The film

Inspired by Krishnamurti's teachings, Bruce Lee developed a story which eventually became a film called The Silent Flute.
Although the final film bore little resemblance to Lee's original script, it presented an intriguing message.

If you enjoyed David Carradine in the 1970's TV series Kung Fu, the film should be appealing.

The quest

A martial artist/seeker undertakes a perilous quest to find a 'book of knowledge' which is said to contain truth.

A series of lessons help the seeker to realise that the journey is an inward one:

1. conformity stifles the individual

2. the chattering of conscious thought is a distraction

3. fear is unnecessary

4. find your own rhythm

5. living requires change

6. we often create our own problems

7. see rather than think

8. nobody else can show you the way
    

The tune

Throughout the film the seeker would hear a tune that no one else heard.

Each time he followed the music, the seeker drifted further away from the path he had believed necessary.
Instead of finding 'truth' he found himself.


Inner rhythm

The silent flute symbolised an inner rhythm; an inexpressible essence within each of us.
It is our own harmony with tao.
Beyond words and thought, there is something that makes you uniquely you.

The film teaches us that the journey is what matters; the journey within.
Everyone is different and must find their own way.


Insights

Contained with the movie were insights drawn from zen, tao and Krishnamurti's talks:

Each moment that passes changes you. You do not, cannot posses even yourself.
How can you hope to posses anyone or anything else?

(The Silent Flute)


Tie two birds together and though they have four wings, they cannot fly.

(The Silent Flute)


The way of the monkey is to play the fool. While you laugh at his antics, he bites you from behind. Unmask his ego and you expose a coward disguised as a monkey.

(The Silent Flute)


One is taught in accordance to one’s fitness to learn.

(The Silent Flute)


Each morning when I awake like a scholar at his first class I prepare a blank mind for the day, to write upon.

(The Silent Flute)

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The Silent Flute 2

Page created 2 February 1999