08-26-2013, 06:19 AM
I have just finished seasons 2 and 3 of Game of Thrones (didn't watch first season). It is a fairly engrossing storyline with superb acting (casting is spot-on) and luscious scenery and production values. Plus it has a killer hook for a theme song.
the essence of what is portrayed, though, is one of feudal culture; which until quite recently (say, last 200 years) was the given norm of what humanity lived under in the last 6000 years (with the exclusion of indigenous cultures).
where 'civilization' spread, it became under the guise and view of the Feudal System.
Civilization, until very recently, was predicated on Feudal Law. Some of the principles of feudal law (where-ever it took root; say in Japan, the Chinese Dynasties, all the kingdoms of Europe, India, etc) were:
* the establishment of a King, a Queen, and a ruling royalty at the top
* the elevation of 'bloodlines' and 'right to rule' as a result
* the establishment of armies to defend the Royal We
* a court of bickering Barons and Lords jostling for power and conniving constantly
* the peasants, the merchants, the servants and the slaves (also the soldiers) who propped up this top heavy system
* a religion or belief system or mythology that was spread so that the status quo was justified, and explained that this was the way it had to be
and as I've said, whether this be in Asia, or Europe, or the South Americas, where 'civilization' took hold, it was formalised under the system of empires and feudalism. It was the only way that a few could control the many; through the threat of sword and death.
- -
Game of Thrones shows such a system in play in the most realistic and confronting way (in my opinion). The 'Players' are those that use their intelligence and social networks to arrange alliances, to blackmail others, to imprison their enemies, or arrange their mass slaughter. Women are used as pawns, and the threat of rape is constantly in the air. Such is the bleakness of constantly living in the first three energy rays. (red, orange, yellow level consciousness).
but the show is amazing. The personalities are vivid; and there is the giddy wonder in how things will progress, what zany 'move' or ploy is next.
Deneris Stormborn (the 'Mother of Dragons') is the one bright light of virtue in the storyline. She represents the principle or ideal of freedom; and that men (and women) are free by birthright, and not meant to slave under the yoke of another.
the magical elements are also fine; and look really good.
and despite the feudal machinations, the many starring characters are very archetypal, and offer a candid portrayal of various elements of the self (the seeking of authentic love, the principle of loyalty vs conscience, the burning fires of revenge, the seeking of position and change).
- -
all in all, after this experience I got a much more visceral sense of the collective karma of this planet, and why sto polarization might have been so so difficult in such societies.
if one is under the constant threat of survival, one is illiterate (literacy is a recent mass phenomena), ideas are not available (the feudal religion specifies what is 'right' to think), and one is toiling in someone's castle or field everyday, then how to make that monumental shift in understanding?
that said, the collective humanity only arrived at such a position after repeatedly rejecting more harmonious opportunities to polarise, so in a way, the feudal system was 'deserved' and represented the culmination of many many choices on the part of many many people over a long period of time.
- -
that said, it is also a tv show, and one is free to enjoy it as pure entertainment; although it has the possibility of speaking to deeper principles.
do you like Game of Thrones? what do you get out of it?
peace, and namaste,
plenum
the essence of what is portrayed, though, is one of feudal culture; which until quite recently (say, last 200 years) was the given norm of what humanity lived under in the last 6000 years (with the exclusion of indigenous cultures).
where 'civilization' spread, it became under the guise and view of the Feudal System.
Civilization, until very recently, was predicated on Feudal Law. Some of the principles of feudal law (where-ever it took root; say in Japan, the Chinese Dynasties, all the kingdoms of Europe, India, etc) were:
* the establishment of a King, a Queen, and a ruling royalty at the top
* the elevation of 'bloodlines' and 'right to rule' as a result
* the establishment of armies to defend the Royal We
* a court of bickering Barons and Lords jostling for power and conniving constantly
* the peasants, the merchants, the servants and the slaves (also the soldiers) who propped up this top heavy system
* a religion or belief system or mythology that was spread so that the status quo was justified, and explained that this was the way it had to be
and as I've said, whether this be in Asia, or Europe, or the South Americas, where 'civilization' took hold, it was formalised under the system of empires and feudalism. It was the only way that a few could control the many; through the threat of sword and death.
- -
Game of Thrones shows such a system in play in the most realistic and confronting way (in my opinion). The 'Players' are those that use their intelligence and social networks to arrange alliances, to blackmail others, to imprison their enemies, or arrange their mass slaughter. Women are used as pawns, and the threat of rape is constantly in the air. Such is the bleakness of constantly living in the first three energy rays. (red, orange, yellow level consciousness).
but the show is amazing. The personalities are vivid; and there is the giddy wonder in how things will progress, what zany 'move' or ploy is next.
Deneris Stormborn (the 'Mother of Dragons') is the one bright light of virtue in the storyline. She represents the principle or ideal of freedom; and that men (and women) are free by birthright, and not meant to slave under the yoke of another.
the magical elements are also fine; and look really good.
and despite the feudal machinations, the many starring characters are very archetypal, and offer a candid portrayal of various elements of the self (the seeking of authentic love, the principle of loyalty vs conscience, the burning fires of revenge, the seeking of position and change).
- -
all in all, after this experience I got a much more visceral sense of the collective karma of this planet, and why sto polarization might have been so so difficult in such societies.
if one is under the constant threat of survival, one is illiterate (literacy is a recent mass phenomena), ideas are not available (the feudal religion specifies what is 'right' to think), and one is toiling in someone's castle or field everyday, then how to make that monumental shift in understanding?
Quote:11.28 Few there are working physically from daybreak to darkness, as you name them, upon your plane who can contemplate the Law of One in a conscious fashion.
that said, the collective humanity only arrived at such a position after repeatedly rejecting more harmonious opportunities to polarise, so in a way, the feudal system was 'deserved' and represented the culmination of many many choices on the part of many many people over a long period of time.
- -
that said, it is also a tv show, and one is free to enjoy it as pure entertainment; although it has the possibility of speaking to deeper principles.
do you like Game of Thrones? what do you get out of it?
peace, and namaste,
plenum