CONSCIOUS CINEMA
and equality. And, in all cases, the results originate
from these intangible conceptions.
But what makes beliefs work? In essence, this
is where faith comes into play, the passion that
fuels these notions, getting us behind them
in genuinely heartfelt ways. In fact, faith is so
crucial to their operation that, without it, beliefs
would be little more than theoretical constructs,
possibilities just as capable of becoming fullfledged materializations as they are of remaining
dormant abstractions. It should be noted, too, that
“faith” does not necessarily equate to religion or
some other formal theological system (though
it certainly can take that form if one so chooses).
More precisely, it’s something that arises within
each of us personally, emerging with varying degrees of fervor and applied in many diverse ways,
depending on what particular beliefs and what
level of devotion we each hold. That is essentially
how we manifest our individual realities, existences tailor-made for each of us.
The concepts of beliefs and faith have been depicted cinematically in many different ways. Even
though the narratives of these pictures differ markedly from one another, they all nevertheless portray these principles in illuminating ways. They
show us how beliefs and faith drive what arises in
our respective realities, no matter how conventional or outlandish those catalytic sparks may seem.
Consider these examples:
49 | NEW CONSCIOUSNESS REVIEW
In “The Secret” (2006), the immensely popular
DVD sensation, viewers are treated to a celluloid
primer on the law of attraction (an alternate term
for conscious creation). This stylish documentary
explores how beliefs make the philosophy work,
with running commentary from experts in the fields
of metaphysics, spirituality and science, as well as
practitioners proficient in the process. Through
stunning visuals and compelling stories, this engaging release provides an excellent introduction
to the practice, particularly for those who are new
to the concept.
By contrast, to see how the foregoing principles
are illustrated in a purely fictional context, check
out “Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes
Back” (1980). This second installment in the original “Star Wars” trilogy was primarily intended to
bridge the story from the first film to the third, detailing the evil empire’s backlash against the upstart
Jedi rebels. But it also offers audiences an in-depth
introduction to that mysterious, all-encompassing power known as “The Force,” the belief-based
mechanism responsible for driving this film’s allegorical depiction of the conscious creation process. This metaphysical initiation, by far the most
mesmerizing aspect of the movie, is brought to life
through the tutelage of the young Jedi fighter Luke
Skywalker (Mark Hamill) by the sage Jedi master
Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz). It’s great sci-fi fun with a
thoughtful, philosophical twist.