4 Yogic Principles in Will Smith's New Movie Collateral Beauty

Exploring the Depth of Collateral Beauty

In the movie "Collateral Beauty," directed by David Frankel, we are invited to delve into the profound themes of Yogic Principles and their intersection with human experiences. This cinematic masterpiece not only showcases the emotional journey of its characters but also provides a unique lens through which to view the application of ancient teachings in modern contexts.

Introduction to Collateral Beauty and Yogic Principles

What is Collateral Beauty?

"Collateral Beauty" revolves around the life of Howard Inlet, portrayed by Will Smith, who grapples with immense grief after a personal tragedy. The narrative unfolds as Howard seeks solace and understanding amidst his overwhelming sorrow.

The Intersection of Cinema and Yogic Teachings

The movie beautifully intertwines elements of Yogic practice with the characters' emotional evolution. It draws parallels between human suffering and the universal principles that guide spiritual enlightenment, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of interconnectedness and healing.

Will Smith's Journey Through Grief and Enlightenment

The Role of Yogic Principles in Healing

As Howard embarks on his tumultuous journey, he turns to Buddhist and yogic teachings as sources of guidance and solace. This choice reflects a profound understanding of how ancient wisdom can provide pathways for navigating profound loss.

How Will Smith's Character Embodies These Teachings

Through Will Smith's poignant portrayal, we witness a powerful embodiment of resilience, vulnerability, and eventual transformation. His character's evolution mirrors the enduring nature of human spirit when confronted with adversity, echoing the fundamental tenets of Yogic Principles.

The First Yogic Principle in Collateral Beauty

In "Collateral Beauty," the first Yogic Principle that profoundly influences the narrative is Aparigraha, which encompasses the concept of non-attachment. This principle is intricately woven into the fabric of the movie, guiding characters through their emotional transformations and offering viewers a poignant reflection on the nature of human suffering and enlightenment.

Understanding Aparigraha (Non-attachment)

Aparigraha, as portrayed in the movie, plays a pivotal role in Will Smith's character transformation. It embodies the idea of releasing attachments to outcomes and embracing impermanence, allowing individuals to find peace amidst life's inevitable changes. The portrayal of Aparigraha in "Collateral Beauty" beautifully illustrates how non-attachment can lead to profound personal growth and healing.

Testimonials:

• The Artistic Christian: "If you’re willing to read between the lines and seek out its wisdom, however, Collateral Beauty has a unique and thought-provoking perspective on life to offer its viewers."

• Theology Thoughts: "This is a movie about loss, grief and death. However it is also a movie about how you can sometimes find beauty out of the pain."

Aparigraha in Will Smith's Transformation

Will Smith's character, Howard Inlet, undergoes a powerful metamorphosis as he grapples with his profound grief. His journey reflects the essence of Aparigraha as he learns to release his attachments to his past experiences and embraces the impermanence of life. Through this process, he discovers an inner sense of tranquility that transcends his initial anguish.

Real-life Applications of Non-attachment

The portrayal of Aparigraha in "Collateral Beauty" extends beyond cinematic representation; it offers real-life insights into navigating personal struggles. Viewers are encouraged to contemplate their own attachments and consider how letting go can lead to newfound freedom and emotional liberation.

Scenes That Highlight Aparigraha

Throughout the movie, there are several key moments that vividly illustrate Aparigraha's significance in Howard's journey. These scenes serve as poignant reminders of the transformative power inherent in embracing non-attachment and finding beauty amidst sorrow.

By seamlessly integrating Aparigraha into its narrative tapestry, "Collateral Beauty" invites audiences to contemplate their own relationships with attachment and impermanence while offering a compelling portrayal of this foundational Yogic Principle.

The Second Yogic Principle in Collateral Beauty

In "Collateral Beauty," the exploration of Yogic Principles extends to the profound concept of Satya, which encapsulates the essence of truthfulness and authenticity in one's journey towards enlightenment.

Embracing Satya (Truthfulness)

As we delve into the thematic depth of "Collateral Beauty," it becomes evident that Satya permeates Will Smith's portrayal of Howard Inlet. In an interview, Will Smith shared his personal connection to the film, highlighting how it delves into existential themes such as love, death, and time. This insight underscores the profound resonance of Satya in shaping Howard's emotional odyssey.

The power of truthfulness is intricately woven into the fabric of personal growth within the movie. It serves as a guiding light for characters navigating their inner turmoil and seeking solace amidst life's inherent complexities. Through Will Smith's eyes, viewers witness a poignant portrayal of embracing truth as a transformative force that propels individuals towards self-discovery and healing.

Interviews:

• Will Smith: "The film explores deep existential themes that resonate with universal human experiences."

Satya serves as a catalyst for introspection and emotional evolution within "Collateral Beauty." It prompts viewers to contemplate the significance of living authentically and embracing truths that may be difficult to confront but ultimately lead to profound personal growth.

Satya in Action Within the Movie

Critical scenes within "Collateral Beauty" vividly illustrate the interplay between truthfulness and its impact on characters' journeys. The existential triangle at the core of the film, comprising love, death, and time, provides a poignant backdrop against which Satya unfolds. These pivotal moments offer nuanced insights into how embracing truth can catalyze profound shifts in perspectives and relationships.

The narrative intricacies surrounding Satya invite audiences to reflect on their own quests for authenticity and honesty. By infusing this Yogic Principle into its thematic tapestry, "Collateral Beauty" offers a compelling exploration of truthfulness as an integral component of human experiences.

The Third Yogic Principle in Collateral Beauty

In the profound exploration of Yogic Principles within "Collateral Beauty," the movie beautifully encapsulates the essence of Santosha, emphasizing the pursuit of contentment amidst life's trials and tribulations.

