The popular film The Patriot (currently on Netflix) is loosely based on the exploits of several real-life historical figures including a British officer, Lt. Col. Banstre Tarleton and several American patriots: the “Swamp Fox,” Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan, Elijah Clark, Thomas Sumter and Andrew Pickens.
Perhaps the most fascinating dimension of The Patriot is the struggle going on in Martin’s soul. Under the influence of his beloved wife, he has tried to give up his warring ways. Indeed, he carries a tremendous burden of guilt for what he did during the French and Indian War. Not only does he not want to be that kind of person anymore, he doesn’t want his family to suffer for his past deeds. At one point he notes, “I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me and the cost is more than I can bear.”
Powerful and overwhelming thoughts can invade the mind when one is suffering deeply and facing difficult situations. It is important to not let negative emotions dominate your mind! The enlightened and interesting Sri Ramakrishna taught his devotees not to dwell on weakness and sin. He urged them to cultivate faith in the divine name and resolve to live a new life: “If a man repeats the name of God, his body, mind, and everything become pure. Why should one talk only about sin and hell, and such things?
Western spiritual followers have a term for what Martin is dealing with in The Patriot (and indeed, there is a lot of Christian imagery throughout the film). He is suffering for his sins, and so is the next generation. Eastern religions would explain what is going on as karma. Martin created a huge karmic load by his participation in massacres and atrocities during the French and Indian War. He and his family must face its consequences. His choices during the American Revolution can alter that karma or yield to it as his destiny. In one of the film’s most poignant episodes, Martin humiliates Cornwallis during a negotiation; the Englishman responds by unleashing the evil Colonel Tavington on a church filled with family members of the militia. The wheel of violence — cause yields effect — just keeps turning.
Lama Surya Das, an American Buddhist teacher, has observed: “We improve our karma whenever we restrain our unwholesome or bad habits; we improve our karma . . . every time we cherish or preserve life.” In the end, Martin is unable to free himself from his violent nature.
There are many ways to look at this. It takes deeper introspection to understand the complex area of Karma.
The well know Indian and American Guru Paramhansa Yogananda said it this way:
“To call yourself a sinner is the greatest of all sins before God! Nobody should ever say that. Don’t identify yourself with your mistakes. When you know God, you will become aware of His presence everywhere. And then you will never judge anyone.”
The Emily Dahl Foundation
