I rediscovered the Matrix trilogy this weekend when I accidentally stumbled across two interesting documentaries on the series.

The first entitled “Returning to the Source - Philosophy and the Matrix” is an extremely interesting exploration of the many philosophical underpinnings contained within the trilogy. This documentary features interviews with numerous academics working in the fields of religion, philosophy and psychology, including interviews with one of my favorites Ken Wilber. Towards the end of this documentary there’s even a connection made between concepts presented in the matrix and the Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah.

The second documentary entitled “The Roots of the Matrix” looks at how real world technologies such as artificial intelligence and computers are moving towards the ability to create an artificial world much like the one presented in the trilogy as the “ Matrix”.

Overall both are very interesting and worth checking out if you have the time.

Oh and as an added bonus I stumbled across a near DVD quality online version of the first film which can be found here. I’ve no idea how long it will be up and running so if you’re interested in checking it out, I recommend doing it sooner rather than later.

Be well

Listen to this podcast

Okay I just made that equation up because I thought it was catchy but to be honest I really have no idea what I’m talking about, so don’t take it too seriously.

This weekend has been a little bit extreme in an odd sort of way. I’m not sure why I have been in such an intense state all weekend. Maybe it’s because I finally completed a course for school that I was having a very hard time with and am now excited about starting my next academic project. Maybe it’s because there’s a lot of changes on the horizon, who knows?

I suppose in a nutshell I’m just in some sort of a period of hyper focus and along with that comes a sense of hypersensitivity to my environment. This heightened sensitivity unfortunately often also means that I’m easily frustrated by both people and situations which can be a real pain in the ass.

What I do love about being in this type of the state is that I feel a strong sense of stewardship in terms of my life being purposeful and somehow connected to G-D and the big picture. I can’t really explain it other than to say it’s an intuitive experience and although I can’t quite place my thumb on it in any conscious sort of way, I truly can feel its presence.

So that’s got me thinking a lot about purpose and meaning in terms of my life, my relationships and my goals and what can I say it feels really good. In fact it’s a little hard to handle, sort of like too much life force running through me and its making sparks. I love it but I wouldn’t mind being able to turn it down a notch or two. Because it’s just too intense for me, not to mention for those around me.

Anyhow this evening with my sense of stewardship on my mind, I watched a couple of Bnei Baruch videos on the subject of ego, purpose and Kabbalah. Bnei Baruch is in my opinion one of, if not the best source for introductory material on Kabbalah. There are some things about them as an organization that I take with a grain of salt and I certainly don’t agree with all of their assertions about what Kabbalah is or isn’t. However they provide excellent introductory courses on the philosophy and technical aspects of Kabbalah and it’s where I’ve done almost all of my learning, so it ain’t all bad.

Here are the videos along with a few thoughts.

Note: keep in mind that I said I personally take some of what this organization says with a grain of salt.  So buyer beware, take what you find useful and leave the rest behind.

The Need for Purpose

What I like about this is how Rav Laitman hits on the issue that life is in fact purposeful; it’s just a question of realizing it. I can handle the notion that life is not meaningless or something to be escaped but rather embraced and properly put to use. Actually I can more than just handle it, I’m banking on it.

How Do We Get Rid Of The Ego?

The bottom line is that ego and desire can be helpful tools and in receiving we have the opportunity to give.

How cool is that?

It certainly seems like a natural and organic process and it fits well into my sense of stewardship and purpose.

3D Dialogue: Kabbalah

My only real criticisms of this last video are that I’m not sure I buy into the Kabbalah actually having been discovered by Abraham. Nor do feel it’s all that important to the practicality and use of Kabbalah today.

The other thing that bugs me is how Bnei Baruch seems to always go to great lengths to paint Kabbalah as a science and not as a religion and/or mystical path. I personally don’t feel that mysticism is a dirty word and I don’t think it’s an inappropriate term to use in reference to Kabbalah. Having said that I’m also fine to me if they want to call it science, because I think it can be both.

Listen to this podcast