Practicing Santosha (Contentment)

Santosha, as portrayed in the film, serves as a guiding light for characters navigating their inner turmoil. It embodies the idea of finding peace and satisfaction within oneself, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow. Will Smith's character, Howard Inlet, embarks on a poignant journey towards Santosha, reflecting the universal human quest for inner contentment amidst life's inherent challenges.

The philosophy of Shakti Leadership encourages finding higher meaning in every experience, thereby elevating the quality of our lives. This resonates deeply with Howard's pursuit of Santosha as he grapples with unimaginable loss. Through his emotional odyssey, viewers are invited to contemplate the transformative power inherent in embracing contentment as a foundational Yogic Principle.

Philosophical or Ethical Arguments:

• The movie aims to demonstrate the 'collateral beauty' that exists on the other side of unimaginable loss.

• Looking at life in a mythopoetic way allows us to discover collateral beauty in situations where we may only see collateral damage.

Finding Contentment Amidst Sorrow

Howard's journey to Santosha unfolds as a poignant portrayal of resilience and introspection. Despite his profound grief, he seeks solace not in external circumstances but within himself. This internal quest for contentment resonates with ancient yogic teachings that emphasize finding fulfillment independent of external conditions.

The film delves into Howard's struggle with Death, Time, and Love, portraying how these elements intertwine with his pursuit of Santosha. It offers nuanced insights into how individuals can navigate profound sorrow while seeking moments of genuine contentment amidst life's complexities.

Santosha's Role in the Movie's Climax

As "Collateral Beauty" reaches its emotional climax, viewers are presented with turning points and emotional peaks that underscore Howard's journey towards Santosha. These pivotal moments serve as powerful reminders of how embracing contentment can profoundly influence one's perception and experiences amid life's most challenging circumstances.

The practice of Yoga Sadhana deeply rooted in Ahimsa can lead to increased awareness and surrender to Being. This philosophical basis aligns with Howard’s transformative path towards Santosha, illustrating how embracing this Yogic Principle can offer inner clarity and calm amidst chaos.

By infusing Santosha into its thematic tapestry, "Collateral Beauty" invites audiences to reflect on their own quests for contentment and inner peace while offering a compelling portrayal of this foundational principle within Yogic philosophy.

The Fourth Yogic Principle in Collateral Beauty

The Essence of Ahimsa (Non-violence)

The essence of Ahimsa, a fundamental Yogic Principle portrayed in "Collateral Beauty," resonates deeply with the minimization of harm to oneself and others. This principle extends beyond physical actions, encompassing thoughts, speech, and emotional conduct. Dr. Basavaraddi's insights shed light on the profound significance of applying Ahimsa in various aspects of life, including social interactions and self-reflection.

As we delve into the thematic depth of "Collateral Beauty," it becomes evident that Ahimsa profoundly influences Will Smith's character development. The movie subtly weaves this principle into the fabric of Howard Inlet's emotional odyssey, highlighting the transformative power inherent in non-violence as a guiding force for healing and relationships.

Ahimsa's Influence on Will Smith's Character Development

In his portrayal of Howard Inlet, Will Smith embodies the essence of Ahimsa through nuanced expressions and introspective moments. The character's journey reflects a deep commitment to minimizing harm not only to himself but also to those around him. This portrayal aligns with Dr. Basavaraddi's perspective on conscious introspection as a means to cultivate a deeper understanding of one's motivations for action.

The foundational nature of Ahimsa is beautifully depicted as the cornerstone for Howard's emotional evolution, emphasizing the intrinsic link between non-violence and personal growth. Through his character's experiences, viewers are invited to contemplate how embracing this Yogic Principle can lead to profound inner transformation amid life's trials and tribulations.

The Impact of Non-violence on Healing and Relationships

Ahimsa serves as a catalyst for healing within "Collateral Beauty," offering poignant insights into how non-violence can foster compassion, empathy, and resilience. Dr. Basavaraddi emphasizes that perfect practice of Tapas (discipline), Swadyaya (self-study), and Ishwara Pranidhana (surrender) forms an integral part of embodying Ahimsa in its truest sense.

Through Howard Inlet’s journey, viewers witness how embracing non-violence fosters an environment conducive to personal introspection and emotional healing. This portrayal aligns with Dr. Basavaraddi’s assertion that understanding and practicing Ahimsa requires continual evaluation of one’s actions—a process intricately woven into Howard’s transformative path.

Demonstrating Ahimsa in Collateral Beauty

"Collateral Beauty" presents memorable scenes that vividly demonstrate the essence of Ahimsa within its narrative tapestry. These moments serve as powerful reminders of how non-violence can manifest in subtle yet impactful ways, shaping characters' interactions and internal landscapes.

The integration of Ahimsa into the movie invites audiences to reflect on their own capacity for cultivating compassion and understanding within their lives while offering a compelling portrayal of this foundational Yogic Principle.

By seamlessly weaving together these elements, "Collateral Beauty" offers viewers an insightful exploration into how embracing non-violence can catalyze profound shifts in perspectives and relationships while fostering an environment conducive to personal growth.

In summary, "Collateral Beauty" masterfully encapsulates the essence of Ahimsa as a guiding force for navigating human experiences with grace, compassion, and resilience—an embodiment deeply rooted in ancient yogic teachings.

See Also

Everyday Life Wisdom: Exploring Yoga Philosophy 101

Authentic Teaching: Exploring Spiritual Themes in Yoga with Sensitivity

Enhancing Your Practice: Exploring 4 Mudras for Deeper Meaning

Living by the Yamas: Exploring Yoga Sutra of Patanjali

Culturally Sensitive Teaching: Exploring Spiritual Themes in Yoga