that one should leave one's spouse and children behind to start on the path of enlightenment? Can't he do it before marriage? Or is it that until you sever links with your loved ones you can't sever the links with all the bad desires which require overcoming?
Kindly enlighten me

[–] coolaree 16 years ago

I don't think it says anywhere that you must leave your wife and child...I dunno really.
I think for instance in Thailand most young males go live in a monastery with monks for a while (maybe become monks.?), and then return to their normal lives after a month or two.
There is another thread on here with more indepth and educated anwsers regarding the films spiritual message.

I didn't really see the entire film unfortunately, Just the last hour or so.

[–] bokkenpoot 15 years ago

Inventing your own questions is leaving your path

[–] the_wobbble 14 years ago

a small cell has a small hole in which only one can squeeze through at a time and escape. you and your cell mate have never seen the outside world and are great buddies who have promised each other to stick together and face the pains of life together (wherever it may be). both of you refuse to escape and leave the other behind for any duration in fear of separation and breaking the promise. hence neither will escape.