(Courtesy: IMDB)
The Lion King is an iconic movie that has been an unforgettable part of childhood for many. A simple story, but told in a beautiful animated way, touched the hearts and minds of generations. Mufasa - The Lion King is a prequel to the original movie. This movie narrates the story of Mufasa, father of Simba - His journey through various challenges and ultimately becoming the widely respected King of the Jungle. At its core, it’s the story of a cub who gets lost and his eventual journey to the promised land, Milele. However, if one abstracts themselves from just the story, but focus more on the broader picture, the movie is laden with multiple philosophical and practical tenets that are quite relevant in our modern day world. Needless to say, there are overlaps with our rich Itihasas, replete with these philosophical perspectives. This review is an attempt to draw some parallels and bring out some of these lessons. I will try to ensure that spoilers (if any) are kept to minimum.
The overall journey of Mufasa comes a whole circle. From being lost to a great flood to his eventual journey to Milele, Mufasa proves that one’s destiny is shaped by following the heart. As Rafiki says, “Its not what we are, but what we become”. At an abstract level, this is a lovely analogy to the time-eternal advice of Sri Krishna on Karma Yoga.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
When Taka finds Mufasa and fights for ensuring that he is part of the pride, he reminded me of Duryodhana’s magnanimous gesture towards Radheya / Karna. Taka takes Mufasa in as he wants a brother, but later part of the story succour the analogy with Duryodhana.
Mufasa is relegated to be with the females, wherein Eshe - his foster mother, teaches him the nuances of hunting. Mufasa as a good student picks up these skills with ease, which come to his aid much later in life. This ever-soaking nature of Mufasa is similar to the inquisitive nature demonstrated by Sri Rama in his journey through the forests with Rsi Vishwamitra. From Bala Kanda, Sarga 23
कस्यायमाश्रमः पुण्यः को न्वस्मिन्वसते पुमान् |
भगवन् श्रोतुमिच्छावः परं कौतूहलं हि नौ || १-२३-८
Whose hermitage is this merited one? Indeed who is the celebrity that lives therein? Oh, godly sage, we are interested to listen, and we are truly inquisitive about it." Thus they asked. [1-23-8]
Though unable to retrieve the exact verses, I remember that Arjuna learnt how to manage Chakravyuha from Drona, while the latter was attempting to teach his son, Ashwatthama. The ever inquisitive mind with a good thirst for knowledge & open mind to soak up what the universe has to offer.
When Eshe and Mufasa are ambushed by the “Outsiders”, the cowardly action of Taka reminded me of Duryodhana’s humiliation at the hands of Drupada, while Mufasa’s heroics to save his foster mother is clearly reminiscent of Arjuna’s (Pandavas to be precise) victory over the same king Drupada.
Obasi is an interesting character. His mannerisms and thought process resonates with a patriarchal royalty who has everything handed over to him & wishes to continue the tradition towards his son. Taka’s inefficiency to guard his mother is overlooked - Similar to Dhritarashtra syndrome. His advice “Deceit is a tool for the kings” is akin to Shakuni’s advice to Duryodhana. In totality, he is representative of the influences that allows Duryodhana i.e. Taka to stray from the path of Dharma.
That brings us to the most interesting and enlightening character, Rafiki. I could perceive a lot of parallels with Sri Krishna from Mahabharatha. His banishment from his tribe to becoming the philosophical guide, teacher, friend and brother of Mufasa, Rafiki’s parallels with Sri Krishna are unmistakable.
The journey of the group towards Milele is representative of life where one has to endure hardships like Deep Canyons, extreme conditions like the cold, snow filled mountains to the ultimate goal of being home with the nature. In our journey or rather the divine play, every small character has a role to play, so beautifully integrated in the form of Zazu and his role in covering the tracks in snow.
Amidst all these, Timon and Pumba theatrics remind us that we don’t have to be part of every story to enjoy it. Just soak in the experience and relish the journey.
The last lesson is perhaps the most important one in every sphere of life. Motivation & Collaboration. Mufasa never aims to be the king, yet inspires the inhabitants of Milele to join forces to defeat the outsiders. His ascendancy to becoming a king is natural acceptance i.e. a leader who has grown into the role and is wholly accepted by the wider ecosystem. This is a great lesson in team dynamics and modern day society where the rat-race is a constant theme in everyone’s life, amplified by social media.
Beyond all these philosophical tenets, the movie is just a wonderful animation with some breathtaking scenes. Enjoy the movie with your loved ones and do drop in a word or two of what you thought about the movie.
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