Abstract
ABSTRACT In their adaptations of Hamlet, the two Chinese films, The Banquet and Prince of the Himalayas, present the protagonists' dilemma from a very different light and emphasizes the role of non-action in their exploration of self-worth and the objective truth. As a popular Taoist practice, wu wei, as prince Wu Luan clearly shows, allows one to achieve integration with primordial nature. In politics, it helps one govern in the most natural and unselfconscious manner. For the Tibetan prince, Lhamoklodan, the Buddhist meditation is key to attaining the truth. This deliberate non-action helps the prince to discover his lineage and reach spiritual awakening. Neither of the films gives non-action an unqualified endorsement, however. An uncritical observance of wu wei leaves one vulnerable in the political world; for Buddhism, violence is sometimes justified, insofar as it helps a would-be wrong-doer avoid the accumulation of further negative karma.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
