Description

We are shown how its creators were influenced by the famed mythologist, Joseph Campbell, whose reading of the ancient Indian Epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, can be seen throughout the Star Wars films. This book also demonstrates how the metaphysical understanding of the Jedi Knights and the divinity conceived of as ‘the Force’ have resonances with teachings passed down by Hindu gurus and mystics for centuries, and how fantastic worlds and technology similar to that of the Star Wars universe were described in myths that are millennia old — and may even have had some basis in reality. Finally, The Jedi in the Lotus shows us how the Hindu traditions at the basis of Star Wars offer an alternative vision to the purely materialistic, soulless world of modernity.

‘In conclusion, I can only say that The Jedi in the Lotus is a breakthrough book when it comes to understanding the mythic depth of the Star Wars epics. Steven J. Rosen uses his masterful grasp of the Eastern traditions to explain the secrets of the most successful film series ever. This book also shows us why Joseph Campbell loved the wisdom tales from India, and, for those who found the Star Wars adventures memorable, this is a truly illuminating book.’ – Dr. Jonathan Young, from the Foreword

Table of Contents:

About the Author

Foreword by Jonathan Young

Introduction – Is there Really a Correlation Between Hinduism and Star Wars?

Chapter One: Setting the Scene – Lucas’s Influences

Chapter Two: Close Encounters of Three Kinds – The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and Star Wars

Chapter Three: A Force to be Reckoned With – Star Wars and Brahman (God)

Chapter Four: The Mechanic-Organic Dichotomy – Nature in Hinduism and in Star Wars

Chapter Five: Veda to Vader: Spaceships and the Vedic Literature

Chapter Six: Jedi Warriors and the Kshatriya Ideal

Afterword: Resonances and Conclusions