The Spirituality of ‘White Lotus, or Why [Censored] Had to Die

by

If you’re not familiar with the fundamentals of Buddhism, “The White Lotus’s” third season might seem confusing to you, or it could appear unduly sorrowful.

*Spoilers ahead for all three “White Lotus” seasons

Just a brief overview of the spirituality touched on in each season:

Season One: Hawaii – Forgiveness (Mana), Reconciliation (Ho’oponopono), Ancient Wisdom (Huna)

Season Two: Italy – Beauty, Opera, Art, Rich History

Season Three: Thailand – Hope in Struggle (Toglen), Karma Concepts

HAWAII

From a devoted fan’s perspective, I’d like to share my take on the significance of the bracelets in the series:

In Hawaiian lore, “mana” symbolizes an ethereal power or life force that can reside within people, locations, items, and actions. This energy is thought to be a blend of both external and internal influences.

The bracelets bestowed by Mark Mossbacher (Steve Zahn) upon Nicole Mossbacher (Connie Britton) in Season One serve as the embodiment of this spiritual concept. These bracelets, steeped in guilt and shame due to their origin, become the central source of turmoil throughout the season.

In my perspective, what truly resonates within the teachings of Huna is the profound concept of Manawa – the recognition that NOW carries the power. As Quinn Mossbacher (Fred Hechinger) breaks free from his screen-bound life, he steps into the world outside and experiences it in a whole new way. After being evicted from the hotel room and spending three nights on the beach, he begins to sense the pulse of the ocean. The “ROWERS” later extend an invitation for him to join them, marking a breathtaking transformation. Mahalo: To embrace love is to find joy and contentment.

HO’OPONOPONO: This Hawaiian practice is about making things right, promoting truth, and understanding our interconnectedness. In the show, the Mossbachers have disagreements with Paula over reconciliation with Hawaii and its people, considering the impact of modernization and colonization. The narrative delves into instances of wrongdoing and attempts at redemption within their personal relationship. Paula takes advantage while advocating for Hawaii’s suffering, while Olivia sincerely regrets the harm she inflicts on their friendship.

ITALY

BEAUTY – One of the most touching lines from season two is, “I’d also die for beauty.” It turns out that many people indeed sacrifice their lives in pursuit of beauty. The show creator, Mike White, masterfully juxtaposes natural beauty against the opulence of the resorts. The phrase, “The best things in life are free,” takes on a new irony and a touch of sadness. While these beautiful aspects of life are indeed free, they are mostly appreciated by a privileged few.

OPERA — Our lives unfold like an opera, brimming with love, sorrow, drama, and humor. Opera itself is a profound expression. “Madame Butterfly” resonates particularly with Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), as it foreshadows her coming tragedy. On a more symbolic level, it reflects the roles we all embody in our lives.

Art can be deeply analyzed by more knowledgeable individuals who understand its connection to a narrative and our personal experiences, yet it’s crucial to recognize that art mirrors our lives while simultaneously influencing their course in significant ways.

As a cinephile delving into the annals of cinematic storytelling, I find myself immersed in the intricate tapestry of Italy’s past, the ancient profession that has shaped our society’s narrative, and the captivating saga of the Di Grasso clan. These tales interweave, creating a labyrinth of history, where each thread leads back to its origin, much like turtles carrying their homes on their backs, all connected in an endless chain.

THAILAND

HOPE – Hope can be seen as a form of clinging, and as the monk explains at the beginning of the season finale, clinging is an effort to exert control. Consequently, it perpetuates our distress. Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) expresses that she embodies Hope, while Rick (Walton Goggins) represents pain; however, in the final episode we discover they are inextricably linked, much like the connection between us and our own experiences. Persistently clinging to hope (such as expecting someone to change) only extends our suffering.

TONGLEN could be rephrased as: “In the practice of Tonglen meditation, individuals imagine drawing in the struggles, sorrow, and negative forces experienced by others during their inhalations. Simultaneously, they envision releasing feelings of peace, joy, and positive influences during their exhalations.” This is an invitation from White, encouraging us to either turn away or delight in other’s misery (schadenfreude), but instead, to accept the hardships depicted on the screen and respond by sending out compassionate energy.

KARMA – In the Western context, KARMA is often perceived as a combination of destiny and fate. Destiny represents the realization of our potential, a blessing from the cosmos or divine forces that guides us towards fulfillment. Fate, on the other hand, implies events beyond our control, predetermined by external factors. Karma bridges this gap, embodying both the consequences of our actions (fate) and the choices we make based on our intentions (destiny). In this narrative, Rick is living in accordance with his karma, finding it difficult to break free from the cycle despite opportunities to change course.

What do you think?

Did you like the ending? Did Hope have to die?

Read More

2025-04-07 23:03